2023 Porsche Taycan: Reviews, Pricing, and More
The Porsche Taycan prioritizes driving enjoyment above all else, contrary to how sports car driving qualities are normally prioritized for electric vehicles. Porsche built a four-door vehicle with human engagement in mind rather than autonomous, soulless transportation, using battery power as an opportunity rather than an excuse. The Tesla Model S and Lucid Air comfortably outperform the Taycan’s maximum EPA-estimated range of 246 miles, but it still handles and accelerates like a Porsche should: with imperious confidence and authority.
Every Taycan has a two-speed transmission, from the base model’s 402 horsepower single rear motor to the ridiculously fast 750 horsepower Turbo S, to blend epic acceleration with a cruising range that exceeds expectations on the highway. The Taycan Cross and Sport Turismo, a wagon variation of this sedan, were also tested individually. The Taycan can charge at a pace of up to 270 kWh on a strong enough DC fast charger thanks to an 800-volt architecture. The characteristic Stuttgart driving experience is completed by a low-slung driving position and a 16.8-inch curved display.
What’s new for the Porsche Taycan in 2023?
With an update to the battery and charging algorithm that helps boost the vehicle’s range and charging rates, Porsche turns up the heat on not only the 2023 Taycans but also all earlier models. According to Porsche, the Taycan will now preheat its batteries to a higher temperature, enabling the vehicle to charge to its maximum capacity of 270 kWh at a higher level of charge.
The infotainment display has also undergone redesigning, including wireless Android Auto, a more colorful and speedy user interface, and the ability to restrict search results for charging stations using charging station output. Porsche’s Variable Light Control, which was previously only an option for the Taycan GTS, is now available with any Taycan fitted with a panoramic glass roof. In order to better prevent scalp warming, this enables the driver to electronically switch the roof’s transparency to opacity. The 19-inch painted Aero wheels are no longer available.
Which Taycan should you buy?
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
The Taycan’s interior features a tech-heavy environment. The design is ostensibly straightforward and reminds us of previous Porsche models. The interior can, as one might anticipate, be decorated with a variety of luxurious materials and color schemes. There is a broad list of deluxe features, such as heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, massaging front seats, and four-zone climate control.
The Taycan has normal 2+2 seating, however, a third seat can be added if needed in the back. The rear seating and storage capacity in the electrified Porsche were a little sparse, and getting into the low front seat wasn’t our favorite experience. But the vista is fantastic when you’re driving.
Although there are plenty of screens within the Taycan, there aren’t many actual buttons and knobs. The infotainment system is managed by two centrally situated touchscreens and a 16.8-inch curved display for the instruments. The top one is 10.9 inches long and integrated into the dash. It gives users access to crucial features.
Users may control the climate settings, check the battery level, input navigational information, use wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functions, and open and close the trunk and charging ports using the 8.4-inch touchscreen that is located beneath it. The front-seat passenger can choose between an additional 10.9-inch touchscreen and a 5.9-inch touchscreen that operates the rear HVAC and seat heating.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features of the 2023 Porsche Taycan
Every Taycan comes with basic driver-assistance features like automated emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Of course, Porsche also provides more cutting-edge technology at a cost. See the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for details on the Taycan’s crash-test results (IIHS).
Coverage for Warranties and Maintenance
Porsche offers a warranty program that is competitive with those offered by other luxury EV brands. Whereas Tesla gives unlimited mileage for the same period of time, the Taycan’s electrical component warranty is restricted to eight years or 100,000 miles. Four years or 50,000 miles are covered under the limited warranty. The powertrain warranty lasts eight years or one hundred thousand kilometers. There is no free scheduled maintenance
