The ultimate test, as I pressed the accelerator, there was no roar, no vibration just seamless acceleration and instant torque.
The Tesla Model Y has finally made its way to India, and what better place to test it than Delhi NCR, a region that throws every possible driving challenge at you. From chaotic traffic jams and monsoon downpours to pothole-ridden roads and limited charging options, Delhi NCR is the ultimate stress test for any EV.
So how does the Model Y perform when it’s not on a Californian freeway but instead navigating Delhi’s reality? Let’s dive into the driving experience, performance, and how it tackles the challenges unique to Indian roads.
We drove the Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive model which boasts a host of impressive specifications:
Battery & Range: It features an approximate 75 kWh battery pack and a WLTP range of 622 km.
Performance: It can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in a swift 5.6 seconds.
Tesla Key card
Minimal Interior
15.4-inch Central Touch screen
First Impressions: Minimalist Yet Futuristic
Step inside the Model Y and you’re greeted with Tesla’s signature minimalist cabin. A single massive touchscreen handles almost everything from AC to maps giving the interior a futuristic vibe.
The seating is comfortable and elevated, offering excellent visibility in Delhi’s dense traffic. The panoramic glass roof gives a sense of space but might make you reach for sunshades in Delhi’s scorching summer. The car has an all-glass roof, triple-coated for insulation, which is strong enough to bear up to 9000 tons, that’s the weight of 2 Asian Elephants. This design ensures the cabin remains light and airy without allowing harsh sunlight inside.
Designed for Utility and Aerodynamics
The Model Y is packed with clever design elements focused on maximizing space and efficiency:
Massive Storage: The boot space is a massive 938-litres, which can be extended to an incredible 2,138-litres with the seats folded.
The "Frunk" (Front Trunk): Adding to the utility is the 117-litres of storage in the front, which can even be used as a chiller box, complete with a drainage plug, perfect for long drives and camping.
Wheels and Cameras: It rides on 19-inch aero alloy wheels with wheel caps enhance the car's aerodynamic profile.
The car also features nine cameras strategically placed for its full 360-degree Tesla vision & Full Self-Driving (FSD).
Driving in Delhi’s Stop-and-Go Traffic
Delhi is notorious for its endless traffic snarls, but here’s where the Model Y shines:
Instant torque makes lane changes and quick overtakes effortless.
Single Pedal driving is a game-changer in bumper-to-bumper traffic, reducing fatigue.
Silent drivetrain feels surreal in a city full of honking and diesel engines.
The result? A smooth, stress-free city driving experience that feels light-years ahead of traditional SUVs.
Handling Delhi’s Roads: Smooth Until It Isn’t
On well-paved stretches like the Gurgaon-Dwarka Expressway or Gurugram’s Golf Course Road, the Model Y glides effortlessly. The steering feels precise, and the SUV holds its line well at higher speeds.
But the real test comes on service lanes, potholes, and uneven surfaces. Here, the suspension sometimes feels firm, and large potholes send noticeable jolts into the cabin. Ground clearance is adequate but not SUV-tough, so cautious driving on broken roads is necessary.
Rain, Floods & Visibility: Monsoon Stress Test
Delhi’s monsoon is infamous for sudden waterlogging. The Model Y, as seen in our Drive Review video, handles heavy rain confidently:
Stability control keep traction in slippery conditions. Even though it’s a Rear Wheel Drive car.
Wipers, defoggers, and cameras makes sure the visibility is top notch always.
Still, it’s wise to avoid deeper water crossings, something Indian roads often surprise drivers with.
Highway Runs: Where the Model Y Feels at Home
On open stretches like Delhi–Gurgaon Expressway or the Dwarka Expressway the Model Y truly stretches its legs:
Quick acceleration makes overtaking effortless.
Stable and planted at highway speeds, even during crosswinds.
Aerodynamic design and software tuning keep it efficient.
This is where the car feels like a proper Tesla: smooth, silent, and confidence-inspiring.
Range & Charging in NCR: The Real Challenge
Tesla’s biggest hurdle in India wouldn’t be traffic or weather. That’s going to be charging infrastructure.
Destination charging: If you have a dedicated parking space, overnight charging solves 90% of range anxiety.
Tesla Superchargers: Limited to only few locations across Delhi and Mumbai for now. But you do have an option to go for the public chargers where reliability can be hit-or-miss.
Long drives: Heading to Jaipur or Shimla requires careful planning, since Tesla’s Supercharger network isn’t active in India yet.
In real-world Delhi conditions, with AC blasting and traffic crawling, expect slightly less than the claimed range but still enough for daily commutes.
Verdict: Is the Tesla Model Y a Viable Daily Driver in Delhi NCR?
Pros:
Excellent driving feel in city traffic, with responsive acceleration, smoothness, and minimal noise.
Strong highway performance and stable at speed.
The "future" factor: cutting-edge software, OTA updates, Tesla’s brand appeal.
If you have a Destination charging setup at home, many day-to-day drives are comfortably within range.
Cons / Caveats:
Charging infrastructure is still catching up; you will need to plan longer trips with care.
Rough roads and potholes especially in peripheral or less maintained routes are a challenge and require caution.
In extreme weather (monsoon, heat), performance, range, and sensor reliability can be tested.
High price & servicing costs may also factor (though that is outside the pure driving experience).
Priced around an approximate ₹60 lakh ex-showroom, the Tesla Model Y is set to compete with established rivals like the BYD Sealion 7, Mercedes-Benz EQA, BMW iX1 L, and Volvo EC40.
Conclusion: The Tesla Model Y has proven that it is more than capable of handling the demanding environment of Indian roads, offering a blend of high performance, cutting-edge technology, and everyday comfort.
👉 Want to see the Tesla Model Y face Delhi’s rain and traffic first-hand? Watch the full drive review here.
