The reactions on social media reveal a cautious response: excitement for Tesla’s brand and technology tempered by concerns over pricing.
15 Jul 2025 | 1150 Views | By Sreejith Rajan
Tesla’s much-anticipated entry into the Indian market with the Model Y SUV, launched on July 15, 2025, at Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex, has sparked a wave of reactions from social media users. Priced at Rs 59.89 lakh for the rear-wheel drive (RWD) variant and Rs 67.89 lakh for the long-range RWD, ...
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Tesla’s much-anticipated entry into the Indian market with the Model Y SUV, launched on July 15, 2025, at Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex, has sparked a wave of reactions from social media users. Priced at Rs 59.89 lakh for the rear-wheel drive (RWD) variant and Rs 67.89 lakh for the long-range RWD, the electric SUV has elicited a mix of enthusiasm and skepticism from Indian users, particularly regarding its high cost due to import duties.
Import duties are estimated to account for ₹25-30 lakhs of the final price – representing 40-45% of the final bill. India currently imposes 70-100% import duty on completely built-up vehicles, making Tesla one of the most expensive markets globally for the Model Y.
Many Indian users expressed excitement over Tesla’s formal entry into the country, viewing it as a milestone for India’s electric vehicle (EV) landscape. @iamprasadtech, an Indian tech influencer with over 10,000 followers, posted at 10:17 AM IST, “Tesla Model Y is officially here 🇮🇳 , Starting at ₹59.89L. 500km range. Clean, fast, and electric. 🔌 #teslainindia Model Y = Style + Speed + Sustainability. Tesla starts strong in India. 🇮🇳⚡”
While excitement is evident, the Model Y’s pricing—significantly higher than in markets like the U.S. ($44,990 or ~Rs 38.63 lakh) or China (~Rs 31.57 lakh)—has been a major point of contention. “[It's] pricey compared to it’s international prices due to taxes,” noted @ShivamBhutani, an Indian user with thousands of followers.
@drmgmenon, an Indian user with a modest but engaged following, said: “Sales won’t live up to the hype as it’s way beyond the expected price. Tesla Y model sold in India is costlier than it’s sold in EU.”
This sentiment reflects disappointment among users who anticipated a more competitive price, especially given the Model Y’s lower cost in Europe (€45,970 or ~Rs 46 lakh). The user’s comparison underscores the impact of India’s 70% import duties on affordability.
Other Indian users echoed this concern, with many noting that the Rs 59.89 lakh starting price positions the Model Y in the luxury segment, competing with brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz rather than mass-market EVs. A common theme in these posts is the hope that future local manufacturing or reduced import duties could lower prices, making Tesla more accessible to India’s growing middle class.
The reactions on reveal a polarized response: excitement for Tesla’s brand and technology tempered by concerns over pricing. Users with larger followings lean toward optimism, emphasizing the Model Y’s premium appeal and sustainability. However, others highlight the pricing barrier, suggesting that sales may fall short of expectations without adjustments to import duties or local production.
In short, while Indian users celebrating the brand’s arrival while grappling with its high cost. The enthusiasm for Tesla’s technology and premium positioning is clear, but the Rs 59.89 lakh to Rs 67.89 lakh price range, driven by import duties, has sparked concerns about affordability. As Tesla plans to expand to cities like Delhi and Gurugram, the reactions on X suggest that its success in India may hinge on future price reductions.