Tesla Model Y Size Compared To Tesla Model 3

Published on March 18th, 2019 |
by Dr. Maximilian Holland

March 18th, 2019 by Dr. Maximilian Holland

Photo by CleanTechnica

Let’s take a quick look at the comparative size of the new Tesla Model Y when overlayed on top of the Tesla Model 3.

No great surprises here, Elon Musk has already said the Model Y is around 10% larger (in volume?). Let’s make some guesses about the exterior dimensions of the newcomer?

Author’s own work, based on Tesla design studio profile images

Notice that I’ve tried to very accurately line up the wheels (and thus the wheelbases) to get a decent starting point for the comparison. Both are images of the respective performance model (from the design studio) with what should be the same 20’’ performance wheels.

We know that the dimensions of the model 3 are: 4,694 mm L x 1,849 mm W x 1,443 mm H. If any of you have the patience and imaging skills to do some direct measurements of the proportions (based on cursor placing and pixel counts, and then calculating the scaling), please be my guest. I’m just going to make some visual estimates here.

I’d roughly guess that the Model Y is a couple of inches (~50 mm) longer at the rear, and 3 to 4 inches (~75–100 mm) longer at the front. The front hood starts a fraction higher and the height climbs to perhaps 8 inches (~200 mm) taller in some areas, especially the roof-line over the passenger compartment (and at the rear).

One point of interest is that — judging by the starting point of the front windshield — the Model Y’s passenger compartment appears to begin around 4 inches (100 mm) further forward than the Model 3. That obviously further helps the interior space. The length extension at the rear of the passenger compartment appears to be more modest.

Screen grab from Tesla Model Y promo video

We can’t get much clue about differences in width from any existing images that I’ve seen so far (chime in if you’ve got info or sources on this). On the basis of this image, I’d estimate that the length of the Model Y should be around 125–150 mm greater than the 3 (let’s call it ~4,830 mm in total). From this perspective, the height should be around 200 mm more (~1,643 mm in total).

What do you think? Jump into the comments with your own estimates, especially if you have other sources!

Tesla Model Y

About the Author

Dr. Maximilian Holland Max is an anthropologist, social theorist and international political economist, trying to ask questions and encourage critical thinking about social and environmental justice, sustainability and the human condition. He has lived and worked in Europe and Asia, and is currently based in Barcelona.