Tesla cars in India (2)

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When it comes to outright value for money, the BYD Sealion 7 makes a very strong case for itself. It is substantially more affordable than the Tesla Model Y L, while offering a plush, well-equipped cabin, strong performance and a more conventional premium-SUV feel. It also has more road presence, thanks to its lower, wider stance and more dramatic styling.The Model Y L justifies some of its premium with a more spacious three-row 2+2+2 layout, so it is the better choice if you genuinely need to carry six people. Its cabin is also more seamless in the way the software, controls and features work together. Tesla’s charging ecosystem is still a big advantage too, especially for frequent long-distance travel, and the Model Y L’s 681km WLTP range gives it an edge on paper. That said, the third row will be useful mainly for children or occasional use, rather than as a full-time adult seating solution. The Sealion 7 is a five-seater, but it feels more premium in terms of cabin ambience and equipment, and its warranty cover is reassuring: BYD offers an 8-year/1.6 lakh km warranty on the high-voltage powertrain and a 6-year/1.5 lakh km comprehensive vehicle warranty. Reliability is harder to call conclusively at this stage because Tesla is still relatively new to India, while BYD has built a more established local presence. Both are mature EV makers globally, but BYD’s longer warranty and local dealer support give it a slight advantage for peace of mind.Unless you specifically need the extra seats, the Sealion 7 is the one to go for. It delivers better value, stronger road presence, more cabin comfort and enough performance without the sizeable price jump to the Model Y L.

BYD Sealion 7

Tesla Model Y

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Unfortunately, there are very few EVs that will give you a real-world range of 600km - even though their official rating says so - and fewer still with a 7-seat layout. The only one that fits the bill is the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, whose price is around Rs 1.5 crore. If that fits your budget, then go for it, as it is one of the best luxury EVs you can buy in India today. The other three-row EVs lower down are the Tesla Model Y L (6 seater) and the Mahindra XEV 9S (6/7 seater). Both have official ratings of over 650km, but the real-world range is likely to be more in the region of 500km. In our real-world range test, the XEV 9S with the largest (79kWh) battery pack returned 477km overall, and while we haven't range tested the Model Y L, previous Tesla models have proven quite efficient. If your budget can accommodate the Tesla at around Rs 65 lakh, you should get it. If not, the Mahindra at around Rs 22-32 lakh should be adequate.

Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV

Tesla Model Y

Mahindra XEV 9S

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Go for the BYD Sealion 7. For a family of four stepping out of a Superb, it’s the comfier daily - softer ride, quieter cabin and a roomier rear bench than the Model Y, so city runs and school-office duty feel easy. Your 350-400 km trips should not be an issue with the big battery and fast-charging capabilities. It also gives similar range and kit for less money, so it’s the stronger value. The design is sleek enough and performance is properly quick for India, and though both are limited, BYD car has the edge on dealer network and reach at the moment.The Model Y is more playful to drive and its software and driver aids are slicker. It is the more tech forward choice, and if that's what you're after, it might be worth considering. The Model Y L definitely has the edge on space, although its real-world range and comfort is yet to be proven. It is a much larger vehicle, however, so driving in the city could be cumbersome compared to the others. The Y L is also quite a bit more expensive than the Sealion 7. Test drive both and see if you have a preference, as both the Tesla and BYD are good options, but we would pick the Sealion 7 for your requirement.

BYD Sealion 7

Tesla Model Y

Skoda Superb