2013 Tesla Model S dimensions and size guide
2013 Tesla Model S
Add comparisonExterior dimensions
2013 Tesla Model S exterior dimensions
The 2013 Tesla Model S is larger than the average sedan in the dimensions most likely to affect parking. Its 497cm body is around 24cm, or 5%, longer than the class norm, while its 196.3cm width excluding mirrors is approximately 13cm, or 7%, greater. With its mirros extended, it is about 13cm, or 6%, wider than average. Its 142.7cm height is roughly 3cm, or 2%, shorter, while the 296cm wheelbase is around 18cm, or 6%, longer. Together, its length and width create a footprint of about 9.8m², approximately 1.1m², or 13%, larger than the sedan norm.
Measurements
Length
497 cm
Width (excluding mirrors)
196.3 cm
Width (including mirrors)
218.9 cm
Height
142.7 cm
Wheelbase
296 cm
Ground clearance
15.5 cm
Footprint
DriveSize footprint is overall length multiplied by body width excluding mirrors.
9.8 m²
How the 2013 Tesla Model S's exterior dimensions compare with the average Sedan
Length
24.1 cm longer than the average Sedan
Width (excluding mirrors)
13.3 cm wider than the average Sedan
Width (including mirrors)
13.3 cm wider than the average Sedan
Height
3.1 cm shorter than the average Sedan
Wheelbase
17.9 cm longer wheelbase than the average Sedan
Ground clearance
1.5 cm more ground clearance than the average Sedan
DriveSize footprint score
DriveSize footprint score compares this car's footprint with the average footprint for the same class.
A score near 100% means it is close to class average size. Lower scores mean it sits further from that average, either smaller or larger.
87%
13% larger than the average Sedan
Fast facts
Fast facts
Everyday SAE cargo space is 88% above average
With all five seats in use, the Model S provides 744.7 litres of cargo capacity, around 349 litres more than the average sedan, giving it nearly twice the usual space for daily loads.
The turning circle is only 2% wider
At 11.3m, the Model S needs around 21cm more space to turn than the average sedan, a small difference for a car with a 13% larger footprint.
Ground clearance is 11% above average
Its 15.5cm clearance provides around 1.5cm more under-car space than the sedan norm, which will help a little when driving on uneven roads or over bumps.
Only one regional space provides comfortable access
The Model S physically fits seven of the eight standard spaces used by DriveSize, but USA/Canada is the only one with comfortable surrounding room.
2013 Tesla Model S front view
Cargo space & efficiency
2013 Tesla Model S cargo capacity and space efficiency
With all five seats in use, the Model S provides 744.7 litres of published SAE cargo capacity. That is around 349 litres, or 88%, above the sedan average, giving it nearly twice the usual space for shopping, luggage or other everyday loads. Maximum SAE capacity is 1,645.2 litres, while a separate 150.1-litre front boot (frunk) provides another storage area, thanks to the Model S being an EV. Taking its seats-up and maximum cargo capacity into account, the Model S provides about 109 litres per square metre of ground space under SAE.
Measurements
Standard cargo capacity (SAE)
The standard cargo capacity using SAE, the method commonly used in the US.
This is the manufacturer's normal published figure; it does not imply a particular seat configuration.
745 L
Largest cargo capacity (SAE)
The largest cargo capacity using SAE, the method commonly used in the US.
If only one SAE figure is published, the standard and largest values are the same.
1,645 L
Frunk capacity
150 L
Cargo space vs length
This DriveSize metric divides blended cargo volume by overall vehicle length.
Blended cargo uses 65% of the standard figure and 35% of the largest figure, using VDA where available and SAE otherwise.
213.3 L per m
Cargo space vs footprint
This DriveSize metric divides blended cargo volume by footprint.
Blended cargo uses 65% of the standard figure and 35% of the largest figure, using VDA where available and SAE otherwise.
It helps show how efficiently a car turns exterior area into usable cargo space.
108.6 L per m²
How the 2013 Tesla Model S's cargo space and efficiency compare with the average Sedan
Standard cargo capacity (SAE)
The standard cargo capacity using SAE, the method commonly used in the US.
This is the manufacturer's normal published figure; it does not imply a particular seat configuration.
349 L more cargo volume than the average Sedan
Largest cargo capacity (SAE)
The largest cargo capacity using SAE, the method commonly used in the US.
If only one SAE figure is published, the standard and largest values are the same.
Class benchmark unavailable.
Parking
Will the 2013 Tesla Model S fit in a standard parking space?
The Model S physically fits into seven of the eight standard regional parking spaces used by DriveSize below, but only USA/Canada provides comfortable surrounding room. Its 13% larger footprint makes it substantially more restrictive to park than the average sedan. The United Kingdom space cannot physically contain the car. The European Union, India and Japan are especially tight, while China, Australia and the Middle East fit the vehicle but still leave limited room for opening the doors and getting in or out.
DriveSize parking fit score
DriveSize compares the car's width and length with typical parking-space sizes by region.
Vehicle dimensions are rounded up and available side or length clearance is rounded down.
Side clearance is based on body width excluding mirrors where available; real spaces can vary because of mirrors, walls, pillars, kerbs, bay markings, and nearby cars.
For an average USA / Canada space: body side clearance is 39 cm per side (excluding mirrors), and length clearance is 26.5 cm at each end.
Body side clearance (excluding mirrors)
39 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
26.5 cm
Usability
2013 Tesla Model S usability & manoeuvrability
2013 Model S has an 11.3m turning circle, around 21cm, or 2%, wider than the average sedan. It therefore needs only slightly more room to turn even though its footprint occupies approximately 13% more ground space. Its 1,999kg kerb weight is around 477kg, or 31%, above the sedan norm. Ground clearance is 15.5cm, approximately 1.5cm, or 11%, above average, giving the underside a little more separation from the road.
Measurements
Doors
4
Max seats
5
Turning circle
11.3 m
Curb weight
1,999 kg
How the 2013 Tesla Model S's usability and manoeuvrability compare with the average Sedan
Turning circle
0.2 m larger turning circle than the average Sedan
Curb weight
477 kg heavier than the average Sedan
DriveSize manoeuvrability score
DriveSize manoeuvrability score combines turning circle and footprint, with turning circle weighted more heavily.
Around 100% means in line with the class average; higher scores indicate better manoeuvrability relative to similar cars.
95%
5% less manoeuvrable than the average Sedan
2013 Tesla Model S rear view
DriveSize overview: 2013 Tesla Model S
Considering its dimensions and capacities, the 2013 Tesla Model S may suit drivers who want a sedan with a huge amount of cargo size - the Model S has nearly twice the sedan average everyday SAE cargo space, a substantial maximum capacity and a separate front boot (frunk). Its turning circle is only 2% wider than average, much less than the 13% increase in its footprint.
Its exterior size is the main compromise. The Model S does not physically fit the standard United Kingdom parking space, only USA/Canada provides comfortable surrounding room, and its kerb weight is around 31% above the sedan norm.
Move forward three years to the 2016 Tesla Model S for virtually identical exterior dimensions and cargo figures.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Vehicle specifications on this page are sourced from official Tesla documentation. All DriveSize comparisons are calculated from manufacturer-published specifications.