Autocar India

Which Tesla Model Y variant should you buy?

The EV is sold in standard rear-wheel-drive and long-wheelbase all-wheel-drive guises.
3 min read29 May '26
Uday SinghUday Singh
2K+ views
Tesla Model Y

The Tesla Model Y is the EV manufacturer’s first offering in India. It is available here in standard rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and long-wheelbase all-wheel-drive (AWD) guises, with varying range figures, features and, of course, prices. The Model Y has been a strong seller in overseas markets, and if you are considering adding one to your garage, choosing the right variant is important. Here is a closer look at what each Model Y variant packs and which one is the better buy.

Tesla Model Y price list

Tesla Model Y ex-showroom prices
Variant
Premium RWD
Premium L AWD
Price
Rs 50.89 lakh
Rs 61.99 lakh

Tesla Model Y dimensions

Tesla Model Y dimensions
Variant
Premium RWD
Premium L AWD
Length
4,790mm
4,969mm
Width
1,982mm
1,982mm
Height
1,624mm
1,668mm
Wheelbase
2,890mm
3,040mm
Ground clearance
167mm
169mm
Wheels
19-inch
19-inch
Seating capacity
5
6

Compared to the standard-wheelbase Premium RWD variant, the long-wheelbase AWD variant is 179mm longer and 44mm taller, with a 150mm longer wheelbase. Its ground clearance is also marginally higher by 2mm. Seating capacity is where the AWD version stands apart, as it offers a six-seat layout. 19-inch wheels are standard, so there is no difference there.

Tesla Model Y range

Tesla Model Y range, battery
Premium RWD
Premium L AWD
Estimated battery size
63kWh
88.2kWh
Estimated power
299hp
514hp
Drive layout
RWD
AWD
WLTP range
500km
681km
0-100kph
5.9sec
5sec
Top speed
201kph
201kph
Maximum DC charging speed
175kW
250kW
Range top-up in 15 minutes
238km
288km

Aside from top speed, the standard and long-wheelbase Model Y versions differ in every other aspect. The Model Y L gets a 25.2kWh larger 88.2kWh battery, and it also has an AWD layout instead of RWD. Its 514hp combined output is also more than double that of the standard model, and it shaves 0.9 seconds off the 0-100kph sprint.

Speaking of maximum WLTP range on a single charge, the Model Y L can travel 181km further at 681km, which is a substantial advantage for long-distance driving. Charging performance is stronger, too, with a 75kW higher DC fast-charging capability. As a result, it can add 288km range in a 15-minute charging session, 50km more than the standard variant.

Tesla Model Y colours

Tesla Model Y colour options for India spec modelLeft to right: Diamond Black, Cosmic Silver, Glacier Blue, Pearl White, Stealth Grey and Ultra Red.

When it comes to the Tesla Model Y colour options, there are six to choose from. Only Stealth Grey is standard, while the rest are paid options: Pearl White (Rs 95,000), Diamond Black (Rs 95,000), Glacier Blue (Rs 1.25 lakh), Ultra Red (Rs 1.85 lakh) and Cosmic Silver (Rs 1.85 lakh).

Tesla Model Y variant-wise feature list

Premium RWD

Rs 50.89 lakh

  • 9 airbags
  • ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems)
  • 8 exterior cameras
  • Dashcam
  • Frunk
  • Connected headlights and tail-lights
  • 19-inch wheels with aero caps
  • Flush-fitting door handles
  • Powered tailgate
  • 5 seats
  • All-black interior (Zen Grey is optional)
  • 16-inch front touchscreen
  • 9 speakers
  • Heated steering and windshield
  • Glass roof
  • Electrically adjustable AC vents
  • Air filter
  • Powered front seats with recline, tilt, heating and ventilation
  • Powered folding second-row seats with heating
  • Ambient lighting
  • Aluminium detailing on trims
  • 8-inch second-row touchscreen
  • Multilink suspension with frequency-dependent damping

Premium L AWD

Rs 61.99 lakh

Over Premium RWD

  • 6-seater
  • Thigh extension for front seats
  • 9 speakers (total 18)
  • 1 subwoofer
  • Second-row captain seats with armrests
  • Powered folding third-row seats
  • Multilink suspension with electronic damping shocks

Which Tesla Model Y variant should you buy?

Tesla Model Y long wheelbaseTesla Model Y L Premium AWD.

Considering everything on offer, the Rs 61.99 lakh Tesla Model Y L Premium AWD is the variant we would pick, despite it commanding a Rs 11.10 lakh premium over the standard model. For the extra outlay, you get a dimensionally larger vehicle with seating for up to six occupants, a substantially longer WLTP-certified range and an AWD setup.

The added range will make long-distance journeys easier to plan, while the dual-motor AWD powertrain also delivers stronger performance. Moreover, the long-wheelbase version supports faster DC charging speeds, allowing it to add more range in a shorter time at charging stops. Taken together, the improvements in practicality, range, charging and performance make the top-spec Model Y L the more compelling package.

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