Tesla’s Full Self-Driving costs more than a Maruti Alto: Smart investment or hatchback-sized gamble?

A Model Y buyer in India can opt for the autonomous FSD feature, but before ticking the box, here’s all you need to know.

Tesla Model Y
Tesla Model Y launched at Rs 59.89 lakh (ex-showroom) (Express Photo)

Tesla is finally here in India, and the high price of the Model Y has been the talking point. A vehicle, which many were hoping to be under Rs 40 lakh, is finally launched at Rs 59.89 lakh, ex-showroom. There are a couple of reasons for its pricy cost, starting with the import duties and Tesla having no immediate plans to manufacture or assemble its electric vehicles in India. The other issue is that the made in China Model Y is manufactured as a left-hand drive vehicle, which has to be switched to right-hand drive for India, which adds to the additional costs. If you thought that sounds unreasonable, then wait for it… the famous Tesla Full Self-Driving (FSD) is an optional feature that costs Rs 6 lakh, which is the price of a top-of-the-line Maruti Suzuki Alto.

 Pay Rs 6 Lakh for Tesla’s FSD in India: There’s a twist in the tale

The Model Y buyer in India is in a catch-22 situation. Opting for the FSD feature while booking the Model Y on the official Tesla website will cost flat Rs 6 lakh, which is quite a substantial amount. If you opt for it later, then the price is expected to be steeper. According to Acko Drive, while buying the Model Y, the FSD function is bundled with a 5% GST, but if updated later as an individual feature, then it attracts a whopping 18% GST.

Now here’s the kicker. Currently, Tesla does not have the permits to activate its FSD as it awaits government approval. Hence, for the Rs 6 lakh feature that you’ve opted for, no one at the moment can confirm when it will be activated. Also, this amount is not refundable.

Tesla Model Y: Colour Options and Price

The Model Y is available in two versions — Rear-Wheel Drive at Rs 59.89 lakh and Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive at Rs 67.89 lakh, ex-showroom. Both trims are available in six colour options, with Stealth Grey as the standard. Otherwise, the rest of the paint schemes come at a premium. The Pearl White Multi-Coat and Diamond Black cost an additional Rs 95,000, while Glacier Blue is available at Rs 1.25 lakh and the Quicksilver and Ultra Red at Rs 1.85 lakh.

Discover the latest in the auto world with new cars and new bikes, explore upcoming cars in India, and find your perfect match with cars under 5 lakh, 10 lakh or 15 lakh. Stay updated with the latest auto news and the rise of electric vehicles.

This article was first uploaded on July eighteen, twenty twenty-five, at thirty minutes past one in the afternoon.
Market Data
✕
Market Data