Tesla’s India Debut: First Showroom in Mumbai & Model Y Launch
Summary of the News
Tesla has officially made its entry into the Indian market, unveiling its first showroom on July 15, 2025 in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC). The American EV giant is launching with just one model—the Model Y SUV—available in rear-wheel-drive (₹59.89 lakh ex-showroom; ₹61.07 lakh on-road) and Long Range RWD (₹67.89 lakh ex-showroom; ₹69.14 lakh on-road). Imported from Shanghai, these cars are subject to a hefty 70% import duty, pushing their price much higher than in other markets. Tesla has also introduced Full Self‑Driving (FSD) as an optional add-on (₹6 lakh), and deliveries are expected to start in the third quarter of 2025. Alongside the showroom, Tesla has set up a service centre in Kurla West, an engineering office in Pune, and its registered office in Bengaluru.
Introduction: The Wait Is Over
Finally! After years of discussions, negotiations, and teasing, Tesla has officially opened its first showroom in India. Nestled in Mumbai’s upscale Bandra Kurla Complex, this launch isn’t just about luxury rides—it’s a statement. But what does it mean for the Indian electric vehicle (EV) landscape—and for you?
In this deep-dive, we chew over every detail—from pricing and performance to government policy and where this might take Indian EV drivers. Strap in!
The Big Reveal: Model Y Arrives
Tesla chose to debut in India with the Model Y SUV—that’s right, the same globally popular crossover that’s taken over cities worldwide.
Available Variants & Pricing
- Model Y RWD (Standard)
- ₹59.89 lakh ex-showroom (~$69,770)
- ₹61.07 lakh on-road
- Model Y Long Range RWD
- ₹67.89 lakh ex-showroom
- ₹69.14 lakh on-road
Final Take
Tesla’s Mumbai showroom debut is more than a car launch—it’s a market litmus test. It marks India’s evolution from affordable runabouts to aspirational EVs, putting the spotlight on luxury, technology, and infrastructure.
Will Indian buyers bite the ₹60 lakh price tag for brand value, performance, and cutting-edge tech? Or will domestic and Chinese brands dominate the drive? From here on, every test drive, every supercharger point, and every software update shapes India’s EV journey.
FAQs
- Why is Tesla so expensive in India?
It imports fully built India incurs ~70% import duty, which nearly doubles the cost. - Can I buy FSD in India now?
Yes, Tesla offers Full Self‑Driving as an add-on (~₹6 lakh), though it still needs driver supervision. - When will deliveries begin?
Expect deliveries in Q3–Q4 2025, likely starting around August–September. - Will Tesla build a factory in India?
No immediate plans—Tesla is retail-first now, but India’s incentives could sway it if demand grows. - How does Model Y compare with local EVs?
It leads in brand, range, tech; but prices are nearly double those of local models—so it’s a luxury play.
