Tesla Model Y: After a long wait, the Tesla Model Y has finally made its debut in the Indian market. It’s not just a new electric car, but a major step forward for the future of electric vehicles in India. Renowned worldwide for its technology and design, Tesla’s best-selling car is now available to Indian customers.
In this article, we’ll discuss first impressions of this new car, including its design, stunning interior, powerful performance, and driving experience on Indian roads.
The Arrival of Tesla in India
The dream of millions of people waiting for electric vehicles in India has finally come true. On July 15, 2023, Tesla launched its most popular car, the Model Y, in India. Its standard variant is available at a starting price of ₹59.89 lakh, making it a strong contender in the premium electric SUV segment.
The car is coming to India as a completely built unit (CBU) from abroad, further enhancing its exclusivity. Deliveries are expected to begin from September 2025, allowing enthusiastic customers to get their new electric ride soon. This launch has increased the curiosity and interest in electric vehicles in India manifold.
Tesla Model Y First Impressions
As soon as the Tesla Model Y arrived in India, it grabbed everyone’s attention on the roads. During a test drive in Mumbai, the car demonstrated excellent performance even in heavy city traffic. Its excellent handling and smooth ride impressed everyone.
There’s a lot of discussion among automobile enthusiasts about how tough this car will be to compete with its rivals in the Indian market. Its design and performance are also being discussed extensively on social media, making it clear that Tesla has established a strong foothold in India as soon as it arrived.
Striking Design: A Blend of Elegance and Functionality
The Tesla Model Y’s design is a sight to behold. It’s a stunning blend of modernity and utility. While many luxury SUVs are known for their aggressive looks, the Model Y’s design is more subdued and refined. Its smooth, aerodynamic silhouette, sloping roofline, and flush door handles give it a distinctive presence on the road.
Exterior Features
- LED Lightbar: The facelifted version of the car has a new LED lightbar at the front, which further enhances its futuristic look.
- Aerodynamic Enhancements: The front and rear bumpers feature new air dams that improve the car’s aerodynamics, directly benefiting its range and performance.
- Wheel Design: The car rides on 19-inch aero-optimized Crossflow wheels. These not only look stylish but also enhance the car’s efficiency.
The car’s exterior design encompasses not only aesthetics but also practicality. It features seven external cameras and sensors that support advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). While full self-driving isn’t available in India yet, it does offer important safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning.
Interior: Minimalist Yet Feature-Rich
When you step inside the Tesla Model Y, you’ll notice Tesla’s signature minimalist design. There are no traditional buttons on the dashboard. Instead, there’s a large 15.4-inch touchscreen that controls nearly all of the car’s functions. This design may be a bit new for those accustomed to traditional controls, but it quickly becomes intuitive.
Cabin Features
- Digital Key: The Model Y uses a smart card and a digital key on your mobile device, eliminating the need for a physical key.
- Climate Control: The air conditioning system is also controlled via the touchscreen. There are no visible vents, and the entire dashboard serves as the air distribution system.
- Entertainment Options: The infotainment system includes services like Netflix and games, keeping passengers entertained during long journeys.
The cabin is quite spacious, offering ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. The flat rear floor design allows three adults to sit comfortably, making it a practical choice for families.
Tesla Model Y Performance
The Tesla Model Y is available in two variants in India: Standard Range and Long Range. The Standard Range variant features a 62.5 kWh battery pack, offering a range of 500 km (WLTP claimed). The Long Range variant features an 84 kWh battery pack, offering a range of 622 km (WLTP claimed).
Acceleration and Handling
- Instant Torque: The Model Y is renowned for its lightning-fast acceleration. The standard variant accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds.
- Driving Modes: It has two driving modes – Chill and Standard – which give drivers the freedom to choose a calm or exciting driving experience as per their preference.
During a test drive in Mumbai, the Model Y demonstrated excellent handling even in challenging weather. The car’s suspension is well-tuned for Indian roads, effectively absorbing potholes and bumps while delivering a comfortable ride.
Driving Experience
Driving the Tesla Model Y on the streets of Mumbai was a unique experience. The car’s excellent visibility and light steering made it easy to maneuver through the city’s crowded streets.
Comfort and Convenience
- Seating Position: The driving position is comfortable, giving a feeling of connection with the road.
- User-Friendly Interface: The touchscreen interface is intuitive, allowing drivers to easily access navigation, climate control, and entertainment options.
However, some drivers may find the Model Y’s ride a bit stiffer than a traditional luxury SUV. However, this firmness contributes to the car’s sporty handling characteristics, making it fun to drive.
Safety Features
Safety is a key part of Tesla’s design philosophy, and the Model Y is no exception. The car comes with advanced safety features designed to keep passengers safe and boost driving confidence.
Key Safety Technologies
- ADAS Features: The Model Y includes essential driver-assistance technologies like Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking.
- Robust Construction: The car’s construction features crumple zones and a robust passenger compartment, which contribute to its high safety rating.
Tesla focuses on safety not just on hardware, but also constantly updates its software, ensuring that safety features are always effective.
Tesla Model Y Price and Competitors
The Tesla Model Y is positioned as a premium electric SUV in the Indian market. Priced at ₹59.89 lakh for the standard variant and ₹67.89 lakh for the long-range variant, it competes directly with electric cars like the Kia EV6 GT, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and BMW iX1.
Comparison with Rivals
| Model | Price (₹) | Range (km) | 0-100 km/h (s) |
| Tesla Model Y | 59.89 lakh | 500 | 5.9 |
| Kia EV6 GT | 66 lakh | 528 | 3.5 |
| Hyundai Ioniq 5 | 46.3 lakh | 631 | 5.2 |
| BMW iX1 | 49 lakhs | 440 | 5.6 |
The Model Y’s price reflects its premium positioning, but its advanced technology and performance capabilities justify this investment for many buyers.
The arrival of the Tesla Model Y in India marks a significant step for electric mobility in the country. With its impressive design, cutting-edge technology, and strong performance, the Model Y is poised to appeal to a diverse range of customers.
Final Thoughts
While the Model Y may not be the most traditional luxury SUV, it embodies Tesla’s core essence: innovation, sustainability, and a commitment to excellence. As the Indian market evolves, the Model Y will play a key role in shaping the future of electric vehicles in the region.
In short, the Tesla Model Y isn’t just another electric vehicle; it represents a paradigm shift in how we view mobility. With its arrival, Tesla is bringing not just a product, but also a vision for a sustainable future to Indian roads.
Tesla Model Y FAQs
1. What is the price of Tesla Model Y in India?
The standard variant of the Tesla Model Y in India starts at ₹59.89 lakh, while the long range variant is priced at ₹67.89 lakh.
2. How many kilometers does the Tesla Model Y run on a single charge?
Its standard variant offers a range of 500 km (WLTP claimed), and the long range variant can run up to 622 km (WLTP claimed).
3. When will the bookings and deliveries of Tesla Model Y start in India?
Deliveries are expected to begin from September 2025, but bookings are already underway.
4. Is the Tesla Model Y a fully self-driving car?
No, full self-driving isn’t available in India yet. However, it does offer advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) features like automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning.
5. Which cars does Tesla Model Y compete with in India?
In the Indian market, it competes directly with electric vehicles like Kia EV6 GT, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and BMW iX1.