The Tesla Model Y has officially launched in India, marking a significant milestone in Tesla Inc.’s journey into the Indian electric vehicle (EV) market. After years of speculation and policy back-and-forth, Tesla is finally making its debut with the Model Y electric SUV, unveiled at the brand’s first official showroom in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC).
This launch signifies more than just a new EV; it marks the beginning of Tesla’s retail presence in India, with plans for further dealership expansion in key metro cities over the coming months.
Tesla Model Y Price in India & Variants
The Tesla Model Y is offered in two variants for the Indian market—Standard and Long Range. Both variants come in rear-wheel-drive (RWD) configurations, with no dual-motor AWD option at launch.
| Variant | Price (Ex-showroom) | Driving Range |
|---|---|---|
| Model Y Standard | ₹59.89 lakh | 500 km |
| Model Y Long Range | ₹67.89 lakh | 622 km |
Deliveries for the Standard variant are expected to begin in Q3 2025, while the Long Range variant is slated for Q4 2025. Since the Model Y is being imported as a Completely Built Unit (CBU), the pricing reflects high import duties—a reason why India doesn’t yet get the more affordable AWD variants.
Tesla Model Y Performance & Range
Despite the lack of an all-wheel-drive setup, the Model Y offers commendable performance for Indian EV buyers:
- Model Y Standard:
- Range: 500 km (claimed)
- 0–100 km/h: 5.9 seconds
- Model Y Long Range:
- Range: 622 km (claimed)
- 0–100 km/h: 5.6 seconds
Both variants have a top speed of 201 km/h, making them suitable not just for city commutes but also for highway travel and intercity trips.
Tesla offers:
- 4-year/80,000 km vehicle warranty
- 8-year/192,000 km warranty on the battery and drive unit
These warranty terms are competitive and should offer peace of mind to Indian EV adopters.
Design, Interior & Features
The Tesla Model Y carries the brand’s minimalist yet futuristic design language, characterized by
- Smooth, aerodynamic body lines
- Flush door handles
- Sleek LED headlamps and taillamps
- Body cladding and high ground clearance for SUV presence
- Panoramic glass roof
- Signature Tesla front fascia
Inside, the Model Y follows a screen-dominant interface. All primary controls are accessed through a large 15.3-inch central touchscreen that manages everything from navigation to climate control. Rear passengers also get an 8-inch screen to manage their seat heating and entertainment settings.
Key Interior Features:
- Heated, ventilated, and power-adjustable front seats
- Heated and power-folding rear seats
- Power-controlled AC vents
- Minimalist dashboard with no physical buttons
- Ambient lighting and premium finish
Tesla Autopilot & Safety Tech
Tesla is offering the Autopilot feature as an optional add-on for Indian buyers at an additional cost of ₹6 lakh. While the Indian version does not get full self-driving capability yet (due to regulations), Autopilot includes:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane-keeping assistance
- Traffic-aware cruise
- Automatic emergency braking
- 8 exterior cameras for 360° visibility
These features are designed to ease highway driving and offer a glimpse into Tesla’s vision of autonomous mobility.
Rivals in the Segment
Tesla Model Y enters a competitive EV SUV market in India. Its closest rivals include
| Model | Price (Ex-showroom) | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| BYD Sealion 7 | ₹49.99 lakh | Dual-motor AWD, luxury cabin |
| Kia EV6 2024 | ₹60.95 lakh | AWD, stylish design, V2L |
| Volvo XC40 Recharge | ₹57.90 lakh | Swedish safety, AWD |
While the Tesla Model Y is costlier than some AWD rivals, its tech stack, brand value, and range advantage may justify the premium for many buyers.
Final Words
The Tesla Model Y launch in India is more than just a vehicle debut—it represents the arrival of one of the world’s most influential EV brands into a rapidly electrifying market. With its strong performance specs, futuristic cabin, and the allure of Tesla’s software-led approach, the Model Y is set to become a status symbol among India’s urban elite and EV pioneers.
Despite its premium price tag, Tesla’s reputation for innovation, strong claimed range, and the optional Autopilot tech could make it a serious contender in the luxury EV space.
