Tesla's first India showroom opens in Mumbai today; Model Y likely on display

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Tesla has officially stepped into the Indian market with the inauguration of its first showroom in Mumbai. Located at the upscale Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), the 4,000-square-foot space marks the beginning of the American EV maker’s long-awaited physical presence in India.

The launch is being held through a closed-door event, attended by media, VIP guests, and Tesla’s partners. The showroom is expected to open to the public next week.

Model Y on display

At the centre of this launch is the Tesla Model Y, expected to be showcased in its Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) variants. The vehicles will be imported from China as Completely Built Units (CBUs). The Model Y will feature a sleek, dark grey exterior with black alloy wheels and a coupe-like profile. The cabin includes a dual-tone black-and-white interior, a 15.4-inch central touchscreen, wireless charging, USB-C ports, and app-based vehicle access.

Price and import duty

Tesla’s entry comes with a price. The Model Y RWD will be priced around Rs 59.89 lakh to Rs 65 lakh, largely due to India’s import duties ranging from 70% to 100% on CBUs. These steep tariffs have long been a point of contention for Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who has previously called for duty cuts to make EVs more accessible in the Indian market.

Despite several rounds of talks, the Indian government has stood firm, encouraging Tesla to manufacture locally instead of relying solely on imports. As of now, there is no confirmation of any local assembly or production plant.

What’s inside the Mumbai showroom?

The Mumbai showroom—Tesla’s first Experience Centre in India—is strategically positioned to target premium EV buyers. The facility’s monthly rent is reported to be Rs 35 lakh, underscoring the brand’s focus on affluent urban markets. The space is designed to give visitors a hands-on experience of Tesla’s vehicles and technologies.

Next Stop: Delhi

After Mumbai, Tesla plans to launch its second showroom in Delhi by the end of this month. This phased rollout hints at a cautious but strategic market entry, where Tesla will likely evaluate consumer interest before expanding further.

Customer deliveries from August 2025

Deliveries of Tesla vehicles are expected to commence in August 2025, starting with those who pre-book the Model Y. The company will monitor early customer response before finalising further rollout and pricing strategies.

Tesla’s showroom debut today marks more than just a product launch—it signals the brand’s ambition to tap into India’s growing appetite for premium electric mobility, even as it navigates regulatory challenges and steep duties.

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