With the recent unveiling of the Tesla Model Y, the company’s long-awaited ‘S3XY’ family of models is finally complete.



A new press photo published by the electric automaker shows the four models lined up alongside each other. The similarities between the vehicles are striking, particularly the Model 3 and Model Y.

Tesla, of course, started its current range of models with the all-electric Model S sedan. On the back of the positive reception for that vehicle, Tesla released the second model in the S3XY family, the Model X. Essentially an SUV version of the Model S, the Model X is the most spacious of all current Tesla passenger cars and has the famous ‘Falcon Wing’ doors.

In 2016, the Tesla Model 3 was unveiled in prototype guise. Tesla initially planned on calling its entry-level sedan the Model E, but Ford blocked the move after first applying for the ‘Model E’ trademark in 2000. Tesla’s original plan would have meant its models would spell out ‘SEXY’ but alas, it wasn’t to be. The name Model 3 was adopted instead and it still gets the message across.

As for whether or not Tesla’s ‘S3XY’ family is actually sexy remains up for debate. Numerous critics have expressed disappointment at the Tesla Model Y, claiming that the design similarities between it and the Model 3 could mean the crossover will cannibalize sales of its sedan twin.

Tesla’s model range won’t end with the four models pictured. In late 2017, the electric automaker revealed prototypes of both the Tesla Semi and second-generation Tesla Roadster. Later this year, Tesla will also present a prototype of its long-awaited pickup truck, bringing the Tesla model range up to seven.