2016 Tesla Model S dimensions & size guide

At 4970 mm long, 1964 mm wide (2189 mm including mirrors), and 1445 mm tall, see how the 2016 Tesla Model S shares the same proportions as the first generation in our Tesla Model S 2012 vs Tesla Model S 2016 visual size overlay, maintaining its low, sleek profile. The subtle refresh introduced a smoother front fascia, removing the faux grille and giving the car a cleaner, more aerodynamic look. It’s a small change, but one that helped signal Tesla’s growing design confidence with function leading over form. The 2960 mm wheelbase provides ample cabin space, and its long, flowing roofline gives the car a graceful, fastback silhouette.

Tesla’s approach to engineering stayed true to the original Model S concept but with refinements that made the 2016 model even more composed. The battery pack remains integrated along the floor, creating a low centre of gravity and improving handling balance. A ground clearance of 117 mm keeps it aerodynamically efficient while still practical enough for everyday roads. At around 2100 kg, the Tesla Model S feels solid but responsive, with immediate torque that makes acceleration effortless. Even several years after launch, it was still quicker and smoother than most cars on the road.

Inside, Tesla continued its minimalist vision. The 2016 version introduced updated materials and subtle design tweaks that made the cabin feel more refined without losing its futuristic simplicity. They kept the large portrait touchscreen as the centre console, controlling nearly every function from navigation to climate and lighting. The absence of clutter gives the cabin a calm, open feel, while the glass roof option adds to the sense of space. It’s an environment designed around technology and comfort rather than tradition.

Practicality remains a strong point. The Tesla Model S (2016) offers 864 litres of cargo space (VDA) with the rear seats up, expanding to 1705 litres when folded, which are generous figures for a performance saloon. The split storage between the rear boot and front trunk (“frunk”) makes it far more versatile than most of its rivals. With four doors and five seats, it functions as a true everyday car despite its high performance.

The 12.3-metre turning circle is typical for a large saloon, but Tesla’s precise steering and well-balanced suspension make it feel easy to place on the road. The air suspension smooths out rough surfaces and can raise or lower the ride height depending on conditions. Combined with instant electric power delivery, the result is a driving experience that feels both effortless and controlled.

By 2016, the Model S had also begun incorporating Tesla’s growing suite of technology, including early versions of its Autopilot driver-assistance system. It added another layer of sophistication, showing that Tesla wasn’t just building electric cars, it was reimagining the driving experience altogether.

The 2016 Tesla Model S represented a confident evolution of an already ground-breaking car. It was sleeker, smarter, and more cohesive than before, setting the stage for Tesla’s continued growth and future models like the Model 3 and Model X, take a look in our full 2025 Tesla Size Guide. Even today, it stands as proof of how quickly Tesla turned the idea of electric luxury into a new automotive standard.