While the Taycan Turbo and Turbo S deliver performance on par with supercars, we’d suggest the Taycan 4S because it’s more reasonably priced. A 522-hp powertrain, 19-inch wheels, an adjustable air suspension, a partially leather interior, and keyless entry are included with the 4S. We would forego all of Porsche’s numerous customization options to keep costs down, but we would upgrade to the Performance Battery Plus, which expands the pack and raises the combined horsepower rating to 562.
Furthermore essential is the Performance package, which ups the Taycan’s fun factor when driving: The Sport Plus driving mode optimizes performance, the active anti-roll bars help stability, and the rear-axle steering and torque vectoring increase agility. Also, we advise using the Porsche Experience Center.
Performance and Power of the 2023 Porsche Taycan
The majority of Taycan vehicles have two electric motors, one driving the front wheels and the other the back. They generate distinct outputs that differ based on trim level. With the lesser battery, the 4S produces 522 horsepower, and with the larger battery, 562 horsepower. The top models, the 670-hp Turbo and the 750-hp Turbo S include the large juicer as standard equipment. Depending on the battery capacity, the base model’s horsepower ranges from 402 to 469, although it only has rear-wheel drive.
The Taycan GTS with its 626 pound-feet of torque and 590 horsepower is the sweet spot. The unique two-speed transmission used in all Taycan models offers a thrilling shift under heavy acceleration. The Taycan 4S surprised us during our test drive with its quick acceleration (getting to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds) and point-and-shoot handling. Nonetheless, given that Porsche decided against one-pedal driving, we wished it had a more sensitive brake pedal. The Turbo S’s rocket-ship takeoffs will astound anyone with a strong craving for speed.
The one we tested completed the quarter-mile at 130 mph in 10.5 seconds and reached 60 mph in just 2.4 ticks. In Cheetah mode, a Model S Performance matched that blast to 60 mph; in acceleration, a Model S Plaid obliterated the Porsche. The Taycan stands out among electric vehicles thanks to its fierce acceleration, low-slung driving stance, and precision steering. Also, it is comfy. Another Taycan Turbo S we tested, despite having 21-inch wheels and low-profile tires, never seemed harsh or rigid.
Battery Life of the 2023 Porsche Taycan
The Tesla Model S can travel up to 400 miles on a single charge, whereas the Taycan’s range is ordinary in comparison. Depending on the battery size and electric motors, the Porsche has a range of 206 to 246 miles. Each model has an 800-volt design that enables a 270-kilowatt peak charging rate.
Porsche claims that models with the larger battery can charge from 0 to 80% in 23 minutes, despite the fact that only 83.7 kWh of the 93.4 kWh pack are actually usable. Yet as we discovered in a comparison test, 800-volt DC fast chargers are uncommon, and peak charging speeds aren’t really useful. According to Porsche, charging at a 50-kW DC fast charger takes 93 minutes. 150-kW charging is an alternative to the regular 270-kW and 50-kW fast charging. During our eleven-car, 1,000-mile EV1000 rally, we encountered real-world charging variables.
Fuel Economy of the 2023 Porsche Taycan
Up to 83 MPGe combined is claimed for the Taycan’s most efficient model. The Tesla Model S Extended Range is rated at 120 MPGe in contrast. The Porsche is capable of achieving up to 88 MPGe on the highway, while the Tesla is capable of 115 MPGe. On our 75 mph interstate trip, we put the Taycan 4S with the big battery through its paces and recorded 65 MPGe. With a 2018 Model S 100D, we ran the same test and recorded 91 MPGe. On our previously mentioned highway test, a 2020 Taycan 4S achieved 180 miles of real-world range. See the EPA website for more details regarding the Taycan’s fuel efficiency.
Interiors and Comfort of the 2023 Porsche Taycan