Tesla’s India story begins with premium EV push, launches imported Model Y SUV at ₹59.89 lakh in Mumbai

Tesla has finally arrived on Indian shores after a long wait—ten years, to be precise—since Elon Musk first expressed interest in entering the automotive market with his electric fleet. The electric vehicle manufacturer opened the doors to its first showroom in Mumbai, located at Maker Maxity in Bandra Kurla Complex. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis led the inauguration.

“At the very outset, I would like to welcome Tesla to India. This is not just the inauguration of an experience centre, but a statement that Tesla has arrived—arrived in the right city and in the right state. That is the state of Maharashtra and the city of Mumbai, the entrepreneurial capital of India, and not just the financial and entertainment capital,” Fadnavis said at the event.

Tesla has launched its electric mid-size SUV, the Model Y, in India with two options: Standard and Long Range RWD variants. The Standard version is priced at ₹59,89,000 (ex-showroom), while the Long Range RWD variant costs ₹67,89,000 (ex-showroom). The Standard Model Y offers a WLTP range of up to 500 kilometres and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds. Meanwhile, the Long Range RWD delivers a WLTP range of 622 kilometres and achieves 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.6 seconds. Both variants have a top speed of 201 km/h.

Inside, the Model Y features a minimalist black-and-white dual-tone interior with soft padded doors and sleek frameless windows, giving it a coupe-like appeal. On the exterior, the mid-size SUV sports black alloy wheels and flush door handles, contributing to the clean aesthetic Tesla is known for.

Speaking about the charging infrastructure, Isabel Fan, Tesla’s Director for South East Asia, confirmed that the company plans to establish its network before commencing vehicle deliveries. Tesla intends to install 16 Superchargers across Mumbai, each capable of adding up to 267 kilometres of range in just 15 minutes. Four locations have already been identified: BKC, Lower Parel, Thane, and Navi Mumbai. Additionally, Tesla will enhance the charging ecosystem by installing 16 destination chargers, which can provide approximately 70 kilometres of range in one hour.

It’s worth noting that the Tesla Model Y available in India is an entirely built unit (CBU), imported from Tesla’s Gigafactories in China and Germany. The Model Y introduced here is a global-spec version, meaning it is neither manufactured locally nor specifically tailored for Indian road conditions. As a result, it offers a ground clearance of around 6.6 inches, which might not be ideal for all Indian terrains.

Interestingly, Tesla has chosen to enter the Indian market with the more expensive Model Y, rather than the relatively more affordable Model 3. Many tech and automotive enthusiasts in India had been hoping for Tesla’s much-anticipated sub-$30,000 EV. Compared to premium offerings from Indian automakers like Mahindra and Tata Motors, the Model Y comes at a significant premium. It will compete in the Indian market with rivals such as the Kia EV6, Volvo C40 Recharge, and Mercedes-Benz EQA.