Model 3 Dimensions

[Skione65]

To anyone with the Design Knowledge, can you tell me what the Model 3 Dimensions and Wheelbase are. I'm looking for 'Size' comparisons to (a) the Model S, it's Tesla Big Brother, and (b) the BMW 3 series which is constantly regarded as its size and price competitor in many arenas. Trying to get a grasp and handle on its 'real world Dimensions and size'.

Thanks In Advance!
Ski

 

[Tim K]

I look forward to hearing the answer to this as well. The Model S was too big for my garage, but the Nissan Leaf fit just fine. I'm expecting/hoping the Model 3 will be much closer to the Leaf in length/width.

Cheers,
Tim

 

[TrevP]

We don't know the exact dimensions of the Model 3 yet. It's in the same size class a a BMW 3 series or an Audi A4 so if you look up their sizes you'l be able to judge for yourself.

Once we know the sizes for sure we will update the FAQ.

 

[tesla4therestofus]

In the meantime this overlay with model s is interesting.

 

[MelindaV]

In the meantime this overlay with model s is interesting.

I like how the Model3 is a sharp photo and the Model S is a little out of focus

 

[LUXMAN]

I found some interesting Pics on the Net. They essentially show the M3 to be the size of a BMW 3 series like we keep hearing.
The last one is of course pure speculation.

 

[James Alexander]

I'm sure that I read Tim Stevens say that the Model 3 was the same size and had the same stance as the Mazda 3.

 

[MelindaV]

I have probably the smallest 2-car garage possible, so I'm hoping the Model 3 not being more than a couple inches larger than my second car's size of 185" long x 70" wide.
The current car's front bumper is right on the WH pipe bollard and the back bumper is about 2 or 3" inside the door and 2 or 3 inches clearance on one side and about 6" between it and the daily driver and about 24" on the drive side of the DD.
I even had the passing idea of swapping out the water heater with an in-line tankless WH to make more room if needed

 

[Van Shrider]

I don't know why people complain about trunk space when the rest of the same sedan class has less space when you think about the trunk and fronk combined.

 

[James Alexander]

Sorry it wasn't Tim Stevens, it was Car and Driver.

 

[James Alexander]

As a comparison, Here are the details for my Leaf.

 

[LUXMAN]

I was out yesterday and I saw a Mazda 3 the folks say is comparable in size. THAT THING IS SMALL. Then I saw a Mazda 5 not long after and that was a much better size. Did anyone here attend the Reveal and get an actual sense of the cars size?

 

[garsh]

As luck would have it, I had just rented a Mazda 3 this past weekend.

Dimensions for a Mazda 3:
Length: 176″-180" (hatchback vs sedan)
Width: 71″ W
Height: 57″ H

Likely dimensions for the Model 3:
Length: ~180" (several analysis posts within 5" of this value)
Width: ~69" (without mirrors, based on this post and making some guesses at intersection angles)
Height: ~55" (just a little shorter than the Model S based on overlay photo above)

So it may actually be smaller than a Mazda 3!

 

[Skione65]

How does the Model 3 estimated size compare to the Honda Civic? 2007-2015 model years before the current redesign?

Ski

 

[MelindaV]

here's the 2015 Civic dimensions
178-179"L x 69"W x 55-57" H

 

[LUXMAN]

It just doesn't seem that small in the Pics and Videos. Shoot, the Mazda has the same wheelbase as my leaf!

 

[TrevP]

I will ask someone I know who actually rode in the prototype to confirm what they thought the size was like.

I think pictures of the Model 3 make it appear smaller than it really is. I'm pretty sure it more BMW 328 sized.

 

[NOLA3Guy]

Sorry it wasn't Tim Stevens, it was Car and Driver.

View attachment 123 View attachment 124

These are the stats of the Mazda 3, not the Model 3? I got concerned when I read this because I went to test a BMW 328i to see if I, being 6'4", could fit in it. Long story short I felt the head room was slightly lacking. However Edmonds.com lists the BMW's head room at 40.3" so 38 and change will not cut it.

 

[MelindaV]

Elon was asked on twitter if someone your height would be comfortable in the Model 3 and his answer was yes. (and according to the google machine, Elon is 6'2" himself)

 

[James Alexander]

These are the stats of the Mazda 3, not the Model 3? I got concerned when I read this because I went to test a BMW 328i to see if I, being 6'4", could fit in it. Long story short I felt the head room was slightly lacking. However Edmonds.com lists the BMW's head room at 40.3" so 38 and change will not cut it.

Morning, I posted those stats because Car and Driver stated that after seeing the Model 3, it had the same stance and similar dimensions to the Mazda 3.