Tesla opens its first showroom in Mumbai, marking a major milestone in India. Model Y officially launched, bringing cutting-edge EV technology to Indian consumers.

Hello, Tesla: First Showroom Opens in Mumbai & Model Y Launches
A New Chapter in India’s EV Revolution
July 15, 2025 — After years of anticipation, Tesla has officially made its long-awaited entry into the Indian electric vehicle (EV) market with the inauguration of its first showroom in Mumbai. The sleek 4,000 sq ft Tesla Experience Centre in Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) signals a significant stride into one of the world’s fastest-growing automobile markets. For now, Tesla will operate via a “retail‑first” strategy—importing fully built Model Y SUVs rather than setting up local production.
Mumbai Showroom: The Experience Centre
Located inside Maker Maxity Mall at BKC, the showroom carries Tesla’s signature minimalist design—white walls, clean lines, prominent branding, and a partially unveiled Model Y behind glass. The space isn’t just a showroom—it’s an exclusive experience centre, with strict access controls, police presence, and attendance from Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
During the ribbon-cutting, CM Fadnavis praised Mumbai as “innovation and sustainability capital,” welcoming Tesla’s arrival and urging the company to consider Maharashtra for future R&D and manufacturing . Tesla has also hinted at expanding to Delhi‑NCR by late July, and may roll out service capabilities in Kurla West, Mumbai .
Meet the Model Y: Tesla’s First Offering in India
The star of the show—Model Y—is being imported from Tesla’s Shanghai Gigafactory, with six units already on Indian soil secured by Tesla for display and test drives. Two trims are available:
- Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) Long‑Range: ₹59.89 lakh (~US $70,000)
- Long‑Range AWD: ₹67.89 lakh (~US $79,000)
These price tags reflect India’s steep 70% import levies on fully built units and related taxes. Tesla offers Full Self-Driving (FSD) as an optional upgrade for ₹6 lakh (~US $7,000), promising evolving autonomous features—though a licensed driver must remain vigilant .
Inside, the refreshed Model Y showcases a stylish dark grey exterior, black alloy wheels, and minimalistic cabin with a 15.4‑inch touchscreen, wireless charging, USB‑C ports, voice activation, and app-based control. The performance specs are impressive, too:
Variant | Range (WLTP) | 0–100 km/h | Top Speed |
---|---|---|---|
RWD Long‑Range | ~500 km | 5.9 sec | 201 km/h |
AWD Long‑Range | ~622 km | 5.6 sec | 201 km/h |
This positions the Model Y firmly in the premium EV league, competing with luxury rivals such as BMW and Mercedes‑Benz, rather than cost-sensitive local manufacturers .
Strategic Entry: Policy, Market, & Timeline
Tesla’s debut in India arrives at a critical juncture: EV penetration is still low—around 4% of total car sales as of June 2025 . However, India has set ambitious targets: 30% EV adoption by 2030, supported by incentives like a reduced 15% import duty for companies committing to local manufacturing or investing at least US $500 million .
As of July 15, 2025, Tesla has no immediate plans to build in India, preferring to “test the waters” through retail deployment before deciding on manufacturing . Deliveries are expected to begin in August, with initial focus on Mumbai and Delhi. Expansion to other metros will depend on the market response .
While luxury EVs remain a niche—roughly 4% of sales—Tesla could sell up to 50,000 cars annually should EV adoption climb to 10% of India’s projected 5 million new car sales by 2030 .
Market Outlook: Challenges & Opportunities
- Pricing: With Model Y priced 55–80% above U.S./China markets, affordability is the main hurdle. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has publicly criticized these high duties and is pushing for local manufacturing to bring costs down .
- Infrastructure: Tesla has imported charger gear and is expected to roll out Superchargers in Mumbai to support buyers .
- Competition: Premium EV arena includes German brands and emerging Chinese manufacturers like BYD and VinFast , while mass-market leaders like Tata and Mahindra maintain dominance in affordability.
- Expand showrooms to Delhi‑NCR by end of July
- Begin deliveries in August, first to Mumbai circuit
- Set up service center in Kurla West, followed by broader after-sales network
- Monitor policy shifts and consider future local assembly
Tesla’s bold gamble in India balances aspiration with caution. The retail-first rollout of the Model Y taps into the affluent, environmentally conscious urban demographic. It’s a high-stakes test—premium price, nascent charging ecosystem, and no local production. But with supportive policies and momentum, this move could redefine India’s EV landscape.
India’s EV journey is accelerating, and with Tesla in the mix, the electric revolution here just got a major boost.
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