Tesla Launches Flagship Mumbai Store, Begins India Journey with Model Y Priced from Rs60 Lakh

Moneylife Digital Team 15 July 2025

Economy & Nation

Tesla has officially entered the Indian automotive market with the launch of its first showroom in Mumbai, marking a significant step in the electric vehicle (EV) giant’s global expansion. The 4,000-square-foot (sqft) Experience Centre, located at the upscale Maker Maxity Mall in Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), opened on Tuesday to considerable buzz and interest from potential customers and media alike. Coinciding with Tesla’s debut, Vietnamese EV maker VinFast also opened bookings for its VF 6 and VF 7 SUVs, highlighting rising global interest in India’s premium EV market.

With the launch, Tesla introduced its Model Y electric sports utility vehicle (SUV) in two variants for Indian customers. The rear-wheel drive version is priced at Rs60.1 lakh, while the long-range variant comes in at Rs67.8 lakh. These prices are significantly higher than in Tesla’s other major markets due to India’s high import duties on fully built vehicles. For comparison, the Model Y starts at around Rs38.6 lakh in the US, Rs30.5 lakh in China, and Rs46 lakh in Germany.

At the inauguration event, Maharashtra chief minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis welcomed Tesla’s India debut, calling it a sign of confidence in Mumbai and the state’s forward-looking vision. He invited the company to consider Maharashtra not just for retail, but also for setting up research, development, and manufacturing operations. “Tesla is not just a car company—it represents innovation and sustainability. Mumbai, as India’s entrepreneurial and financial capital, is the ideal place for this journey to begin,” the CM says.

Welcome to India @Tesla

Inaugurated Tesla’s first-ever Experience Centre in India at BKC, Mumbai, today.This is not just the inauguration of an Experience Centre ; it’s a powerful statement—Tesla is here, and it’s chosen the right city and the right state: Mumbai, Maharashtra!"… pic.twitter.com/4ilfAHCEoO
— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) July 15, 2025

Despite the premium pricing, Tesla aims to tap into India’s luxury EV market which currently includes offerings from German auto-makers such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi. Industry analysts believe Tesla’s brand appeal and global reputation for cutting-edge technology could help it carve a niche among affluent, urban Indian buyers.

India’s EV sector is still in a nascent stage, with electric vehicles accounting for around 4% of total car sales. However, the government is targeting 30% EV penetration by 2030 through a mix of incentives, policy support, and infrastructure development. Tesla’s arrival comes as the government continues to encourage foreign EV makers to invest and set up operations in the country.

Tesla’s current retail strategy involves importing vehicles from its overseas factories, likely including its Gigafactory at Shanghai in China. The company recently leased over 24,000sqft of warehouse space at Lodha Logistics Park near Mumbai, further reinforcing its commitment to building local operational infrastructure.

Coinciding with Tesla’s India debut, Vietnamese EV firm VinFast also opened bookings for its VF 6 and VF 7 electric SUVs on the same day, underscoring the growing interest among global EV manufacturers in the Indian market. VinFast’s plant in Tamil Nadu is expected to begin operations soon, offering further competition in the premium EV space.

As Tesla kickstarts its Indian operations, all eyes are now on how the company navigates the country’s regulatory landscape, addresses pricing challenges and engages with policymakers on the possibility of local production. For now, its presence in Mumbai has ignited fresh momentum in India’s electric vehicle ecosystem—and signals that the world’s leading EV brand is finally here.

The sleek Mumbai showroom is Tesla’s first physical retail presence in India and is expected to be the launchpad for further expansion into other major cities, including New Delhi. The store prominently features the Tesla logo in black against a minimalist white backdrop, with a Model Y SUV displayed behind glass panels that drew curious onlookers ahead of the official launch.

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