Choosing a car / Europe
Models, generations and differences.
Checked 2 October 2026.
Select two or three cars to compare dimensions, equipment and changes by year. Photos and a detailed guide for every generation follow.
Granada · CC BY-SA 4.0. Changes: decrease to 1280 × 720 px and compression in WebP; no framing and meaningful retouching. Derivative image - under the same license.
2013–2016 · Europe
The first European Model S has an oval insert in the front bumper and a vertical screen. A particular car’s history matters more than its badge.
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Calreyn88 · CC BY-SA 4.0. Changes: decrease to 1280 x 964 px and compression in WebP; no framing and meaningful retouching. Derivative image - under the same license.
2016–2020 · Europe
A smoother front end with the earlier cabin layout and vertical screen. Infotainment and charging support changed during this period, so check the production month.
Explore this generationOn a phone, scroll the table sideways.
| Specification | Model S2013–2016 · Before the facelift | Model S2016–2020 · 2016 facelift |
|---|---|---|
| Body and dimensions | ||
| Body | liftbackSource | liftbackSource |
| Seats | 5; there are additional child seatsIn part of the early cars there are two built-in child seats against the course of traffic. It cannot be described as a third row for adults. The presence and limitations are checked by the car and its management.Source | 5Additional child seats are found on selected early instances of the family; do not promise seven seats for the entire 2016–2020 card. The permissible number of seats is checked by marking the car.Source |
| Length | ≈ 4,970 mmArchival European Manual v5.9. Consolidated guide 2012-2020 gives a different height (1445 mm) and width (1964 mm); check the suspension and documents of the car.Source | ≈ 4,970 mmConsolidated European guidance Tesla Model S 2012-2020, checked 02.10.2026. These indicative dimensions are not a separate factory specification for each year of production. Height depends on the configuration and suspension; the exact dimensions of a particular car check its documents.Source |
| Width without mirrors | ≈ 1,963 mmSource | ≈ 1,964 mmSource |
| Width with mirrors | ≈ 2,189 mmSource | ≈ 2,189 mmSource |
| Height | ≈ 1,427 mmSource | ≈ 1,445 mmSource |
| Wheelbase | ≈ 2,960 mmSource | ≈ 2,960 mmSource |
| Cabin and everyday use | ||
| Boot access | Lifting back door with glassSource | Lifting back door with glassSource |
| Main display | Vertical centre screenSource | Vertical centre screenSource |
| Driver display | Separate screen in front of the driverSource | Separate screen in front of the driverSource |
| Rear display | The manual does not specifyAn additional screen could be installed by the owner.Source | The manual does not specifyAn additional screen could be installed by the owner.Source |
| Controls and gear selection | Steering gear selectorSource | Steering gear selectorSource |
| Heating | PTC heaterSource | PTC heaterSource |
| Fast charging in Europe | Until May 2019: Check out CCS UpgradeRefurbishment is required to connect to V3 cars until May 2019. Check the upgrade completed.Source | Until May 2019: Check out CCS UpgradeRefurbishment is required to connect to V3 cars until May 2019. Check the upgrade completed.Source |
Photos and changes by year
10 versions · Model 3, Y, S and X
Elise240SX · CC BY-SA 4.0. Changes: decrease to 1280 × 690 px and compression in WebP; no framing and meaningful retouching. Derivative image - under the same license.
2019–2020
Early European Model 3: five seats, a separate trunk lid and two steering levers. The key technical reference point is the release before switching to the heat pump.
Mariordo (Mario Roberto Durán Ortiz) · CC BY-SA 4.0. Changes: decrease to 1280 × 853 px and compression in WebP; no framing and meaningful retouching. Derivative image - under the same license.
2021–2023
Updating the former body with a heat pump and dark exterior finish. The steering levers are saved; equipment and battery need to be specified for a particular car.
2023+
An updated Model 3 with a choice of direction on the screen. For early updated RWD/LR confirmed more thorough sound insulation and acoustic glazing in a circle.
Evnerd · CC BY-SA 4.0. Changes: decrease to 1280 × 960 px and compression in WebP; no framing and meaningful retouching. Derivative image - under the same license.
2021–2024
Crossover with high rear door and heat pump. The main controls are still familiar Model 3: a screen and two steering levers.
OWS Photography · CC BY 4.0. Changes: decrease to 1280 × 1024 px and compression in WebP; no framing and meaningful retouching. Derivative image - under the same license.
2025+
The updated Model Y received a revised suspension and interior. Equipment varies: the rear screen and part of the amenities must be checked by configuration.
Granada · CC BY-SA 4.0. Changes: decrease to 1280 × 720 px and compression in WebP; no framing and meaningful retouching. Derivative image - under the same license.
2013–2016
A sign of a dorestyling front end is a large oval insert nosecone.
Calreyn88 · CC BY-SA 4.0. Changes: decrease to 1280 x 964 px and compression in WebP; no framing and meaningful retouching. Derivative image - under the same license.
2016–2020
Front bumper of the second version: instead of a large nosecone - a narrow area of the emblem and a smooth painted surface.
Alexander-93 · CC BY-SA 4.0. Changes: decrease to 1280 × 788 px and compression in WebP; no framing and meaningful retouching. Derivative image - under the same license.
Vauxford · CC BY-SA 4.0. Changes: decrease to 1280 × 648 px and compression in WebP; no framing and meaningful retouching. Derivative image - under the same license.
2022+
The Falcon Wing persists; the outer silhouette itself is insufficient to define a generation.