“The electric carmaker has officially entered the Indian market, unveiling the Model Y at its Mumbai showroom.”
Tesla, the world’s most well-known electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has finally made its long-anticipated debut in India. Marking its entry into one of the world’s fastest-growing automotive markets, Tesla has launched its first showroom in Mumbai. Located in the prime commercial hub of Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), the 4,000-square-foot space serves as a significant milestone in Tesla’s global expansion strategy.
A Strategic Location in Mumbai
The Mumbai showroom, referred to as a Tesla Experience Centre, is situated in BKC, an upscale financial district known for its luxury showrooms and corporate offices. With a monthly rent reportedly around ₹35 lakh, Tesla has chosen a high-profile location to showcase its presence in India. This showroom is Tesla’s inaugural experience centre in the country and acts as its first physical touchpoint with Indian customers.
The move comes after years of speculation and stalled negotiations between Tesla and the Indian government over import duties and local manufacturing. The launch of the Mumbai showroom suggests that Tesla is taking a cautious but optimistic approach, testing market response before expanding further into the country.
What’s Inside the Tesla Mumbai Showroom?
Tesla’s first Indian showroom offers visitors a glimpse of the company’s innovative electric mobility solutions. The star attraction is the Tesla Model Y, an all-electric SUV, which is currently on display at the showroom. To celebrate the launch, six Model Y units have been imported from Tesla’s Gigafactory in Shanghai to Mumbai.
Visitors to the showroom can experience Tesla’s cutting-edge technology firsthand, including the company’s minimalist interior design, advanced infotainment system, and the latest driving features. The Experience Centre aims to introduce Indian consumers to Tesla’s unique ownership experience, from product showcases to digital purchasing options.
Model Y: Variants, Features, and Specifications
For the Indian market, Tesla is offering the refreshed version of the Model Y, featuring a sleek dark grey exterior finish paired with black alloy wheels. The SUV sports a coupe-like silhouette, making it one of the most stylish EVs in its segment. The Model Y will be available in two variants in India: Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and Long Range All-Wheel Drive (AWD).
Inside the Model Y, the cabin is designed with Tesla’s signature minimalist approach. A dual-tone black-and-white interior houses a 15.4-inch central touchscreen, which controls almost every aspect of the car. Key technology highlights include wireless phone charging, multiple USB-C ports, voice-activated controls, internet connectivity, and app-based vehicle access for owners.
Pricing Challenges: The Cost of Tesla in India
The Tesla Model Y will start at ₹59.89 lakh for the base Long Range RWD variant. However, due to India’s hefty import duties on completely built units (CBUs), the final on-road price is significantly higher than in other global markets. India imposes import taxes ranging from 70% to 100% on fully imported cars, making luxury electric vehicles more expensive for Indian buyers.
This steep pricing structure has been a point of contention for Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Musk has repeatedly criticized India’s high import tariffs, advocating for a reduction in duties to make Tesla vehicles more accessible to Indian customers. On the other hand, the Indian government has encouraged Tesla to invest in local manufacturing to benefit from lower taxes.
What’s Next for Tesla in India?
While the showroom launch is a significant first step, Tesla has yet to announce plans for establishing manufacturing or assembly facilities in India. Discussions between Tesla and the Indian government have been ongoing, but no formal agreement has been reached so far.
In the meantime, Tesla plans to expand its retail footprint with future showrooms expected in New Delhi and other major Indian cities. The company’s entry into India signals the growing interest in electric mobility in the country, and Tesla’s next moves will likely depend on consumer response and regulatory developments in the coming months.
