Tired of letting Tesla have its own way in the electric super-saloon market, Porsche has released the Taycan. Boasting four-doors, four seats, and four wheel drive, the Taycan has the performance to tackle Tesla’s famous standing start times, plus the promise of legendary Porsche sportscar know how for its handling.
Two models are available at launch – the Turbo and Turbo S. Just to be clear, there are no turbos fitted. Rather the naming replicates that which will be familiar to Porsche fans already, and indicate higher-performance models. A third Taycan will be along in due course to sit beneath the launch models.
Porsche has packed in some impressive statistics to this new electric car. Two electric motors – one on each axle – combine for a power output of 616bhp in the Turbo S, with an overboost available to 750bhp. The Turbo model is by no means scrimped on either, providing the same 616bhp output normally, though ‘just’ 671bhp on overboost. 0-62mph times are 2.8 seconds and 3.2 seconds respectively, and top speed is 162mph.
The question of range is never far from being talked about with electric cars, and Porsche has fitted a huge 93 kWh battery in the Taycan’s floor. This allows for a range of 257 miles for the faster Taycan Turbo S and 279 miles on a charge for the Turbo. Charging is faster than anything you will find in the UK to date, at up to 270 kW. This means a 5-80% charge can be completed in around 20 minutes.
Although still clearly a Porsche, the Taycan’s design is a little sharper and futuristic than models like the Panamera – another four-seat grand tourer from the company. The inside gets similar treatment, with three screens providing information for the driver, infotainment system, and heating controls. As it’s a Porsche, there remains a very definite driver focus.
Prices start at £115,850 for the Taycan Turbo and £138,826 for the Turbo S. Order books are open now, and deliveries are expected from January 2020.
