Tesla has finally made its debut in India today with the Model Y electric SUV and it’s a proud moment for the American EV pioneer. The rear-wheel drive is priced at Rs 59.89 lakh (ex-showroom) and Rs 67.89 lakh for the long-range. But there’s also a downside – There is stiff competition from BYD’s Sealion 7, that was launched earlier this year with a significantly lower price.
The Tesla Model Y kicks off bookings from Tesla’s first Indian showroom, located in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex today. First deliveries will start in Q3 2025 and will be available for Mumbai, Delhi and Gurugram. But the premium Model Y has to compete with BYD’s cheaper Sealion 7.
Price War: Tesla Expensive Than BYD
The battle over pricing highlights a striking difference between the two electric SUVs. Model Y from Tesla is priced at Rs 59.89 lakh which is for the RWD and Rs 67.89 lakh for the long range. On-road prices are Rs 61.07 lakh and Rs 69.15 lakh, respectively.
Sealion7 which was launched by BYD a while back, is available for Rs 48.90 lakh for the Premium variant with prices going up to Rs 51.80 lakh for specific combinations. The Chinese SUV’s pricing is aggressively aimed at undercutting Tesla and is around Rs 11 lakh cheaper than Tesla’s base model.
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Range & Performance
The Tesla Model Y comes with two different ranges. The rear-wheel drive standard version gets 500 km on a full charge, and its long range variant ups it to 622 km. Both have similar top speed of 201 kmph and the RWD does 0-100 kmph in 5.9 seconds.
BYD Sealion 7 draws with its 82.5 kWh battery pack, regardless of the variant chosen. The Premium RWD model is supposed to go 567 km and the Performance AWD version 542 km. Its Performance variant of the Chinese SUV is also an absolute powerhouse, with 117bhp more than the Tesla.
Features & Technology: Different Philosophies
Tesla Model Y is a minimalistic car with a 15.4-inch touchscreen infotainment with an 8-inch rear touchscreen. The SUV comes with heated and ventilated seats, ambient lighting and eight exterior cameras. But, it’s missing something we all have come to expect from our sports cars: a good old-fashioned sunroof – instead, you get Tesla’s iconic glass roof.
The BYD Sealion 7 brings a long list of features with it, such as a 15.6-inch swivelling touchscreen, 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and the full range of ADAS systems. Other luxury appointments include dual-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, and high-end 12-speaker audio system.
Market Strategy: Premium Vs Volume Play
Tesla India Plans: High premium positioning at the outset is the approach. The Model Y has been brought to India as a CBU (Completely Built Unit) import, which in turn explains the high price tag because of high import duties. The electric vehicle company, Tesla, has “imported goods and cars worth nearly $1 million into India.”
For the Sealion 7, BYD follows a volume approach, this being its fourth product in India following the eMax 7, Atto 3 and Seal. The Chinese manufacturer has attractive launch offers including a 7-year/1.5 lakh km warranty and a free home charger installation for first buyers.
Internet Divided: Which SUV Wins?
The electric SUV war splits car lovers right in two. Defenders of Tesla point to the company’s global name recognition, sophisticated software, and impressive range. The minimalism and technology in the Model Y will attract tech-savvy buyers willing to pay a premium.
Supporters of BYD will be keen to point out the Sealion 7’s value for money, extensive equipment level and strong performance numbers. The Chinese-made SUV would therefore appeal to performance-driven consumers, offering a dual-motor AWD option and lower costs.
Verdict: On Luxury, Two Ways, Electrically
Tesla’s Model Y is American ingenuity with a side order of sticker shock and minimalist design. Range of 622 km and nameplate legitimacy make it well worth the premium for fans of the brand. But lack of availability and high costs could keep mass market from materializing.
The Sealion 7 is BYD’s offering of Chinese efficiency wrapped in a cost-friendly budget and action-packed feature set. With the Rs 11 lakh price saving and boatload of features, it’s available to a wider set of buyers. The dual-motor performance model brings joy to driving enthusiasts.
Ultimately, the fight comes down to what buyers prioritize—Tesla for brand and tech, BYD for value and features. Both SUVs are big strides for India’s nascent luxury electric vehicle space.