Tesla cars in India (2)

Autocar India

•6d

While both your shortlisted EVs are excellent in their own right, they do have their shortcomings. The Tesla Model Y L is priced at Rs 62 lakh (ex-showroom), putting it outside your budget, and though it has an impressive WLTP range, it has yet to be proven in the real world. Similarly, though the BYD Sealion 7 represents excellent value for money, its real-world range is far removed from its official figure, and in our real-world test, the dual-motor version managed around 370km on a full charge. Of the two, we'd recommend the Sealion 7, which offers better value overall than the Tesla. However, another EV you should consider in your price range is the recently unveiled Hyundai Ioniq 5 facelift. The original model came the closest to delivering a real-world 500km range in our tests, and this new one, with its larger 84kWh battery, should easily cross that figure. Hyundai's EV powertrains are among the most efficient around, and the Ioniq 5 is as well-appointed and equipped, spacious and comfortable as the best out there.

Tesla Model Y

BYD Sealion 7

Hyundai Ioniq 5

Autocar India

•11m

The BMW iX1 LWB is the strongest value-for-money package here, priced at Rs. 53-54 lakh. It gives you a solid luxury badge, a spacious and practical cabin, good tech and features, and an enjoyable driving experience at a very competitive price for what it offers.The BYD Sealion 7 also delivers a very premium experience and, if anything, feels a touch more luxurious inside than the iX1, with strong performance and range. However, it still cannot match BMW for badge pull, dealer reach and long-term service ecosystem, which matters for a first luxury purchase.We actually quite like the Tesla Model Y L: it’s very aggressively priced for a three-row imported EV, gives you all-wheel drive, excellent range and that useful third row where your child can sit comfortably and safely. Your concern about resale is valid, but most EVs take a bigger depreciation hit anyway, and because the Model Y L is priced keenly for a CBU, the percentage drop in value may not be disproportionately worse than rivals if demand holds up. Also, there is unlikely to be any import duty reduction that may impact the resale value in the near future since the Model Y is made in China. The upcoming BMW iX3 and Mercedes GLC EV will likely feel the most premium and high-tech of all, with plenty of wow factor, especially in their cabins and brand perception. They will definitely be more expensive and, realistically, you’re looking at at least another 6-10 months before they’re easily available, so you have to weigh that wait and budget stretch against how soon you want to start enjoying the car.

BMW iX1 LWB

BYD Sealion 7

Tesla Model Y

Autocar India

•14w

There are currently no electric options available at the Rs 1 crore on-road price point. In fact, there's a wide gap between Rs 70 lakh and Rs 1.2 crore. However, the gap will be filled over the next 18-20 months with new models such as the Audi Q6 E-tron, Mercedes GLC EV and BMW iX3. At present, the BMW iX1 LWB and Tesla Model Y are the best electric cars under Rs 70 lakh. The iX1 stands out in space and is actually a great value. The Tesla car, on the other hand, makes an impression by being very different from other EVs in terms of design, interior, and technology.Around the Rs 1.2 crore mark, the BMW iX is the best EV out there. A facelift is due in a few months, so you could push for big discounts on the outgoing model.

Tesla Model Y

BMW iX3

BMW iX1 LWB

Audi Q6 e-tron