2017 Tesla Model 3 dimensions & size guide

Measuring 4694 mm in length, 1849 mm in width (2088 mm including mirrors), and standing 1443 mm tall, the Tesla Model 3 (2017) is a compact executive saloon that feels balanced and agile. Its proportions give it a low, planted stance, emphasised by a long 2875 mm wheelbase that benefits both handling and interior space. Ground clearance of 140 mm strikes a middle ground between aerodynamics and everyday usability, allowing it to navigate city streets and motorways with ease.

Built around Tesla’s rigid electric platform, the Model 3’s structure integrates its battery pack into the floor, contributing to a low centre of gravity and a stable ride. The result is precise steering and minimal body roll, which are qualities that have helped it become one of the most dynamic EVs in its class. Despite its futuristic appearance, practicality remains at the heart of the design.

Inside, the Tesla Model 3 (2017) is defined by simplicity. The cabin features clean surfaces and a single central touchscreen that controls almost every vehicle function. This minimalist layout enhances the sense of space while showcasing Tesla’s software-led approach to vehicle design. The materials feel solid, and the flat floor design maximises legroom for all five occupants.

In terms of practicality, the Model 3 performs well for a mid-size saloon. It offers 542 litres of cargo capacity (VDA) with the seats up and up to 977 litres when folded, distributed between a front “frunk” and rear boot. That dual-storage setup gives it more flexibility than many petrol-powered rivals. With four doors and seating for five, the Model 3 is suited to both daily commuting and longer trips.

Curb weight stands at 1730 kg, a figure that reflects the dense battery pack but also contributes to a grounded, refined feel on the road. The Tesla Model 3 (2017) has a turning circle of 11.7 metres, giving it good manoeuvrability in tight spaces. Its aerodynamic shape (with a low drag coefficient) enhances range and efficiency, two of Tesla’s defining strengths.

The Model 3’s design balances technology and usability. Everything from its flush door handles to its panoramic glass roof is engineered to reduce drag and improve visibility. The result is a car that feels advanced yet familiar, embodying Tesla’s philosophy of forward-thinking engineering.

As the first mass-market Tesla, the Model 3 paved the way for the brand’s wider success. It sits below the larger Model S and Model X in size but shares much of their performance DNA. For many, it remains the definitive electric saloon, it’s efficient, modern, and surprisingly practical. The Tesla Model 3 (2017) might have been designed to make electric driving accessible, but it also set a new benchmark for what an everyday EV could achieve. See our full Tesla Size Guide where we explain each Tesla in plain English: what it is, who it suits, and exactly how big it feels in real life.