Comparison: Ground clearance Tesla Model 3 vs. competitors 2025

Tesla Model 3 - How has the ground clearance changed over the generations?

A dig into the archives of the Tesla Model 3's evolution reveals a tale of slight fluctuation, where the ground has come a smidgen closer over time. The first-generation Model 3, marking its territory from 2019 to 2023, stood proud with a ground clearance of 140 mm—a figure that's not exactly towering but strikes a balance between sportiness and practicality. However, in a move that might ruffle the feathers of those requiring every millimeter of clearance they can muster, its 1st Generation (1. Facelift), 2023-onwards, edition saw this figure subtly lowered to 138 mm. This could be Tesla's nod to aerodynamics or a sleeker profile, but for the ground clearance purists, it's a detail that resonates.

The ground clearance compared to other Tesla models

Comparing the Model 3 to its Tesla brethren reveals a fascinating hierarchy of elevation. The Model 3, with its mentioned clearances, finds itself playing the role of the slightly more urban-ready sibling when parked next to the esteemed Model S, which elevates itself to 160 mm above the ground. And let's not even talk about the Model Y and X, sitting at 167 mm and a sky-scraping 223 mm, respectively—these two make the Model 3 look positively down-to-earth. The Tesla Cybertruck, meanwhile, is in a class of its own, daring to defy the norms with a jaw-dropping 433 mm, a height that could make a Range Rover blush. Clearly, within the Tesla family, the Model 3 is the accessible, city-dwelling relative, leaving the mountaineering accolades to its kin.

How does the ground clearance of the Tesla Model 3 compare to it's nearest competitors?

Now, how does our electric protagonist fare against the motley crew of rivals? Face to face with the Infiniti EX and its 149 mm clearance, the Model 3 doesn't shy away, although it admittedly looks up slightly to the Infiniti. The battle gets intense with the likes of BMW's i3, sharing the Model 3's 140 mm clearance line for line, and the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV, which towers at 154 mm. Venture further, and you'll find the BMW iX laughing down from a lofty 203 mm altitude, with the Volvo EX90 soaring even higher at 212 mm. Yet, when pitted against those who dare to trek the urban sprawl at lesser heights, like the Porsche Taycan and its scant 133 mm, or the Lotus Eletre strutting at 187 mm, the Model 3 demonstrates that it's no slouch in the ground clearance game. It may not be the tallest glass in the skyscraper, but it walks (or rolls) with a swagger that demands respect on the varied battlefields of asphalt and beyond.

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