Tesla Model Y Launches in India: Price, Features, Taxes & Fun Easter Eggs

Tesla Finally Drives Into India:

After years of anticipation and speculation, Tesla has officially launched its first vehicle in the Indian market. The debut comes with the unveiling of the Tesla Model Y, the American EV giant’s best-selling crossover SUV. With bookings now open and deliveries slated to begin in the third quarter of 2025, India’s electric vehicle landscape is about to change dramatically.

Tesla Model Y India Price and Variants:

The Tesla Model Y price in India starts at ₹59.89 lakh (ex-showroom) for the Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) variant, while the Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive (LR RWD) comes in at ₹67.89 lakh. Here’s a breakdown:

• The optional Full Self-Driving (FSD) capability package is available for an additional ₹6 lakh.
• On-road prices vary based on location and options, potentially pushing the top-end model above ₹73 lakh.

Key Tesla Model Y Features in India:

Tesla brings its signature minimalist, tech-focused approach with a premium feature set aimed at urban and long-distance commuters:

• 15.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
• 8-inch second-row touchscreen.
• Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS).
• Over-the-air software updates.
• Up to 7 airbags and a five-star global safety rating.
• Ventilated seats.
• Panoramic glass roof.
• Fast charging: up to 238–267km range added in 15 minutes via Supercharger.

Buyers can personalize their Model Y with a choice of six exterior colors and two interior themes. The base variants offer standard paint and interior, while upgrades can cost up to ₹1.85 lakh extra.

Tesla India: Import Duties and Taxes—How Much Do You Really Pay?

Tesla’s steep pricing is the outcome of India’s notorious auto import duties. Electric vehicles imported as completely built units (CBUs) face import taxes of up to 100% for cars above $40,000 (roughly ₹33 lakh). However, recent government moves to attract global EV leaders—like Tesla—offered a special window:

• Qualified automakers may import up to 8,000 EVs/year at a reduced import duty of 15% (from 70–110%) provided they commit to local investment and manufacturing within a few years.

• Despite these concessions, the Model Y remains a luxury buy, limiting its reach to higher-income consumers.

Easter Eggs and Hidden Features: Tesla’s Playful Side in India:

Tesla vehicles are celebrated not only for their innovation and performance but also for unique Easter eggs and hidden features:

• Activate “Santa Mode” by voice command (“Ho ho ho”) to see your Model Y turn into Santa’s sleigh on the display.

• “Rainbow Road” can be triggered in Autopilot for a Mario Kart homage.

• Voice shortcuts—say “My butt is cold” or “My balls are cold” to turn on seat heaters.

• Tesla Toybox includes classic games, sketchpad, music visualizer, and Monty Python jokes.

• “Camp Mode” turns the vehicle into a mini-camper, complete with a hidden Cybertruck animation on the display.

• Volume and fan controls go “up to 11”—a nod to the spoof movie This Is Spinal Tap.