Mumbai:
After years of anticipation and speculation, Tesla has officially arrived in India. The American electric vehicle pioneer opened its first retail showroom in the heart of Mumbai today and introduced its globally popular Model Y SUV to the Indian market, signaling a major step in its long-delayed India strategy.
Sleek Showroom Opens in BKC:
Tesla’s first Experience Centre is located at the high-end Maker Maxity Mall in Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), one of Mumbai’s prime business hubs. Spread across roughly 4,000 square feet, the space reflects Tesla’s signature clean, futuristic design featuring interactive digital displays, vehicle models, Tesla merchandise, and live demo zones for the EV-curious.
The launch event was kept exclusive and low-key, with limited invitees including state government officials. Maharashtra’s leadership welcomed Tesla’s entry, with talks ongoing about potential local partnerships, infrastructure investment, and manufacturing opportunities in the future.
🚨 Tesla’s first India showroom in BKC, Mumbai. pic.twitter.com/XOWXY5N27V
— Indian Tech & Infra (@IndianTechGuide) July 15, 2025
Model Y: India Pricing and Variants
Tesla is launching the Model Y in two configurations:
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Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD): Rs. 59.89 lakh (ex-showroom), Rs. 61.07 lakh (approx. on-road)
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Model Y Long Range RWD: Rs. 67.89 lakh (ex-showroom), Rs. 69.14 lakh (approx. on-road)
These models come fully imported as Completely Built Units (CBUs), which makes them considerably more expensive than their pricing in global markets like the U.S. and Europe. The steep cost is primarily due to India’s current import duties on foreign EVs, ranging from 70% to 100%.
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Bookings Open, Deliveries Soon
Customers can now reserve the Model Y via Tesla’s India website or at the new showroom with a booking amount of Rs. 22,222. Initial deliveries are expected to begin as early as Q3 2025, according to company sources. Tesla is currently using a limited number of imported Model Y units to support test drives and pre-sales operations.
The vehicles come equipped with premium features including a 15.4-inch central touchscreen, all-glass roof, over-the-air software updates, advanced safety systems, and a minimalist yet futuristic cabin layout. Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) package is also being offered in India for Rs. 6 lakh, though it remains subject to Indian driving regulations and local infrastructure limitations.
Tesla’s India Strategy: Testing Waters Before Scaling
Tesla’s initial foray into India is cautious but strategic. By starting with high-end imported models and a flagship showroom, the company is assessing demand and interest among India’s premium car buyers before considering local assembly or manufacturing.
More Tesla showrooms are expected to open in Delhi and Bengaluru in the coming months. The company is also actively hiring for various roles in India, including positions in sales, service, software development, and Autopilot engineering.
Tesla has not yet confirmed a timeline for local production, but recent talks with Indian government officials and industrial groups have reportedly been positive. If demand meets expectations, a shift toward CKD (Completely Knocked Down) assembly or full-scale local manufacturing could follow reducing prices and boosting volume.
The EV Market in India: A Competitive Landscape
India’s EV market is still emerging, with electric cars accounting for just around 4% of total vehicle sales. Homegrown automakers like Tata Motors and Mahindra Electric dominate the affordable EV segment. Tesla’s entry is expected to push competition in the luxury EV space, where it will rival premium offerings from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi.
Tesla’s challenge will be to build infrastructure, service networks, and consumer trust in a market that’s still catching up on EV adoption. However, rising fuel costs, growing environmental awareness, and government incentives for clean energy vehicles may all work in Tesla’s favor.
Tesla’s long-awaited arrival in India is finally a reality. With its first showroom now open in Mumbai and the Model Y officially launched, the electric carmaker is making a bold entry into one of the world’s fastest-growing automobile markets. Whether Tesla becomes a major player here will depend on how it navigates pricing, production, and infrastructure in the years ahead but the wheels are now in motion.
