The wait for Tesla in India just got a lot more exciting. With the official showroom in Bengaluru yet to open its doors, the Tesla Model Y Pop-up Experience at the Acko Drive Service Centre in Kudlu Gate (running from January 15–31, 2026) has become the go-to destination for EV enthusiasts.
We recently spent time at the event, taking a deep dive into the Model Y with a full walkaround and a short 10-km test drive through the Electronic City route. Here is our firsthand experience with the world’s best-selling electric SUV.
The Pop-up Experience: First Impressions
The atmosphere at Kudlu Gate was electric. Despite the venue being a “pop-up,” the Tesla team provided a premium, high-tech experience. We were greeted by four stunning Model Ys in a variety of signature colors: Pearl White, Diamond Black, Quicksilver, and Ultra Red. While the Ultra Red car was an absolute head-turner, we chose the Pearl White for our shoot and drive. The build quality, both inside and out, felt exceptionally premium—dispelling any myths about Tesla’s “minimalism” feeling “basic.”
The Interior: A Tech-First Masterpiece
Inside, the first thing you notice is the lack of physical buttons. No plastics or piano-black finishes clutter the cabin. Instead, you are met with a massive 16-inch central touchscreen that acts as the brain of the vehicle.
- True Touch Input: From shifting gears (Forward/Reverse) and opening the frunk/boot to adjusting the AC vent directions via a “drag-and-drop” UI, everything is digital and seamless.
- Rear Comfort: Passengers aren’t forgotten. There is an 8-inch rear touchscreen for entertainment and climate control, plus a massive panoramic sunroof that makes the cabin feel incredibly airy.
- Cargo Space: The Model Y is a utility king. With the press of a button in the boot, the rear seats recline or fold flat, opening up a massive 2,138 liters of space—perfect for bicycles or heavy luggage.
Watch the Tesla Model Y Video Review
The Drive: 10 Kilometers of Silent Power
Taking the Model Y out onto the busy Bengaluru roads gave us a real-world perspective on its performance.
- Acceleration & NVH: We tested the acceleration to its limit, and it is every bit as punchy as promised (hitting 0-100 km/h in just 5.6s for the Long Range). More impressively, the NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) levels were superb. The outside chaos of Bangalore disappeared the moment we closed the doors.
- Regenerative Braking & “Hold” Mode: The car uses aggressive regen to feed power back to the battery. There is no traditional “hill hold” button; the car simply sticks to the ground and won’t roll back on inclines, moving only when the pedal is pressed.
- Ground Clearance: While the spec sheet lists 167 mm, the Model Y handled the speed breakers on the Electronic City route without any issues.
- Graphics & Visuals: While Full Self-Driving (FSD) is not yet active for the Indian market, the screen displays a beautiful real-time graphical representation of all surrounding vehicles and objects, making the drive feel incredibly modern.
Tesla Model Y India Specifications
| Feature | Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) | Long Range RWD |
| Battery | Standard Range | Long Range |
| Range (WLTP) | 500 km | 661 km |
| 0-100 km/h | 5.9 seconds | 5.6 seconds |
| Top Speed | 201 km/h | 201 km/h |
| Supercharging | 175 kW Max | 250 kW Max |
| Charging Speed | 238 km in 15 mins | 267 km in 15 mins |
| Weight | 1,928 kg | 1,901 kg |
| Ground Clearance | 167 mm | 167 mm |
Pricing and the D2C Advantage
The Tesla Model Y in India is currently sold as a CBU (Completely Built Unit), which attracts high custom duties. This puts the top-end model at roughly ₹70 Lakhs INR. For context, the same car in the USA costs approximately ₹42 Lakhs INR.
Tesla is sticking to its D2C (Direct-to-Consumer) model. There are no middlemen or traditional dealerships. The brand manages everything from sales to service directly, ensuring a premium, consistent experience for every owner.
Final Thoughts
The Model Y feels like a smartphone on wheels—unconventional, powerful, and remarkably smart. If you are in Bengaluru, the pop-up at Kudlu Gate is a must-visit to see the future of Indian mobility firsthand.
Stay tuned for our full video walkaround coming soon! Scroll down after FAQs for the full photo gallery of Tesla Model Y in Pearl White Color.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the ground clearance of the Tesla Model Y in India?
The Model Y has an unladen ground clearance of 167 mm, which proved sufficient for navigating Bengaluru’s standard speed breakers and urban roads during our test drive.
2. Is Full Self-Driving (FSD) available in India?
Currently, FSD is not functional for the Indian market. However, the car still features advanced sensors and a high-resolution camera system that acts as a built-in dashcam and provides 360-degree situational awareness.
3. How much range does the Model Y offer?
The Standard RWD variant offers a WLTP range of 500 km, while the Long Range RWD variant offers a significantly higher range of 661 km on a single charge.
4. Where can I experience the Tesla Model Y in Bengaluru?
Until a permanent showroom is established, you can visit the Tesla Pop-up Experience at the Acko Drive Service Centre, Kudlu Gate, Bangalore (available through late January 2026).
5. How does the gear shifting work without a lever?
The Model Y uses a touch-based interface on the 16-inch central screen. You simply slide up for Drive and down for Reverse, offering a clean and futuristic dashboard design.
Tesla Model Y Photos – Pearl White
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