We want some Model 3 Leaks, renders, sketches !

[EcoHeliGuy]

Corolla is a compact, the Model 3 will be similar to the BMW 3 series in size.

 

[wdolson]

Corolla is a compact, the Model 3 will be similar to the BMW 3 series in size.

The 3 Series is classified as a luxury compact sedan.

 

[EcoHeliGuy]

The 3 Series is classified as a luxury compact sedan.

Might be "classified" but the exterior dimensions are about 86% of a Model S

 

[Red Sage]

art: You add the numbers for passenger and luggage volume together. Over a certain threshold, you reach a particular size classification. Once again, it does not have to do with overall length of the car. I expect the Tesla Model ≡ to be slightly longer and wider than the BMW 3-Series Sedans, but to have a Midsize classification due to total interior volume.

EcoHeliGuy: There is a strong tendency for US buyers to think a 'big car' is one with a long hood, big motor, long wheelbase, and extreme overall length front-to-back. The EPA seeks to equalize things by using passenger volume and luggage volume to create size classifications. So, a 16-cylinder two-seater with a tiny trunk that weighs 5,000 lbs and is 22 feet long will still be a Compact.

 

[EcoHeliGuy]

art: You add the numbers for passenger and luggage volume together. Over a certain threshold, you reach a particular size classification. Once again, it does not have to do with overall length of the car. I expect the Tesla Model ≡ to be slightly longer and wider than the BMW 3-Series Sedans, but to have a Midsize classification due to total interior volume.

EcoHeliGuy: There is a strong tendency for US buyers to think a 'big car' is one with a long hood, big motor, long wheelbase, and extreme overall length front-to-back. The EPA seeks to equalize things by using passenger volume and luggage volume to create size classifications. So, a 16-cylinder two-seater with a tiny trunk that weighs 5,000 lbs and is 22 feet long will still be a Compact.

I don't think Tesla meant 20% of model S internal volume. You don't need to start from scratch to achieve that feat. The present generation BMW series 3 is roughly 86% the external dimension of the Model S. And still has lots of room for internal seating.

Also Tesla has a bit of history comparing models too other market leaders. Model S = Benz S class, Model X = Audi Q7, Model 3 = ?

 

[Twiglett]

Also Tesla has a bit of history comparing models too other market leaders. Model S = Benz S class, Model X = Audi Q7, Model 3 = ?

thats an easy one without much of a question, Elon has consistently compared Model ☰ to BMW 3-Series
Which is why so many folks mention in this context rather than Civic or Corolla.

 

[EcoHeliGuy]

thats an easy one without much of a question, Elon has consistently compared Model ☰ to BMW 3-Series
Which is why so many folks mention in this context rather than Civic or Corolla.

Bingo

 

[stopcrazypp]

art: You add the numbers for passenger and luggage volume together. Over a certain threshold, you reach a particular size classification. Once again, it does not have to do with overall length of the car. I expect the Tesla Model ≡ to be slightly longer and wider than the BMW 3-Series Sedans, but to have a Midsize classification due to total interior volume.

EcoHeliGuy: There is a strong tendency for US buyers to think a 'big car' is one with a long hood, big motor, long wheelbase, and extreme overall length front-to-back. The EPA seeks to equalize things by using passenger volume and luggage volume to create size classifications. So, a 16-cylinder two-seater with a tiny trunk that weighs 5,000 lbs and is 22 feet long will still be a Compact.

This is the difference between the EPA and market classifications. The EPA is based strictly on interior volume. The market is based on exterior size.

3 series is classified as a luxury compact sedan in terms of the market.
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2015/02/road-report-luxury-compact-sedans/index.htm

320i sedan is actually classified as an EPA compact since it is right at the border 109 cu ft.
https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/noframes/35293.shtml

The Grand Turismo hatchback version is classified as a EPA large car at 127 cu ft.
https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/noframes/35365.shtml

 

[Buckeye2320]

BMW 3 Series Specs.

 

[Velaar]

Anyone knows what this car is?

(source: electrek.co)

 

[art]

Thanks red if that comes true that's the perfect car. Compact and easy to park, heavy enough to be comfortable on the hwy, a wheelbase of 110" to keep the chatter down on the hwy. the room of a midsize on the inside. Very little upkeep, fast, economical to run. Are we in a dream? No your in a tesla. I'll give that phrase to tesla.

 

[Max*]

Anyone knows what this car is?

(source: electrek.co)

View attachment 112525

Looks like the frame from the Model S

 

[1208]

The BMW 6-Series, 4-Series, and 3-Series sedans are all Compact. The 5-Series is Mid size. Take a look at the 'Specs' tab:

Compare Side-by-Side

So my little Honda fit hatchback (small station wagon according the US gov.) has twice the luggage room as the BMW 3,4 and 5 series... got a feeling the 3 maybe a hatchback (small station wagon). Elon likes showing luggage taken in and out of the cars at the events.

 

[Velaar]

Looks like the frame from the Model S

I'm not so sure. Looks short for MS. But I never had a chance to look at MS without all the plastic.

 

[EcoHeliGuy]

I'm not so sure. Looks short for MS. But I never had a chance to look at MS without all the plastic.

Tesla has never and will never place a non announced model out for public viewing.

 

[gregincal]

Ancient Model S stock photo. Appears all over the place from about 5 years ago, like here:

Image: Tesla Model S Alpha build, size: 1024 x 680, type: gif, posted on: June 5, 2011, 11:21 pm - MotorAuthority

 

[JRP3]

I'm not so sure. Looks short for MS. But I never had a chance to look at MS without all the plastic.

Pretty sure that's a Model S without all the plastic, and jacked up in the air.

Greg beat me to it.

- - - Updated - - -

... got a feeling the 3 maybe a hatchback (small station wagon).

A wagon doesn't fit the projected image of a BMW 3 killer in the US. It will be a hatchback in the same way as the Model S is a hatchback.

 

[EcoHeliGuy]

The US is pretty much the only non hatchback market in the world. Don't be anything on them caring what one market thinks. If they feel the rest of the package is compelling

 

[JRP3]

I don't think Tesla will ignore their largest market.

 

[EcoHeliGuy]

I don't think making a hatchback kills their chances at selling the car. The design will depend on drag