Buying a new car in India is a big decision, right? You think about your budget, how safe the car is, how much it will cost you every month, what cool features it has, and if the company offers good service. Well, if you are looking for something truly modern, efficient, and packed with technology, then the new Tesla Model Y Long Range RWD Full Self Driving might just be the car for you. Let us take a deep dive into what this exciting electric SUV offers for Indian roads and buyers.
Main Highlights
Engine Specifications
The Tesla Model Y Long Range RWD (Rear Wheel Drive) is powered by a single, powerful electric motor located at the rear axle. This setup provides a fantastic balance of performance and efficiency.
- Motor Type: Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM)
- Acceleration (0-100 km/h): Around 5.9-6.0 seconds
- Top Speed: Approximately 217 km/h
- Estimated Range (WLTP): Around 600-630 km on a single charge. This is a very impressive range for an electric car in India.
Design Overview
The Model Y carries Tesla's signature minimalist and futuristic design, both inside and out.
- Exterior: It is a sleek electric SUV, looking like a slightly taller Model 3. It has clean lines, flush door handles, and a large panoramic glass roof that stretches over the entire cabin, giving it a very open and airy feel. The aerodynamics are excellent, helping with its long range.
- Interior: Step inside and you will find a cabin that is remarkably simple yet sophisticated. The dashboard is clutter-free, dominated by a large central touchscreen. There are almost no physical buttons, making for a very clean look. The materials feel premium, and the space is surprisingly generous, especially for rear passengers.
Key Features
The Model Y is loaded with tech and comfort features:
- Infotainment System: A massive 15-inch touchscreen display controls almost everything in the car, from navigation and entertainment to climate and vehicle settings.
- Connectivity: Always-on internet connectivity for live traffic updates, music streaming, and over-the-air (OTA) software updates that continuously improve the car over time.
- Panoramic Glass Roof: A fixed full-length glass roof that enhances the feeling of space.
- Advanced Camera System: Tesla's system uses multiple external cameras to provide comprehensive views around the vehicle, aiding in parking and safety features.
- Wireless Phone Charging: Convenient charging pads for your smartphones.
- Dual-Zone Climate Control: Separate temperature settings for driver and front passenger.
- Premium Audio System: For a great sound experience.
- HEPA Air Filtration System: Filters out pollen, bacteria, and other particles, providing clean cabin air.
- Full Self-Driving (FSD) Capability: While still evolving, this package includes advanced driver-assistance features and promises full autonomous driving in the future, subject to regulatory approval in India.
What is the Ground Clearance of Tesla Model Y Long Range RWD Full Self Driving?
The Tesla Model Y Long Range RWD has a ground clearance of approximately 167 mm. This is generally adequate for most Indian road conditions, offering a good balance between a low centre of gravity for handling and enough clearance for minor bumps.
What is the Boot Space of Tesla Model Y Long Range RWD Full Self Driving?
The Model Y offers incredible cargo space. It has a large rear boot and an additional front trunk (frunk) where the engine would normally be.
- Rear Boot Space: 854 litres (with rear seats up)
- Front Trunk (Frunk) Space: 117 litres
- Total Cargo Space: Approximately 967 litres with all seats up, expanding significantly when rear seats are folded flat. This makes it extremely practical for families and long trips.
What are the Dimensions of Tesla Model Y Long Range RWD Full Self Driving?
- Length: Approximately 4751 mm
- Width (with mirrors folded): Approximately 1921 mm
- Height: Approximately 1624 mm
Powertrain Options
While we are focusing on the Long Range Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) variant for its efficiency and impressive range, it is good to know that the Model Y usually comes in other configurations globally as well:
- Long Range RWD: Single motor, rear-wheel drive, excellent range.
- Long Range AWD: Dual motors, all-wheel drive, quicker acceleration, slightly less range.
- Performance AWD: Dual motors, all-wheel drive, the fastest variant with enhanced performance features.
Safety Features
Tesla places a huge emphasis on safety. The Model Y is built with a strong structure and comes with a suite of advanced safety features:
- Multiple airbags (front, side, curtain)
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Forward Collision Warning
- Lane Departure Avoidance
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Autopilot (Adaptive Cruise Control and Autosteer)
- Sentry Mode (monitors surroundings when parked)
NCAP Rating Table
The Tesla Model Y has consistently received top safety ratings from international bodies.
| Rating Body |
Rating |
Notes |
| Euro NCAP |
5 Stars |
Outstanding scores in adult occupant, child occupant, vulnerable road user, and safety assist categories. |
| NHTSA (USA) |
5 Stars |
Top ratings in all crash tests. |
| Bharat NCAP |
Not Yet Rated |
As of now, the Tesla Model Y has not been tested by Bharat NCAP. |
Rivals of Tesla Model Y Long Range RWD Full Self Driving
In the premium electric SUV segment in India, the Model Y will compete with some established players:
- Hyundai Ioniq 5
- Kia EV6
- BYD Atto 3
- Volvo XC40 Recharge
- BMW iX1
How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)
Pros:
- Excellent Range: The Long Range RWD variant offers fantastic mileage, reducing range anxiety.
- Rapid Performance: Quick acceleration makes driving exciting and effortless.
- Cutting-Edge Technology: The large touchscreen, OTA updates, and advanced driver-assistance systems are class-leading.
- Spacious and Practical: Huge boot space, comfortable cabin, and versatile seating.
- Top-Tier Safety: Highly rated by global safety bodies.
- Low Running Costs: Electric cars are generally much cheaper to fuel than petrol or diesel cars.
- Environmentally Friendly: Zero tailpipe emissions.
Cons:
- Charging Infrastructure: While improving, fast charging network might not be as widespread as petrol pumps, especially in remote areas of India.
- Initial Purchase Price: Being a premium import, it will likely have a high price tag.
- Service Network: Tesla's service network in India will be new and might take time to expand across all major cities.
- Ride Comfort: Teslas are known for a firm suspension, which might feel a bit stiff on broken Indian roads compared to softer-sprung rivals.
- Full Self-Driving (FSD) Potential in India: The full capabilities of FSD are dependent on Indian regulations and mapping data, so its full potential might not be immediately available.
- Minimalist Interior: Some buyers might miss traditional buttons and an instrument cluster behind the steering wheel.
Conclusion
The Tesla Model Y Long Range RWD Full Self Driving is more than just an electric car; it is a statement about the future of mobility. With its impressive range, thrilling performance, advanced technology, and unwavering focus on safety, it ticks many boxes for the modern Indian car buyer looking to go electric. While considerations like charging infrastructure and initial cost are important, the Model Y offers a compelling package that promises lower running costs, a premium experience, and the latest in automotive innovation.
If you are ready to embrace the electric revolution and want a car that truly stands out, the Tesla Model Y could be your perfect match. It is a car that not only transports you but also connects you to a smarter, more sustainable driving future.
