Tesla has officially entered India with its first showroom in Mumbai! But with sky-high prices and tough competition, is the Model Y worth it? Let’s break it down.
Remember when Elon Musk tweeted, “Next year for sure!” about Tesla’s India launch… every year since 2016? Well, surprise! It’s finally happening in 2025. 🎉
After years of delays, policy debates, and impatient Indian EV fans (including yours truly), Tesla has opened its first showroom in Mumbai’s swanky Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC). But here’s the kicker—the Model Y starts at ₹59.89 lakh ex-showroom. That’s nearly double its US price!
So, is Tesla’s India entry a game-changer or just a flex for the ultra-rich? Let’s dive in.
Tesla’s India Launch: What You Need to Know
📍 First Showroom & Expansion Plans
- Where? Maker Maxity Mall, Mumbai (BKC) – 4,000 sq. ft. of futuristic EV glam.
- What’s Inside? Two Model Y variants on display (RWD & Long Range).
- Coming Soon? Showrooms in Delhi & Gurugram, plus 7 Supercharger stations in major cities.
💰 Tesla Model Y: Pricing & Variants (Ouch.)
| Variant | Price (₹ Lakh) | Range (km) | 0-100 km/h |
|---|---|---|---|
| RWD (Base) | 59.89 | 500 | 5.9 sec |
| RWD + Full Self-Driving | 65.89 | 500 | 5.9 sec |
| Long Range RWD | 67.89 | 622 | 5.6 sec |
| LR + Full Self-Driving | 73.89 | 622 | 5.6 sec |
Key Takeaways:
- FSD (Full Self-Driving) costs an extra ₹6 lakh (because why not?).
- On-road price? Easily crosses ₹74 lakh+ in some states (thanks, taxes!).
- Booking process: Pay ₹22,220 first, then ₹3 lakh within a week.
🔋 Charging & Features
- Supercharging: Adds 230 km in 15 mins (when the network launches).
- Battery: 60 kWh (RWD) / 75 kWh (Long Range).
- Tech: 15.4-inch touchscreen, ADAS, wireless charging, 9-speaker audio.
Why Is Tesla So Expensive in India? 🤔
Let’s play a fun game: “Guess why Tesla costs a kidney in India?”
✅ 70% import duty (because CBUs = luxury tax).
✅ No local manufacturing (yet).
✅ Shipping + logistics = extra $$$.
Price Comparison (Base Model Y):
| Country | Price (Local) | Price (₹ Lakh) |
|---|---|---|
| India | ₹59.89L | 59.89 |
| USA | $37,490 | ~32 |
| China | 263,500 yuan | ~31.5 |
| Germany | €45,970 | ~46 |
Verdict: Indian buyers are paying a premium of ~₹28 lakh compared to the US. Oof.
Tesla vs. BYD: The Real EV Showdown
Tesla’s biggest rival in India? BYD (backed by Warren Buffett). Let’s compare:
⚡ Tesla Model Y vs. BYD Sealion 7
| Feature | Tesla Model Y RWD | BYD Sealion 7 RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ₹59.89L | ₹48.9L |
| Battery | 60/75 kWh | 82.56 kWh |
| Range | 500/622 km | 567 km |
| 0-100 km/h | 5.9 sec | 5.9 sec |
| ADAS | Optional (₹6L) | Standard |
Who Wins?
- BYD: Cheaper, bigger battery, standard ADAS.
- Tesla: Brand power, Supercharger network (eventually), FSD hype.
Should You Buy a Tesla in India?
👍 Pros:
✔ Status symbol (let’s be real, it’s a Tesla).
✔ Cutting-edge tech (when it works).
✔ Future Supercharger network (if you live in a metro).
👎 Cons:
❌ Crazy expensive (thanks, import duties).
❌ BYD & others offer better value.
❌ No local service centers yet (hope you like waiting).
If you’re loaded and love Elon’s vision, go for it. Otherwise? BYD, Kia EV6, or Hyundai Ioniq 5 might be smarter buys.
The Future of Tesla in India
- Local manufacturing? Maybe in 2-3 years (if policies ease).
- More affordable models? The rumored ₹25L Tesla is still a dream.
- Competition heating up? BYD, Tata, Mahindra, and luxury brands won’t back down.
Conclusion: Tesla’s Here, But Is It Worth It?
Tesla’s India debut is historic but pricey. The Model Y is a fantastic EV, but at ₹60L+, it’s a hard sell against rivals.
Final Thought: Maybe wait for local production… or just buy a BYD and save ₹10L. 😉