2024 Porsche Taycan Review

Porsche's Taycan marked the company's inaugural foray into fully electric vehicles in the 2020 model year, showcasing a meticulously crafted electric sedan that embodies the quintessential Porsche driving experience. The four-door Taycan stands out for its precise handling, responsive steering, and remarkable acceleration, achieving 60 mph in a mere 2.4 seconds. While maintaining its sedan format, Porsche caters to additional cargo needs with the wagonized Cross Turismo and Sport Turismo versions. The Taycan skillfully conceals typical electric vehicle peculiarities, presenting an elegant design both inside and out, accentuated by substantial wheels and brakes that contribute to its distinctive character.

Beyond its performance prowess, the Taycan aligns with Porsche's reputation for delivering a fun-to-drive, comfortable, and highly customizable experience. In 2024, the Taycan incorporates Spotify music streaming into its infotainment system, streamlining the user experience. Despite this update, the Taycan remains unchanged from the previous year. The flagship Taycan Turbo S boasts an impressive 750 horsepower, and all models feature rapid DC-fast charging capabilities, reaching speeds of up to 270 kWh for a lightning-quick recharge.

Features :

EV Motor & Power :

The majority of Taycan models are equipped with dual electric motors—one for the front wheels and another for the rear wheels—with varying outputs depending on the trim level. The Taycan 4S, for instance, delivers 522 horsepower with the smaller battery and an enhanced 562 horsepower with the larger one. The top-tier models, the 670-horsepower Turbo and the 750-horsepower Turbo S, come standard with the larger battery. The base model, exclusively rear-wheel-drive, offers a power range of 402 to 469 horsepower, contingent on the battery size. Positioned as the optimum choice, the Taycan GTS boasts 590 horsepower and an impressive 626 pound-feet of torque. Notably, all Taycan models feature an innovative two-speed direct-drive transmission, a key element contributing to the rapid acceleration that sets the Taycan apart.

For enthusiasts craving speed, the Turbo S delivers exhilarating rocket-ship takeoffs, reaching 60 mph in a mere 2.4 seconds and completing the quarter-mile in just 10.5 seconds at 130 mph. Beyond its formidable acceleration, the Taycan distinguishes itself in the electric vehicle landscape with its low-slung driving position, precise steering, and exceptional comfort. This amalgamation of ferocious speed and driving refinement underscores the Taycan's unique and remarkable status in the realm of electric vehicles.

Fuel Economy & Battery Life :

The highest efficiency rating for the Taycan reaches up to 83 MPGe combined. In contrast, the Tesla Model S Long Range achieves a notably higher rating of 120 MPGe. Specifically on highway driving, the Porsche Taycan is rated at up to 88 MPGe, while the Tesla Model S surpasses it with a rating of up to 115 MPGe.

The Taycan's driving range falls short when compared to the impressive capabilities of the Tesla Model S, which can exceed 400 miles on a single charge. The Taycan's range varies between 206 and 246 miles, contingent on factors such as battery size and electric motors. Notably, every Taycan model incorporates an 800-volt architecture, enabling a peak charging rate of 270 kilowatts. Particularly for models equipped with the larger battery—Porsche designates this pack as 93.4 kWh, with 83.7 kWh being usable—the charging process is notably swift, allowing for a 5 to 80 percent charge in a claimed 23 minutes.

Interior & Comfort :

The Taycan's touchscreen interface is commendable, though not flawless. The lower touchscreen manages climate settings while also serving as a means to navigate the upper touchscreen through its virtual touchpad and shortcut buttons. Like many touchscreens, the Taycan's is susceptible to smudges, although they are only discernible when the system is inactive. The interior of the Taycan exudes a tech-centric ambiance within its sleek design, which, while seemingly simple, draws inspiration from other Porsche models. As expected, the interior offers a diverse range of opulent materials and color schemes. A plethora of luxury options are available, encompassing features such as four-zone climate control, massaging front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. The Taycan typically features 2+2 seating, but an option exists to add a third spot in the back if desired.

Technology :

The Taycan boasts an abundance of screens within its interior, though it notably lacks physical buttons and knobs. Anchored by a curved 16.8-inch display for gauges, the central focus consists of two touchscreens controlling the infotainment system. The top 10.9-inch display, seamlessly integrated into the dash, provides access to crucial functions. Situated just below, an 8.4-inch touchscreen allows users to manage climate settings, monitor battery status, input navigation details, interact with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto features, and control trunks and charge ports. Additionally, a 10.9-inch touchscreen is available for the front-seat passenger, and there's an optional 5.9-inch touchscreen in the rear seat, facilitating control over rear HVAC and seat heating functionalities.

What’s new in 2024 Porsche Taycan?

There is no major significant changes introduced in 2024.

Which model do we recommend?

While the Taycan Turbo and Turbo S showcase supercar-level performance, we recommend the more budget-friendly Taycan 4S for a compelling balance of power and value. The Taycan 4S features a 522-horsepower powertrain, 19-inch wheels, adaptive air suspension, a partial leather interior, and convenient keyless entry. To maintain cost-effectiveness, we suggest forgoing many of Porsche's extensive personalization options. However, we do recommend upgrading to the Performance Battery Plus, enhancing the battery pack's size and elevating the combined horsepower rating to an impressive 562.

Opting for the Performance package is also advisable as it enhances the Taycan's driving dynamics. The package introduces rear-axle steering and torque vectoring, enhancing agility, while the Sport Plus drive mode optimizes performance. Additionally, the active anti-roll bars contribute to improved cornering stability, making the Taycan 4S even more engaging on the road.

Potential competitors :

The Taycan makes minimal concessions in comparison to other electric sedans, primarily evident in its shorter EPA-estimated range and reduced rear seat legroom. However, it's worth noting that the upper-tier Taycan models tend to be relatively more expensive when compared to competitors like the BMW i7, Mercedes EQS, and Tesla Model S.

Conclusion :

The Taycan presents several notable strengths, including rapid acceleration and an exhilarating, well-grounded handling experience. Its potential for very quick fast-charging adds to its appeal, along with the practicality of four doors and the convenience of two trunks. The build quality and interior finish are impressive, reflecting Porsche's commitment to excellence. However, the Taycan does have its drawbacks, including somewhat limited rear legroom, a higher price tag that corresponds with its electric vehicle prowess, and challenges related to the low ride height and roof configuration, making entry and exit less straightforward. Looking ahead to 2024, there are no significant changes, as the Taycan continues to be part of the initial generation introduced in 2020.

FAQ's

Q1. What are the safety measures provided?

Each Taycan comes equipped with standard driver-assistance technology, encompassing features such as forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking. Additionally, the standard package includes lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist functionalities.

Q2. What are the models available?

Porsche offers the Taycan in two body styles: the sedan and the wagon, known as the Cross Turismo. Additionally, there's the Sport Turismo, essentially a Cross Turismo with a lower ride height. Within this lineup, you can choose from various trims, including Base, 4S, GTS, Turbo, and Turbo S. In the sedan category, the base Taycan and 4S models come with a standard 79-kWh battery pack, and there's an option to upgrade to the 93-kWh Performance Battery Plus, which is standard on other models.