After years of buzz and speculation, Tesla has officially driven into India. The electric vehicle giant flung open doors to its first Indian showroom today at Mumbai’s upscale Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), marking a pivotal moment for the country’s EV market.
Spread across 4,000 sq ft, this “Tesla Experience Centre” – reportedly leased for a jaw-dropping ₹35 lakh per month – is the American automaker’s beachhead in India. Exclusive photos obtained by NDTV reveal a sleek storefront emblazoned with the iconic Tesla “T,” with a mysterious white Tesla vehicle half-draped inside. This flagship space isn’t just a showroom; it’s Tesla’s first physical commitment to a market hungry for premium EVs.
Why Now?
Tesla’s India move comes amid cooling demand in key markets like the US and China. With Delhi and other metros next in line for showrooms, Elon Musk’s team is clearly testing the waters. While rumours swirl about future factories, Tesla hasn’t confirmed local manufacturing plans yet. For now, this is about gauging buyer excitement.
Tesla showroom, Mumbai. Looking very fly. Can't wait to buy a few cars ASAP. pic.twitter.com/v2Pebmmfmo
— Ankit Jxa (@kingofknowwhere) July 11, 2025
Meet the Model Y
The star attraction is Tesla’s global bestseller – the Model Y SUV. Six units, imported from Shanghai, will greet visitors. Social media teasers show workers unloading the dark grey SUVs (with slick black alloy wheels) via flatbed trucks. Inside, expect minimalist luxury: a 15.4-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, voice commands, and a dual-tone black-and-white cabin. Two variants land:
- Long Range RWD (₹59.89 lakh)
- Long Range AWD (price TBA)
That ₹59.89 lakh starting tag? Blame India’s steep 70-100% import duties on fully-built foreign cars. Musk has publicly slammed these tariffs, urging cuts to make Teslas affordable. But India’s government isn’t budging, insisting Tesla “Make in India” instead. Until then, the Model Y remains a luxury buy.
What’s Next?
Delhi showrooms are rumoured to follow soon. All eyes now turn to Indian EV buyers: Will they embrace Tesla despite the price? And will Musk take the manufacturing plunge? One thing’s clear: The EV race in India just got shockingly exciting.