TESLA MODEL Y

WHAT IS THE MOST HYPED ₹60 LAKH CAR IN RECENT MEMORY LIKE TO DRIVE?

- TUHIN GUHA

The iPhone has been your go-to status symbol so far to show the world that you've made it. But that can change now because the Tesla Model Y has finally launched in India. For many of you, that will be reason enough to buy one. But there is still the matter of what this EV, probably the most hyped Rs 60 lakh car we've seen in a while, is actually like to drive. We spent time with it in the best that Indian roads have to offer, peak Mumbai traffic.

Styling, dimensions, boot space

In the Mumbai automotive landscape of rickshaws, cabs and all manner of SUVs, the Tesla Model Y stands out. This new look for the Model Y, drawn from the Cybertruck, gives it a clean, neo-futuristic vibe that's quite different from anything else you will find at this price. It's not flashy in the traditional sense but it does have size on its side. The Model Y looks quite a bit larger in the flesh than it does on a screen.

Surprisingly, the sharp low nose doesn't have a Tesla badge on it but you do get a full-width lightbar and headlamp clusters are smartly hidden. There's also not too much of the venting and aero touches that you see in other EVs.

Tesla is known to package its cars well and you see it right from the start with the massive 116-litre frunk. It's deep and shaped well enough for a couple of cabin bags and even has a drain plug in case you put a wet jacket in there.

In profile, the Model Y's aggressively arched roofline is quite noticeable. The bodywork is restrained but still pops with its sharp creases. The dark 19-inch wheels are chunky and their design goes with the futuristic sense of the car. You might think of the Model Y as an SUV but its 167 mm of ground clearance is a bit less than the average Indian SUV. So you still get a flat sporty stance.