Since the past month, ever since the regime in the USA changed, the entry of Tesla has been widely talked about with multiple opinions on offer from various corners. However, one thing is certain, if Tesla has to enter the Indian market, it will import its models via the CBU route. Frankly, a locally-produced or even assembled Tesla is a very distant dream.
Recently, there were reports of the Government of India considering bringing down import tariffs for fully-imported electric cars from 110 percent to 15 percent, which would benefit foreign EV brands like Tesla. If this policy does come into effect, the price of Tesla models will come down drastically.
For instance, if the Tesla Model 3 goes on sale in India today, it would cost around Rs 54.57 lakh. However, with only 15 percent import duty, the Model 3 would cost around Rs 30 lakh (both ex-showroom). This means it will be closely priced to something like a Mahindra XEV 9e. Let us see, for a similar price, how does the Tesla Model 3 stack against the Mahindra XEV 9e.
Tesla Model 3 vs Mahindra XEV 9e: Dimensions
Mahindra XEV 9E is longer and taller than the Tesla Model 3. That said, the Model 3 is wider and offers a longer wheelbase as compared to the coupe battery-powered SUV from India. However, the biggest difference is the ground clearance on offer. The Model 3 offers a paltry 138 mm round clearance as compared to 207 mm offered by Mahindra on XEV 9e. The Model 3 also offers a slightly larger boot of 682 litres.
| Dimensions | Tesla Model 3 | Mahindra XEV 9e |
| Length (mm) | 4,720 | 4789 |
| Width (mm) | 2,089 | 1907 |
| Height (mm) | 1,442 | 1694 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2,875 | 2775 |
| Ground clearance (mm) | 138 | 207 |
| Boot space (litres) | 682 | 663 |
Tesla Model 3 vs Mahindra XEV 9e: Features
When it comes to features, there is no match for a Tesla which comes with an Autopilot technology. The latter is more advanced than the Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) and only slightly less advanced than Tesla’s full self-driving tech which is currently in the making. The Model 3 also gets all the other gizmos including touchscreen infotainment, in-built navigation, panoramic sunroof, NFC digital key, ventilated front and rear seats, etc.
The Mahindra XEV 9e is also fairly well equipped with features such as a Triple screen, 43-inch floating display on the dashboard, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ventilated front sears, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, Head Up Display, NFC digital key and more. Safety is taken care of by a Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) suite.
Tesla Model 3 vs Mahindra XEV 9e: Powertrain
The Tesla Model 3 features a high-efficiency lithium-ion battery, available in Standard Range, Long Range, and Performance variants. Dual-motor all-wheel drive enhances traction, delivering up to 315 miles (507 km) of range on a single charge. The Performance model accelerates from 0-100 kmph in 3.1 seconds, with a top speed of 162 mph, ensuring thrilling, energy-efficient performance.
On the other hand, the XEV 9e’s entry-level 59 kWh variant delivers 228 bhp and offers a range of 542 km (MIDC), while the 79 kWh variant produces 282 bhp and delivers a range of 656 km. Both versions generate 380 Nm of torque.
