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Tesla could launch Model 3 in India in 2021; Bookings to open

28th December 2020, 10:08 by Kanad Kalasur

In India, the Model 3 is likely to be introduced as a completely built unit (CBU). It could be imported from China's Gigafactory.

According to a media report, electric carmaker Tesla could launch the Model 3 in India by the end of the first quarter of FY2021-22. Bookings for the same could resume in January 2021.

The Model 3 is Tesla's most successful offering till date. Some Indians had booked the car back in 2016, but at the time, the timeline for its launch was not confirmed. Globally, the car was launched in 2017.

In India, the Model 3 is likely to be introduced as a completely built unit (CBU). It could be imported from China's Gigafactory. Tesla Model 3 range now comes with an electric range of 354-523 km and 0-97 km/h time between 3.1-5.6 seconds. The car is offered in single and dual motor configurations.

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This is amazing news on many different counts. Some of GTO's thoughts:

- If Mahindra-Revas gave EVs a bad name, a Tesla Model 3 dual-motor will convert even the most diehard petrol / diesel fan. It is FAST, the torque will pin you to your seat and can be fun to drive.

- Tesla's EV tech is 5 - 7 years ahead of its rivals. When it comes to EVs, this is as good as it gets. I am making this comment after driving EVs from all the big names (including Mercedes, Audi, Nissan, Hyundai, MG etc.).

- Glad they are getting the newer Model 3 and not the old & on-its-way-out 1st gen Model S.

- CBU taxes will make it extremely expensive. Tesla should do CKD. That said, if Volvo can price its CBUs reasonably well, could Tesla too?

- Despite the expected stiff CBU price, it will have takers. Reason = Tesla is the "Apple" of cars and has immense brand cachet. I don't think any other automotive brand is cooler. The rich & elite will lap it up, just like they do 1.5 lakh rupee iPhones, 2-crore rupee weddings and 10-crore rupee homes. Don't forget that the Mercedes S-Class has a waiting period. If a millionaire really wants a car, the price doesn't make a difference.

- Rich dudes are bored of the usual luxury brands. They want something different. A Tesla will give them bragging rights too. The guy who owns a 4-crore holiday home in Alibaug, Goa or Pawna won't blink before cutting a 60-lakh cheque for a Tesla.

- What will help Tesla is it has no direct competition. There is simply nothing like a Tesla dual-motor (please please please bring the high power options in India).

- If you are in the market for a 60-lakh car, I would STRONGLY recommend waiting.

- Main downside of the Model 3 = the plain-jane boring interiors. There is simply no comparison to the cabin of a Mercedes / BMW / Audi. That said, it makes up with a lot of other cool features & innovations.

- Thinking of buying? Read Harshal's exceptional ownership report now!

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