2017 Tesla Model 3 vs Model S differences: Side-by-side comparison

With the Tesla Model 3, the car maker hopes to push into the mainstream. See how different it is to the Model S in this side-by-side comparison gallery.

Model 3

Model S F/L

The Model 3 and Model S were clearly designed by the same team, but the Model 3 has a flatter nose and more abrupt tail.

Model 3

Model S F/L

That's mainly down to its much shorter overall length (down 286mm or 11.1 inches). The Model 3 also has a shorter wheelbase and is less wide, but it is a smidgen taller.

Model 3

Model S F/L

The Model 3 has a stubbier rear end, and a fully enclosed boot/trunk. The Model S, on the hand, has more flowing lines, and a rear hatch for improved cargo carrying capability.

Model 3

Model S F/L

The Model S made waves with its large portrait touchscreen in the centre of the dashboard, which controlled almost all functions, including infotainment, navigation and climate control. The Model 3 goes a step further. It has a portrait screen in the middle of the dashboard, and no instrument cluster ahead of the driver. Instead, read outs in the top-left corner of the central touchscreen are all the driver has to go on.

Model 3

Model S F/L

The Model S is available in both rear- and all-wheel drive. The Model 3 is only available in rear-wheel drive form, for now.

Model 3

Model S F/L

Both the Model S and Model 3, being electric vehicles, don't have a need for a traditional large grille. That said, they both do feature cooling air intakes in the lower portion of the front bumper.

Model 3

Model S F/L

The Model 3 is significantly shorter than the Model S. As such, the Model 3 only seats five people, whereas the Model S can be equipped with rear-facing jump seats, which allows it carry two extra kids in the rear.

Model 3

Model S F/L

At the time of writing, a fully optioned Model 3 (US$59,500) is cheaper than the most basic Model S 75 (US$69,500). Keep in mind, Tesla is deliberately going light on options and derivatives to start with because it has had problems scaling production up in the past, and it has huuuge plans for the Model 3.

Model 3

Model S F/L

The standard 50kWh Model 3 has a 220mi (354km) EPA range, and the Long Range 75kWh model has a 310mi (499km) range and 5.1s 0-60mph time. The base Model S has a 75kWh battery, 249mi (400km) range, and a 4.3s 0-60mph time.

Dimensions (vs Model S)

Length: 4,690mm (-286mm) | 184.8 inches (-11.1 inches)
Width: 1,930mm (-34mm) | 76.1 inches (-1.2 inches)
Height: 1,440mm (+5mm) | 56.8 inches (+0.3 inches)
Wheelbase: 2,880mm (-80mm) | 113.2 inches (-3.3 inches)

2017 Tesla Model 3

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2016-2017 Tesla Model S facelift

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$2016 Tesla Model facelift - new \$