Tesla Model Y India First Look Review: Worth The Wait?
The first Tesla for India has landed but the question is, has it been worth the wait? The Model Y is a logical choice being its best selling car and it is one of the best selling cars in the world. The new updated Model Y is on sale in India in its RWD avatar along with the LR variant which adds more power and range. The standard Model Y has a 500km range but the LR is the one to get which adds in a bigger battery with 622km range. The Long Range has a 83kwh battery with a 340hp motor. Acceleration is fast at 5.6 seconds while the standard version does it in 5.9 seconds. Do note that the standard version gets a 63kWh LFP unit, and the LR has a 83kWh NMC battery.
However, let's look at the car. The design is much more purposeful than the older model with the new light bar and the minimalist lines. The shape is more of a crossover but it looks futuristic with 19-inch aero wheels along with the light bar which makes it stand out. Upon closer inspection, the paint finish is quite good and it feels solid. The rear styling is sleek and has a spoiler too while the design is typical Tesla but this time with more presence. Ground clearance is decent at 167mm but that makes it more of a crossover than a full fledged SUV. The door handles are flush but easy to use and there are powered doors too. Inside, the Model y has a standard black interior but Rs 95,000 buys you a dualtone version which is a must as it adds a sense of space and looks better. The cabin might look barebones but quality is good and it feels premium even if the button free cabin is minimalist.
Tesla has improved the Model Y here with better materials and more features with more soft touch bits along with ambient lighting. The acoustic glass adds in better insulation too and the steering has a few buttons but that's it mostly. That said the massive 15.4 inch touchscreen controls everything and is sick with fantastic graphics. It's loaded with software and the useability is there of course being used to control nearly everything with most being a one press affair. One neat feature is that the rear also adds another screen for passengers. The rear seats can also recline but space is good and better than some cars here too. Features on offer are fairly generous with a large full glass roof, connectivity functions, 9 speaker audio system, heated and ventilated driver and front passenger seats, dashcam, heated steering and windshield plus more. The Autopilot is a pricey option but again whether it will work on Indian roads or not is a question too.
The new Model Y has improved suspension too and smoother driving while Rs 67.8 lakh for the top-end is the better value with more range while some extra colours on offers are pricey add-ons since grey is the only standard colour. Which means the Model Y cost Rs 70 lakh nearly with options. Availability is across a few cities now but more will happen. Compared to immediate rivals, the Model Y is a bit expensive but knowing the eventual duties being levied, the car is well equipped and offers good range plus the tech appeal which a Tesla brings. It will bring in buyers for sure but Tesla sure will have to assemble here to bring prices down to competitive levels to gain volumes.
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