Comparison: Turning circle Tesla Model S vs. competitors 2025

If the art of the U-turn were an Olympic sport, certain vehicles would pirouette with the flair of a prima ballerina, while others would lumber around like a drunk uncle at a wedding. Understanding a car’s turning circle gives us a worldly insight into its manoeuvrability, and when it comes to the Tesla Model S, we're sizing up the nimbleness of an electric panther on the automotive dance floor.

Tesla Model S - How has the turning circle changed over the generations?

Embarking on a journey of hinge and pivot, the turning circle of the Tesla Model S has been more of a tightrope walker's balance than a rollercoaster ride. Our good old first-gen from 2013 to 2016 played a good hand with an 11.30 m turning game. But in the quest for progress, and possibly to accommodate new tech or design changes, the facelifted models of 2016 onwards did a slight backstep to an 11.80 m circle. Still, as agile as a cat burglar, mind you.

Tesla Model S generations
  • Model S, Model year 2013 (1.Generation) 11 m
  • Model S, Model year 2016 ) (1.Generation (1. Facelift) 11 m
  • Model S, Model year 2021 ) (Model S 1.Generation (2. Facelift) 11 m
The difference in Turning circle between first generation (1.Generation) from 2013 and last generation (Model S 1.Generation (2. Facelift)) from 2021 is 0 m.
The turning circle of the current generation of Model S is 11 m.

The turning circle compared to other Tesla models

Compared to its electrifying siblings in the Tesla line-up, the Model S shares its twirl space with the nimble Model 3 at 11.80 m; they're practically tango partners. Meanwhile, the Model Y and the heftier Model X would be slightly outpaced in a ballet, requiring 12.10 m and 12.40 m respectively. It's a trade-off, my friends, for those extra inches in size and comfort. Nevertheless, all these motoring maestros pirouette with an aristocratic grace that's sure to tickle the fancy.

Tesla Model S vs other current cars by Tesla
  • Model S 11 m
  • Model 3 11 m
  • Model X 12 m
  • Model Y 12 m

How does the turning circle of the Tesla Model S compare to it's nearest competitors?

The tape measure tells no lies; the Model S rubs shoulders with rivals like the Hyundai IONIQ 6 and the vaunted Maserati MC20, all three sharing the same 11.80 m promenade. But the chap in an Alfa Romeo Tonale sneaks ahead with a smaller 11.60 m, while the swiveling prowess of Lexus UX at a dainty 11.20 m could dance circles around our Tesla. However, if we're exchanging the waltz for a foxtrot, the constricted moves of the Ligier JS 50 at an astonishing 8.70 m or the Citroen C-Zero at a spritely 9.00 m would undoubtedly win the gold — but let's not compare apples with absolutely-tiny-my-garage-is-a-shoebox cars.

Tesla Model S vs. similar cars
  • Estrima Birò 2022 5 m
  • ARI Motors 452/802 2019 6 m
  • ARI Motors Soleno 2024 7 m
  • ARI Motors 902 2023 7 m
  • Silence S04 Nanocar 2024 7 m
  • fiatFiat Topolino 2023 7 m
  • citroenCitroen Ami 2024 7 m
  • ARI Motors Bruni 2024 8 m
  • Ligier Myli 2023 9 m
  • aixamAixam Mega 2024 9 m
  • vwVW ID.3 2023 10 m
  • alpineAlpine A290 2024 10 m
  • bydBYD Dolphin 2023 10 m
  • peugeotPeugeot 508 2023 10 m
  • mazdaMazda 2 Hybrid 2024 10 m
  • teslaTesla Model S 2021 11 m
  • hyundaiHyundai IONIQ 6 2022 11 m
  • ZEEKR 001 2024 11 m
  • nioNIO ET5 2023 11 m
  • mercedes-benzMercedes-Benz EQS 2024 11 m
  • GWM ORA 07 2024 11 m
  • teslaTesla Model 3 2023 11 m
  • GWM ORA 03 2024 11 m
  • Sono Motors Sion 2021 11 m
  • kiaKIA Stinger 2017 11 m
  • volvoVolvo ES90 2025 12 m
  • bmwBMW i4 2024 12 m

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