Tesla’s Next-Generation Roadster Eyes India as Bookings Open for INR 5.01 Lakh

Two versions of the new electric sports automobile Roadster are available for reserve in India, according to Tesla. Nonetheless, a third version, which may be able to fly, will be available to invited buyers only. Not long ago, the American manufacturer announced that its registrations had increased by 836% from April to September.

This puts the firm in third place among luxury electric vehicles sold in India, behind only Mercedes-Benz and BMW. The Roadster is an asymmetrical sports car with two seats and detachable roof panels that was designed for rapid acceleration; it differs from the company's current Model Y SUVs. The SR-71 and F-35 planes served as design inspiration for Tesla's model, which the company claims uses SpaceX parts.

Tesla’s Offerings to Indian Customers

Customers in India have the option to reserve both the Performance and Thrust customisations. The Performance highlights electric propulsion and aerodynamic grip, with a reported time of less than 1.6 seconds from zero to sixty miles per hour. With Thrust, buyers get rocket-inspired propulsion aid in a supposedly record-breaking time of less than 0.9 seconds.

The final confirmation of production specs is still pending.  Both the versions of the cars demand an initial deposit of INR 5.01 lakh. An further INR 45.05 lakh, bringing the total to INR 50.06 lakh, is required within 10 days for Performance. The total amount needed for Thrust's deposit is INR 2,50,25,000, with an additional INR 2,45,24,000 required.

India Eagerly Waits for Tesla’s Rocket Version

The final prices have not been revealed yet. It is possible that India may also see the launch of the third configuration, Rocket. But just a few lucky purchasers will have access to this version. It would be accessible only to those who were invited, and it would be equipped with propulsion technology borrowed from rockets that would allow it to fly. "The only catch is that it's by invitation only," a source in the business told a media house when asked about the possibility of Indian buyers signing up for Rocket. A rocket-derived propulsion system might further integrate automotive and aerospace engineering, according to the source.

Final permission from regulators and technical validation of the proposed flying capability are still pending. The first year of roadster production is set for 2028, with left-hand-drive automobiles being produced initially. No delivery dates have been set for India. Data collected by Vahan as of October 11 shows that between April and September of 2026, 646 Tesla automobiles were registered, up from 69 the previous year. The percentage of the luxury electric vehicle market that it controlled increased from 2.5% to 14.6%.

There were 296 registrations in September, which was more than Mercedes-Benz's 128. When comparing to well-established luxury brands, it's important to keep in mind that their distribution channels and market maturity levels may differ. Several well-established competitors in India run networks of more than 50 shops, bolstered by loyal customers and repeat business, in contrast to Tesla's seven centres.