The More Affordable Version The Porsche Taycan was revealed in September. Porsche officially showed off the Turbo and Turbo S. Now it has taken the covers off a lower-grade Taycan, the 4S. The Taycan 4S is the more affordable version of the four-door electric car, but it still offers impressive...
Porsche Taycan
The Ultimate Guide
The Porsche Taycan, a groundbreaking electric sports car, seamlessly blends Porsche's legacy of performance with cutting-edge EV technology. Born from the Mission E concept, the Taycan launched to critical acclaim, captivating drivers with its blistering acceleration, precise handling, and luxurious design. Available in various models, from the exhilarating Turbo S to the versatile Cross Turismo, the Taycan caters to diverse needs while pushing the boundaries of electric mobility. Its impact on the automotive industry is undeniable, proving that electric cars can be thrilling and desirable.
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Porsche Taycan - The Future Is Electric... & Still Fantastic
The Porsche Taycan represents a bold step into the future for Porsche, blending their heritage of high-performance sports cars with cutting-edge electric vehicle technology. Since its debut in 2019, the Taycan has set benchmarks for luxury electric sedans, offering exhilarating performance, advanced technology, and the unmistakable Porsche driving experience. This guide covers everything you need to know about the Taycan, including its design, models, performance specs, and unique features.
Introduction to the Taycan
The name “Taycan” derives from two Turkish words meaning “soul of a spirited young horse,” a nod to Porsche's iconic logo. The Taycan is Porsche’s first all-electric vehicle (EV), developed to combine sustainability with the thrill of high-performance driving. Unveiled at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Taycan stands as a direct competitor to other high-end EVs like the Tesla Model S, Audi e-tron GT, and Lucid Air.
Design and Styling
The Taycan's design is unmistakably Porsche. It carries forward the sleek, aerodynamic lines of the Panamera and 911, while introducing a futuristic aesthetic suited for an electric vehicle. The front fascia features Porsche’s signature four-point LED headlights, while the rear has a full-width light bar and the “Porsche” logo in illuminated glass.
Inside, the Taycan offers a blend of luxury, minimalism, and technology. The cockpit is dominated by a curved 16.8-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.9-inch central display, and an optional passenger-side screen. Sustainability is also a priority, with optional Race-Tex upholstery made from recycled materials. The Taycan’s low-slung seating position and wide center console maintain the feel of a true sports car.
Taycan Models
The Taycan lineup has expanded significantly since its debut. Here's a breakdown of the key models available as of 2024:
1. Taycan (Base Model)
Powertrain: Single motor (rear-wheel drive)
Performance: 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds
Battery: 79.2 kWh (Performance Battery) or 93.4 kWh (Performance Battery Plus)
Range: Up to 268 miles (EPA estimated)
The base Taycan offers a balanced entry point into Porsche’s EV lineup, with excellent performance and luxury features.
2. Taycan 4S
Powertrain: Dual-motor (all-wheel drive)
Performance: 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds
Power: Up to 562 hp with overboost
Range: Up to 272 miles (EPA estimated)
The Taycan 4S delivers enhanced performance and traction, making it a versatile option for various driving conditions.
3. Taycan Turbo
Powertrain: Dual-motor (all-wheel drive)
Performance: 0-60 mph in 3.0 seconds
Power: Up to 670 hp with overboost
Range: Up to 238 miles (EPA estimated)
Despite the absence of an actual turbocharger, the Taycan Turbo lives up to its name by offering blistering performance.
4. Taycan Turbo S
Powertrain: Dual-motor (all-wheel drive)
Performance: 0-60 mph in 2.6 seconds
Power: Up to 750 hp with overboost
Range: Up to 222 miles (EPA estimated)
The Turbo S is the pinnacle of the Taycan range, delivering supercar-level acceleration and handling.
5. Taycan Cross Turismo
The Cross Turismo variants add rugged versatility to the Taycan lineup, featuring increased ride height, all-wheel drive, and off-road capability.
