Tesla, the trailblazing electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has marked its entry into India by establishing a corporate office in Mumbai along with a research and development center in Bangalore. The company is also planning a production facility in Karnataka soon. Following its successful top-down approach in the U.S., Tesla is expected to introduce its flagship Model S sedan first in India, aiming to accelerate EV adoption in the country.
Tesla’s India Entry: What to Expect
Tesla typically launches with its premium models first and gradually expands to more accessible options. In India, the Model S a high-end luxury sedan known for its strong performance is expected to be the brand’s initial offering, brought in as a Completely Built Unit (CBU) during the early stages. This means Indian customers will get the latest version of the car with all its advanced features.
Design: Sleek and Futuristic
The Model S is an elegant four door sedan featuring a sleek, low profile and a coupe-style roofline, drawing design inspiration from the Mercedes-Benz CLS. Since 2016, it has ditched the traditional grille for a slim decorative panel. The 2021 update brings sleeker full-LED headlights, a redesigned bumper, new body lines on the side panels, matte black trim replacing chrome, and more pronounced rear haunches. These changes were so significant that Tesla had to reposition the rear-facing cameras on the front fenders for better visibility.
Interior: A High-Tech Revolution
Inside, the Model S has received a significant interior overhaul.The most noticeable change is the new yoke style steering wheel, replacing the conventional round wheel. Though the cabin has a futuristic appeal, its everyday usability particularly at lower speeds still needs to prove itself on actual roads. The previous vertical touchscreen has been swapped out for a 17-inch horizontal unit that can tilt to offer improved viewing angles.
The dashboard now has hidden air vents for a cleaner look. Passengers in the rear also benefit from an extra eight-inch display positioned on the back of the front center console.
Other premium features include multiple device charging options, a 22 speaker sound system with noise cancellation, and an upgraded ‘Auto Pilot’ autonomous driving system.
Performance: Blazing Fast and Long-Ranging
The Model S is available in three variants:
- Dual-Motor Long Range
- Tri-Motor Plaid
- Tri-Motor Plaid+
All versions come with all-wheel drive (AWD), as Tesla has discontinued rear-wheel-drive options. Depending on the variant, the car offers an impressive range of 628 km to 837 km on a single charge.
Acceleration is mind-blowing the Plaid and Plaid+ versions can go from 0 to 97 km/h in just 1.99 seconds, making it one of the quickest production cars in the world.
Also Read: Volkswagen Tayron A Premium SUV : On-Road Price, Engine, Features & More
Pricing and Market Position
The Model S combines luxury with advanced technology, offering generous space for five occupants along with a front trunk or ‘frunk’ for added storage. It also comes equipped with autonomous driving features. In the U.S., its price ranges from around ₹58.36 lakh to ₹1.09 crore before taxes and incentives. However, Indian pricing will be higher due to import duties and taxes. Tesla has not yet confirmed which variants or features will be available in India.
What This Means for India’s EV Market
Tesla’s entry is a significant step for India’s EV adoption. While the Model S will initially cater to luxury buyers, Tesla’s long-term plan likely includes more affordable models like the Model 3 and Model Y, which could attract a wider audience. The company’s investment in local R&D and potential manufacturing indicates a strong commitment to the Indian market.
Final Thoughts
The Tesla Model S is more than an ordinary car it embodies the future of transportation with its all-electric powertrain, self-driving capabilities, and state-of-the-art interior.While its premium pricing will limit it to a niche audience initially, Tesla’s presence could push other automakers to accelerate their EV plans in India.
For now, Indian customers can look forward to experiencing Tesla’s flagship sedan, setting the stage for a greener, tech driven automotive future.
