Spec Sizes

Tesla Model S vs BMW i8 Dimensions & Size Comparison

Comparing 2019 catalog dimensions. Tesla Model S · BMW i8

Same scale for both vehicles. Generic silhouette — proportional to measured length, height, width, wheelbase, and clearance.

Side view
  • Length196.0 in
  • Height56.5 in
  • Wheelbase116.5 in
  • Ground clearance4.6 in
  • Curb weight4,769 lb – 4,941 lb
Front / width
  • Width77.3 in
  • BMW i8 width76.5 in

Which is bigger?

  • Length: BMW i8 is 11.1 in shorter (196.0 in vs 184.9 in)
  • Width: BMW i8 is 0.8 in narrower (77.3 in vs 76.5 in)
  • Height: Tesla Model S is 5.8 in taller (56.5 in vs 50.8 in)
  • Wheelbase: Tesla Model S has a 6.3 in longer wheelbase (116.5 in vs 110.2 in)
  • Curb weight: Tesla Model S is 1,269 lb heavier (4,855 lb vs 3,586 lb)

Biggest size differences

  1. Curb weight: Tesla Model S is 1,269 lb heavier (4,855 lb vs 3,586 lb)
  2. Height: Tesla Model S is 5.8 in taller (56.5 in vs 50.8 in)
  3. Length: BMW i8 is 11.1 in shorter (196.0 in vs 184.9 in)
  4. Wheelbase: Tesla Model S has a 6.3 in longer wheelbase (116.5 in vs 110.2 in)
  5. Width: BMW i8 is 0.8 in narrower (77.3 in vs 76.5 in)

Practical verdicts

  • Easier to fit in a short garageBMW i8 — BMW i8 is shorter by 11.1 in Check garage fit for Tesla Model S · garage fit for BMW i8
  • Narrower for tight parkingBMW i8 — BMW i8 is narrower by 0.8 in
  • Smaller exterior footprintBMW i8 — Based on length × width (BMW i8)

Dimension comparison

SpecTesla Model SBMW i8Difference
Length196.0 in184.9 in11.1 in
Width77.3 in76.5 in0.8 in
Height56.5 in50.8 in5.8 in
Wheelbase116.5 in110.2 in6.3 in
Ground clearance4.6 in——
Curb weight4,855 lb3,586 lb1,269 lb

Values use trim midpoints when a model year lists a range.

Compare by year

Overlapping model years with dimension data.

Already own one of these cars?

Jump to maintenance sizes on the vehicle page — tires, wipers, battery, and oil when present in the catalog.