Tesla Model 3 Spied Testing In Pune Ahead Of India Launch 

The Tesla Model 3 is being tested in India ahead of its launch, if a video posted on YouTube is to believed. A blue-coloured Model 3 was spotted testing in Pune which was captured by a Youtuber called the Fat Biker. The video in question shows the dual-motor variant of the Model 3 being tested. The Model 3 in question had 18-inch wheels wrapped in the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S Performance tyres along with an aero kit that increases the electric range. Importantly, this was a car that had a temporary number plate from Maharastra. Right now there are no details on which variants of the Model 3 Tesla plans on bringing to India, however, there were reports that the world's highest capitalised automaker could be bringing its best selling car to India around June. 

In India, the car is expected to have a price tag in excess of Rs. 60 Lakh considering it will incur full import and customs duty if it is imported from China where Tesla has a gigafactory. 

The base variant of the car has a 423 km range and a 0-100 kmph acceleration of 5.3 seconds. Its top speed is 225 km/h. The long-range model which is the mid-variant has an impressive 568 km range, 0-100 kmph acceleration in 4.2 seconds with 233 kmph as its top speed. The top of the line performance trim gets 506 km of range and 3.1 seconds with a top speed of 260 kmph. 

It is known that Tesla imported 3 sedans in India for the purposes of testing, validation and homologation by the Automotive Research Of India. This will involve some other approvals as well. 

Recently Tesla launched a new version of the Model 3 which could land up in India 

Tesla plans on bringing a completely built unit from the China gigafactory, but if the product gets a good commercial response then Tesla will also bring it as a completely knocked down unit with will reduce its cost further. Local manufacturing, however, will be key to the launch of more affordable Tesla's in India which are in line with its global pricing. But those seem like a longtime away as Tesla has no local infrastructure in India. 

The Model 3 is already the best selling executive sedan in the world and will likely compete with offerings from BMW, Mercedes and Audi in India. In the future, it also has plans of launching a more affordable hatchback which will likely also find many takers in India. 

Source: YouTube.com/RashRP