The mule was a right-hand-drive Model Y, implying that the crossover SUV will be available in India.
- The Model Y had halted for a quick recharge in Mumbai.
- It is expected to be launched in India in 2022, after the Model 3, as a CBU.
- Latest spy shots reveal the all-black cabin and the horizontally placed touchscreen.
- Tesla sells the Model Y in two variants internationally: Long Range (525km) and Performance (488km).
- Expect it to be priced from Rs 70 lakh (ex-showroom) onwards.
While we wait for official news from Tesla on its first launch in India, we have another set of spy photos of the Model Y photographed without camouflage in Mumbai, where it appeared to have paused for a quick charge.
The Model Y crossover SUV shares a lot of aesthetic elements with the Model 3 sedan, including as the headlamp cluster, tail lights, and basic profile design. Even the alloy wheels appear to be based on the sedan’s appearance.
The latest photographs also show the Model Y’s interior, including its right-hand drive arrangement. The all-black interior with wood accents on the dashboard and the horizontally positioned touchscreen system are shown (probably 15-inches). Two wireless phone charging pads, dual-zone climate control, 12-way power-adjustable (only at the front) and heated front and rear seats, and a panoramic glass roof are among the other amenities planned on board the SUV.
The Model Y will also come with Tesla’s semi-autonomous Autopilot technology consisting blind-spot monitoring, a 360-degree camera, front and rear sensors, adaptive cruise control, collision warning and emergency brake assist.
Tesla offers the international-spec Model Y in two trims – Long Range and Performance – as seven and five seaters, respectively. Both feature a dual-motor setup and an all-wheel drivetrain. However, it’s the former with a higher range (525km) while the latter can do 488km. Their claimed 0-96kmph figures stand at 4.8 seconds and 3.5 seconds, respectively. An interesting bit is that you can get up to 260km of range by charging the SUV at one of its superchargers for just 15 minutes!
In India, the American EV behemoth recently homologated three more models, bringing the total to seven. It is expected to launch the Model 3 in India first, followed by the Model Y, both of which will be delivered as completely built-up units (CBUs). The electric SUV is expected to cost around Rs 70 lakh (ex-showroom). The Model Y will be a competitor to other luxury electric SUVs like as the Mercedes-Benz EQC, BMW iX, Audi e-tron, and Jaguar I-Pace, albeit it will not have any direct competitors.
