2021 Tesla Model S dimensions and size guide
2021 Tesla Model S
Add comparisonExterior dimensions
2021 Tesla Model S exterior dimensions
2021 Tesla Model S is substantially larger than the average sedan. At 502.1cm long, it is around 29cm, or 6%, longer, while its 198.7cm body width is approximately 16cm, or 9%, greater. For width including mirrors, it is about 13cm, or 6%, wider than average. This means both its length and width are likely to be noticeable when parking. Its 143cm height is around 3cm, or 2%, lower than average, while the 296cm wheelbase is approximately 18cm, or 6%, longer. Together, its length and width create a footprint of about 10m², roughly 1.3m², or 15%, larger than the sedan norm.
Measurements
Length
502.1 cm
Body width
198.7 cm
Width including mirrors
218.9 cm
Height
143 cm
Wheelbase
296 cm
Ground clearance
11.7 cm
Footprint
DriveSize footprint is overall length multiplied by body width.
10 m²
How the 2021 Tesla Model S's exterior dimensions compare with the average Sedan
Length
29.2 cm longer than the average Sedan
Body width
15.7 cm wider than the average Sedan
Width including mirrors
13.3 cm wider than the average Sedan
Height
2.8 cm shorter than the average Sedan
Wheelbase
17.9 cm longer wheelbase than the average Sedan
Ground clearance
2.3 cm less ground clearance than the average Sedan
DriveSize footprint
DriveSize footprint compares this car's footprint with the average footprint for the same class.
A positive percentage means a larger footprint and a negative percentage means a smaller footprint. About average means the rounded difference is 0%.
+15%
Larger footprint than the average Sedan
Fast facts
Fast facts
Only half of the regional spaces physically fit it
The Model S fits four of the eight standard parking spaces tested by DriveSize, and only USA/Canada provides comfortable surrounding room.
Everyday SAE cargo space is 79% above average
With all five seats in use, the Model S provides 709 litres of cargo space, around 313 litres more than the average sedan, giving it close to twice the usual room.
Ground clearance is 16% below average
At 11.7cm, the Model S leaves around 2.3cm less space beneath the car compared with an average sedan, so drivers would need to be slightly more cautious over tall speed humps, abrupt ramps or uneven roads.
It is 36% heavier than average
The Model S weighs 2,075kg, approximately 553kg more than the typical sedan.
2021 Tesla Model S front view
Cargo space & efficiency
2021 Tesla Model S cargo capacity and space efficiency
Keeping all five seats in use, the Model S provides 709 litres of published SAE cargo capacity. That is around 313 litres, or 79%, more than the average sedan, giving it close to twice the usual room for shopping, luggage or other everyday loads. Maximum SAE capacity rises to 1,739 litres, while the EV also provides a separate 89-litre front boot (frunk). Using both its seats-up and maximum cargo capacities, the Model S provides about 107 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.
709 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.
1,739 L
Frunk capacity
89 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 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.
107.2 L per m²
How the 2021 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.
313 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 2021 Tesla Model S fit in a standard parking space?
Only four of the eight standard regional parking spaces tested below can physically contain the Model S, and just USA/Canada provides comfortable surrounding room. Its footprint is around 15% larger than that of the average sedan, making standard spaces much more restrictive. China, Australia and the Middle East physically fit the car but remain tight. The United Kingdom, European Union, India and Japan spaces are too short to contain it.
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 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 38 cm per side, and length clearance is 23.5 cm at each end.
Body side clearance
38 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
23.5 cm
Usability
2021 Tesla Model S usability & manoeuvrability
The Model S has a 12.3m turning circle, around 1.2m, or 11%, wider than the average sedan. This means it requires more room than usual when making tight turns or changing direction in confined spaces. Its 2,075kg kerb weight is approximately 553kg, or 36%, above the sedan norm. Ground clearance is 11.7cm, around 2.3cm, or 16%, below average, leaving less space beneath the car over tall speed humps, abrupt ramps and uneven road surfaces.
Measurements
Doors
4
Max seats
5
Turning circle
12.3 m
Curb weight
2,075 kg
How the 2021 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
553 kg heavier than the average Sedan
DriveSize manoeuvrability
DriveSize manoeuvrability combines turning circle and footprint, with turning circle weighted more heavily.
A positive percentage means more manoeuvrable than the class average and a negative percentage means less manoeuvrable.
-11%
Less manoeuvrable than the average Sedan
2021 Tesla Model S rear view
DriveSize overview: 2021 Tesla Model S
Viewed in terms of its dimensions and capacities, the 2021 Tesla Model S may suit drivers who prioritise cargo space in a five-seat sedan. Its everyday SAE capacity is 79% above average, maximum capacity reaches 1,739 litres and the separate front boot adds another storage area.
Its exterior size brings clear compromises. The footprint is around 15% larger than average, only half of the eight visualised regional parking spaces physically fit it and its turning circle is 11% wider than the sedan norm. Ground clearance is also 16% below average.
For an earlier take on the same large electric sedan, compare it with the 2016 Tesla Model S.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Vehicle specifications on this page are sourced from official Tesla documentation. Unless the page identifies a specific trim, body style, powertrain or market version, DriveSize uses manufacturer-published specifications for the base model as its default reference. DriveSize standardises the published measurements and calculates the comparisons and derived figures shown. Figures can vary by market, model year, trim, powertrain, wheels, tyres and measurement method. How DriveSize sources and calculates these figures.