This marks Elon Musk's long-awaited and ambitious move into India. But the big question remains - can Tesla really succeed here, beyond the glamour and buzz?
The internet has responded with a mix of excitement and humour. Social media is full of memes joking about Tesla's Autopilot dealing with Indian roads - dodging cows, potholes, wrong-side drivers, and chaotic traffic.
Some even laugh at the idea of auto-parking in crowded streets already taken over by hawkers and scooters.
But the real challenge is price. Import duties in India are very high, sometimes up to 100%. This means models like the Model 3 and Model Y will be priced in the ultra-luxury segment.
Tesla will compete directly with well-established luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi. These brands already have loyal customers and stronger service networks across India.
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Still, India is a country driven by aspiration. In cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, there are plenty of people willing to pay for status and style.
For them, Tesla may be more about prestige than eco-friendly tech. For now, the first batch of buyers is likely to respond well.
However, long-term success won't come from hype alone. Tesla must build a local strategy.
That includes setting up manufacturing plants to reduce costs, pushing for lower EV import taxes, and building charging stations in cities and on highways. India's electric vehicle market is growing, but it's uneven and slow.
If Tesla wants to be more than just a flashy showroom brand, it must become part of daily Indian life. Otherwise, it risks becoming just another premium product that couldn't understand India's unique challenges.