Variants: Taycan 4 Cross Turismo, Taycan 4S Cross Turismo, Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo, Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo
Design: Wagon-like body with more cargo space
Features: Standard air suspension, Gravel Mode for off-road conditions
6. Taycan Sport Turismo
The Sport Turismo blends the sleek profile of the sedan with the practicality of a shooting brake design. It maintains the sporty handling of the Taycan while offering more rear headroom and cargo space.
Performance and Driving Dynamics
Porsche’s engineering expertise shines in the Taycan’s performance. All models feature a two-speed transmission on the rear axle, a unique feature among EVs, allowing for both rapid acceleration and high-speed efficiency.
Battery and Charging
Battery Options: The Taycan offers two battery sizes:
79.2 kWh (Performance Battery)
93.4 kWh (Performance Battery Plus)
Charging: Thanks to an 800-volt system, the Taycan supports ultra-fast DC charging. It can charge from 5% to 80% in just 22.5 minutes using a 270 kW charger.
Driving Modes
The Taycan features multiple driving modes to adapt to different conditions:
Range Mode: Prioritizes efficiency for maximum range.
Normal Mode: Balanced performance and comfort.
Sport Mode: Sharper throttle response and sportier handling.
Sport Plus Mode: Maximum performance with enhanced cooling and aerodynamic settings.
Technology and Features
The Taycan features Porsche’s PCM (Porsche Communication Management) system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and built-in navigation. The optional Passenger Display allows the front passenger to control media and navigation.
The Taycan comes with a suite of driver assistance features, including:
Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go
Lane Keeping Assist
Night Vision Assist
Porsche InnoDrive for semi-autonomous driving
Porsche emphasizes sustainability in the Taycan’s production. The Zuffenhausen factory where the Taycan is assembled is carbon-neutral, powered by renewable energy. The use of sustainable materials, such as recycled Race-Tex upholstery, highlights Porsche’s commitment to reducing environmental impact.
Future of the Taycan
The Taycan has established Porsche as a leader in the electric vehicle market. With continual improvements in battery technology, software updates, and performance enhancements, the Taycan is poised to remain a flagship model in Porsche’s electric future.
Porsche plans to electrify more of their lineup, including upcoming models based on the Taycan’s platform, ensuring the brand’s dedication to performance and sustainability for years to come.
Porsche Taycan Specs
Manufacturer: Porsche
Model code: Type 9J1
Production: 2019 - Present
Model Years: 2020 - Present
Assembly: Germany: Stuttgart
Designer: Emiel Burki and Mitja Borkert under Michael Mauer
Body style: 4-door sedan/saloon, 5-door shooting brake (Taycan Cross Turismo / Taycan Sport Turismo)
Layout: Rear-motor, rear-wheel-drive (Taycan), Dual-motor, all-wheel-drive (Taycan 4, 4S, GTS, Turbo & Turbo S)
Platform: Volkswagen Group J1
Engine: 2× AC synchronous electric motors
Transmission:
1-speed direct-drive (front 8.05:1), 2-speed automatic (rear; 16:1 and 8.05:1)
Wheelbase: 2,900 mm (114.2 in)
Length: 4,963 mm (195.4 in)
Width: 1,966 mm (77.4 in)
Height: 1,378–1,381 mm (54.3–54.4 in)
Kerb weight: 2,140–2,305 kg (4,717.9–5,081.7 lb)
Did You Know?
Unlike most EVs, the Taycan has a unique two-speed transmission on its rear axle. This allows for blistering acceleration and more efficient high-speed cruising.
Robots apply the Taycan's paint, ensuring a flawless finish. And if metallic paint is chosen, an additional robot adds the metallic flakes! Believe it or not, emu feathers are used to dust the Taycan's body during the painting process to remove any imperfections.
It feels like a proper Porsche. It steers and handles with real enthusiasm and response.
Top Gear
The Taycan Turbo S hit 60 mph in 2.4 seconds, making it the quickest four-door EV we've ever tested
Motor Trend (2019)