Tesla intends to bring in the Model 3 sometime in 2026 in India. Tesla fever appears to have gripped the nation. At least for now. While Tesla is only retailing the global-spec Model Y in the country, the brand has stated that it intends to bring in the Model 3 sometime in 2026. It’s a logical corollary to the arrival of the Model Y, which shares much with the Model 3, including the platform, giga casting components and most aspects of the chassis and frame. Given that the Model Y is sold in global spec, with both variants featuring the same 60kWh battery, albeit in long-range and standard range models, the Model 3 is also likely to follow suit, keeping the AWD version out of the mix. Because as a CBU, it is already considerably, if not prohibitively, expensive. Story continues below Advertisement Video of Tesla car crash in China goes viral. Company warns against rumours The Model 3 is quiet and smooth to a fault. It remains to be seen how its suspension handles Indian roads, but on the Autobahn, it felt buttery smooth, with plenty of go at the tap of the throttle. The ride is plush and quiet, the visibility it offers is incredible. Seats aren’t the most well-bolstered but they remain softly cushioned and quite comfortable. Like most EVs, the Tesla corners flatly, is quick to accelerate and offers, in standard guise, a relatively sterile driving experience. Interiors The interiors continue to be something of a shortcoming because they’re so dramatically different from anything you’ve driven, EVs included. For starters, before setting-off in the car, you must fiddle with the massive 15.4-inch touchscreen which takes care of pretty much every function. Seriously, there isn’t even an indicator or wiper stalk behind the steering wheel – something that muscle memory takes some getting used to. The indicator functions have now been moved to the steering wheel. There’s no gauge, and, save for the ones on the steering, not a single button. Which means you must fix the seat position, temperature, drive mode, heck even the gear selector can only be accessed only via the screen. There is a notable uptick in the quality of materials but it’s still a tad frugal compared to what the competition offers. Which means it was only after 30-odd minutes of fiddling with the screen that the Tesla was ready to roll. Thankfully, it does remember your settings, so configuration is a one-time task. Verdict It’s unclear which spec of the Model 3 will make it to India. The global spec on the Model Y differs from the one sold in the US and the UK and the model imported to India comes from Tesla’s China factory. Other than the novelty of owning the brand, which may soon wear off, there isn’t much that the Model 3 offers over its competitors from BYD, Hyundai and BMW, in this range. However, without a dedicated Supercharger network, or approval for its Full Self Driving (FSD) package, the Model 3’s feathers will be summarily plucked, with two of the main reasons for buying a Tesla having been taken out of the equation. When the mist surrounding Tesla clears, it might find itself reduced to a bit player. Unless it invests in local manufacturing like many European carmakers did, decades ago. Parth Charan