Tesla Model Y Indian Launch In July Via CBU Imports

After a big rollercoaster ride in terms of the Indian operation by the American electric car manufacturer Tesla, it is finally happening, but not as you thought. The Tesla Model Y is all set to retail via the brand's first outlet in Mumbai and will be brought via the CBU route, where imports are reportedly underway from China. This is a significant move considering the previous local assembly talks and also because the import would ultimately add a significant chunk to the overall cost of the vehicle. Let's look at the nitty gritty of this development and see what it means for you as a buyer. But first, make sure to join the 91wheels WhatsApp Community of avid petrolheads to never miss out on any latest news and automotive updates.

Also Read- Volvo S90 Sedan Discontinued In India- End Of The Road For The Sedan?

Tesla Model Y Launch Next Month- CBU Means High Ex-Showroom Price!

After years of speculation and stalled negotiations, Tesla is finally on the verge of entering the Indian electric vehicle market, with a launch expected as early as mid-July, with the first model to go on sale being the Tesla Model Y in a rear-wheel-drive configuration. The cars will arrive as completely built units (CBUs) imported from Tesla's Gigafactory in Shanghai, one of the company's key global production hubs. The opening of the Mumbai showroom is likely to coincide with the product launch, followed soon after by another outlet in Delhi NCR. Though the Model Y will lead Tesla's foray into India, the Model 3 sedan is also expected to join the lineup soon, offering a more accessible entry point for buyers. Both models share the same production facility in China, streamlining logistics and supply chains for the brand.

While the company has yet to make an official announcement, there's mounting evidence of its imminent arrival, including showroom leases, test mule spotting, and previous job openings. As per the report from Bloomberg, Tesla has reportedly priced the Model Y from around Rs. 48.5 lakh (ex-showroom, before taxes). This would make it a premium offering in India's EV space, competing with high-end electric SUVs. The version expected for launch is believed to be the refreshed 'Juniper' iteration, which brings subtle design and tech updates.

Also Read- Kia EV2 Spied In Near-Production Form; India Launch Likely In 2026

Tesla Model Y: An Overview

The highly anticipated Tesla Model Y 'Juniper' has made its debut in early 2025, a refresh of the popular fastback SUV. This all-new iteration, arriving nearly three years after the original, maintains the distinctive coupe-SUV silhouette, characterized by a gracefully sloping roofline that cleverly preserves rear headroom. Positioned with a starting price of approximately Rs 35 lakh in its home market, Juniper brings a blend of aesthetic and functional enhancements to an already established platform.

While details on specific battery pack sizes remain under wraps, the Juniper update delivers impressive performance figures: a robust 327-mile (526 km) range, a top speed of 125 mph (201 km/h), and a swift 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in just 4.6 seconds. Despite Tesla's renowned advancements in autonomous driving, the full self-driving capability will not be offered here at launch; however, standard advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) will be fully integrated as per the current scenarios. While it will be placed at a premium positioning, it will be interesting to see how big a dent it can make in its segment.