Tesla India has taken another important step in expanding its presence in the country by opening its first Tesla-Approved Body Shop in Pune. Alongside this, the company has also started test drives for the 2026 Model Y Premium Rear-Wheel Drive and Model Y L in Pune and nearby regions, giving customers a better chance to experience its EVs before buying.
This move is significant because it addresses one of the most important concerns for premium EV buyers in India: after-sales support. With the new approved body shop, Tesla is offering local owners in Maharashtra access to genuine parts, trained technicians and Tesla-standard collision repair, which should improve confidence among existing and prospective customers.
What Tesla has launched
The newly opened body shop is designed to handle professional collision repair and bodywork, software-aware diagnostics and repairs, and service support that helps maintain safety and performance. Tesla says the facility will reduce downtime for owners and make ownership easier for customers in Pune and across Maharashtra.
At the same time, Tesla has made the 2026 Model Y Premium Rear-Wheel Drive and the Model Y L available for test drives. Customers can book a test drive through Tesla’s official website or by calling the company’s toll-free number, which makes it easier for interested buyers to compare the variants before placing an order.
Model Y Premium Rear-Wheel Drive
The 2026 Model Y Premium Rear-Wheel Drive is the more accessible of the two variants on test drive. It offers up to 2,138 litres of storage space, seating for five passengers, power-folding seats and a claimed 0-100 km/h time of 5.9 seconds. Tesla says the SUV can deliver a driving range of up to 500 km on the WLTP cycle.
In India, this variant is priced at Rs 50.89 lakh, with a down payment starting from Rs 6 lakh and monthly EMIs beginning at Rs 39,990. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in July 2026.
For buyers who want a premium electric SUV with strong performance but do not need the largest cabin in the lineup, this version is likely to be the more practical choice.
Model Y L
The Model Y L is the larger and more family-oriented version. It uses an all-wheel-drive layout and gets a three-row, six-seat configuration, which makes it more suitable for larger families or buyers who want extra versatility. Tesla says it has more headroom, legroom and comfort for all occupants.
The Model Y L can do 0-100 km/h in 5.0 seconds and offers a range of up to 681 km WLTP, while cargo space goes up to 2,539 litres. That makes it one of the most practical long-range premium EVs Tesla has introduced for the Indian market.
Its price starts at Rs 61.99 lakh, with a down payment of Rs 6.5 lakh and monthly EMIs from Rs 49,990.timesofindia.
Why Pune matters
Tesla’s choice of Pune is important because the city has a growing EV user base, a strong industrial ecosystem and a large population of professionals who are open to premium electric mobility. By opening a Tesla-Approved Body Shop there, the company is not only improving service access but also signalling a stronger long-term commitment to India.
For Tesla owners, the local body shop means less travel, faster service and more peace of mind. For potential customers, it removes one of the key hesitations around EV ownership: what happens if the car needs repair or bodywork after an accident.
Bigger picture for Tesla in India
This launch is less about a single service centre and more about building a complete ownership ecosystem. Tesla has been gradually expanding its retail, charging and service footprint in India, and the Pune facility adds another layer to that strategy.
By pairing service support with test drives, Tesla is making the buying journey more tangible. Buyers can now experience the cars, understand the difference between the RWD and Model Y L, and feel more confident about service support after purchase.
Tesla’s first approved body shop in Pune is a meaningful move because it strengthens the ownership experience at the same time as the company starts broader customer engagement through Model Y test drives. The combination of after-sales support and product access could make Tesla feel more local, more practical and more trustworthy for Indian buyers.
With the Model Y Premium RWD and Model Y L now open for test drives, Tesla is clearly shifting from market entry to market consolidation in India.
