2016 Tesla Model S dimensions and size guide
2016 Tesla Model S
Add comparisonExterior dimensions
2016 Tesla Model S exterior dimensions
The 2016 Tesla Model S occupies noticeably more road space than the average sedan. Its 497cm length is around 24cm, or 5%, longer, while its 196.4cm width excluding mirrors is approximately 13cm, or 7%, wider. Including the mirrors, it remains about 13cm, or 6%, wider than the class norm, so both the space in front and behind and the room between the lines are likely to matter when parking. At 144.5cm tall, the Model S is almost exactly average in height. Its 296cm wheelbase is around 18cm, or 6%, longer, while the overall footprint is about 9.8m², roughly 1.1m², or 13%, larger than the typical sedan.
Measurements
Length
497 cm
Width (excluding mirrors)
196.4 cm
Width (including mirrors)
218.9 cm
Height
144.5 cm
Wheelbase
296 cm
Ground clearance
14 cm
Footprint
DriveSize footprint is overall length multiplied by body width excluding mirrors.
9.8 m²
How the 2016 Tesla Model S's exterior dimensions compare with the average Sedan
Length
24.1 cm longer than the average Sedan
Width (excluding mirrors)
13.4 cm wider than the average Sedan
Width (including mirrors)
13.3 cm wider than the average Sedan
Height
1.3 cm shorter than the average Sedan
Wheelbase
17.9 cm longer wheelbase than the average Sedan
Ground clearance
Same ground clearance as 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
The turning circle is 11% wider than average
At 12.3m, the Model S needs around 1.2m more space to complete a turn than the typical sedan, which matters in confined streets and car parks.
Everyday SAE cargo space is 88% above average
Its 744.7-litre capacity with all five seats in use is around 349 litres above the sedan norm, providing nearly twice the usual room for daily or bigger loads.
It is 33% heavier than average
The Model S weighs 2,027kg, approximately 505kg more than the typical sedan.
Only one regional space provides comfortable access
Out of the eight standard spaces used by DriveSize, only USA/Canada leaves comfortable surrounding room once parked.
2016 Tesla Model S front view
Cargo space & efficiency
2016 Tesla Model S cargo capacity and space efficiency
With all five seats occupied, the Model S provides 744.7 litres of published SAE cargo capacity. That is approximately 349 litres, or 88%, more than the average sedan, giving it nearly twice the usual room for a weekly shop, luggage or other regular loads. Maximum SAE capacity reaches 1,645.2 litres, and being EV, it also provides a separate 59.5-litre front boot. Allowing for both seats-up and maximum capacity, the Model S offers about 109 litres of cargo space per square metre of ground space.
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
60 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 2016 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 2016 Tesla Model S fit in a standard parking space?
Seven of the eight standard regional parking spaces used by DriveSize can physically fit the Model S between the lines, but comfortable entry and exit access is limited to USA/Canada. Its above-average length and width make it a demanding car to place in most standard spaces. The United Kingdom space is too short to fit the vehicle. The European Union, India and Japan are the most restrictive of the physical fits, while China, Australia and the Middle East 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
2016 Tesla Model S usability & manoeuvrability
At 12.3m, the 2016 Model S's turning circle is around 1.2m, or 11%, wider than the average sedan. Alongside a footprint that is 13% larger than average, this means the car requires additional room both when parked and while making tight turns. Its 2,027kg kerb weight is approximately 505kg, or 33%, above the sedan norm. Ground clearance is 14cm, exactly average, so it provides a typical amount of under-car space over speed bumps, ramps and uneven road surfaces.
Measurements
Doors
4
Max seats
5
Turning circle
12.3 m
Curb weight
2,027 kg
How the 2016 Tesla Model S's usability and manoeuvrability compare with the average Sedan
Turning circle
1.2 m larger turning circle than the average Sedan
Curb weight
505 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.
89%
11% less manoeuvrable than the average Sedan
2016 Tesla Model S rear view
DriveSize overview: 2016 Tesla Model S
Its dimensions and capacities suggest that the Tesla Model S may suit drivers who want a sedan with a large amount of cargo space - compared to the average sedan, the 2016 Model S has nearly twice the average everyday SAE amount, a substantial maximum capacity and a separate front boot.
The trade-off is that its spatial demands are consistently above average. Its footprint is around 13% larger, its turning circle is 11% wider, only one regional parking space provides comfortable access and its kerb weight is approximately 33% above the sedan norm.
The earlier 2013 Tesla Model S shares virtually identical 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.