Used 2020 Porsche Taycan

Price: The 2020 Porsche Taycan has a starting price of $109,370.

The 2020 Taycan is Porsche’s foray into high-tech electric vehicles, and it represents a seismic shift for the German luxury brand. Porsche is long known for the iconic 911 adored by driving enthusiasts and, more recently, the Cayenne and Macan for those desiring an SUV with the soul of a sports car.

The 4-door Taycan signals Porsche’s next evolution. Rather than a fiery, V8-powered coupe, the Taycan is a sumptuous sedan that has the Tesla Model S in its sights. Like that Tesla, the Taycan is powered solely by electricity, boasts dual motors and all-wheel drive, and even touts everyday practicality with adult-size rear seats and two trunks.

And yes, even the higher-powered “Turbo” models are all-electric.

Though the Model S has been around nearly a decade longer, the latest Tesla is still slightly quicker than the Taycan and has more range. Whereas the Tesla Model S is rated up to 373 miles, the Taycan is only rated in the low 200-mile range. What the Taycan can boast, however, are fresher and more stylish looks, more precise handling, a longer list of options, and the prestige of the Porsche brand.

The new Taycan’s Porsche-precise blend of spirit and style is most clearly reflected in its double-win at this year’s World Car of the Year Awards. The pure-electric Taycan broke down electric-car barriers by winning both the 2020 World Performance Car and 2020 World Luxury Car categories, besting its own stablemates, the new Porsche 911 and 718 Spyder/Cayman GT4, in the process.

While the Taycan is powered by silent electric motors rather than a howling gasoline engine, it is still intended to drive and handle like a Porsche. And there may be its biggest differentiator with the Tesla Model S.

Yes, at its best the Tesla is quicker – a ludicrous 2.3-second 0-60 mph time vs. 2.6 seconds in the topline Porsche Taycan Turbo S. The Tesla also boasts a longer range and the standard Autopilot system that seems to get closer to self-driving every day. But for drivers who still prefer to do that task themselves, the Taycan shines.

Driven back to back, the Porsche corners better and feels more engaging overall. Thanks to its near-perfect steering calibration, excellent brake modulation, and grippy all-wheel-drive system, the 2020 Taycan is a joy to drive. A low center of gravity enables the Taycan to feel planted and stable, and as with all things Porsche, a long list of options enables even higher performance. Count among them carbon-ceramic brakes, larger wheels, and rear-axle steering.

The more powerful Turbo models (no, there isn’t actually a turbocharger onboard) grants silent yet incredible 0-60 mph blasts of 3 seconds or less. But the truth is, the Taycan 4S is still thrilling, nailing that time in 3.8 seconds and costing nearly $50,000 less in the process.

The Taycan’s interior is as innovative as the car itself.

In front, the dashboard is bathed in digital screens, including a 16.8-inch a curved glass instrument cluster, a 10.9-inch central display, a lower 8.4-inch console, and an optional 10.9-inch display in front of the passenger. Porsche touts that almost all physical buttons have been replaced by touch control.

The two front seats are well-bolstered, with 8-way power standard and 18-way adaptive sport seats optional. As standard, the Taycan is a 4-passenger affair, with two seats in back. As an option, you can get a “2+1” arrangement. That adds a small middle rear seat, but makes things quite cramped when in use. Otherwise, rear space is good and adult-size.

The Taycan also has respectable cargo capacity. The trunk has 14.3 cubic feet in 4S models and 12.9 in the Turbos. As with a 911 and Boxster, the Taycan also features a small front trunk, (“frunk”) that adds 2.8 cubic feet.

Though slightly shorter than a Porsche Panamera, the Taycan is still a relatively large sedan, spanning 195.4 inches. That’s a touch longer than a BMW 5 Series. The Taycan differs from the Tesla Model S in that instead of a rear cargo hatch, the Taycan has a trunk, like a traditional sedan.

Our eyes really like the design of the Taycan, especially its raked rear with sloped glass, taut tail and muscular haunches. We’re less excited about the boomerang headlight housings and their vertical air curtains. As with the Tesla Model S, the Taycan’s door handles sit flush until needed.

Unlike most EVs, the Porsche Taycan has charge ports on both sides near the front wheels, allowing you to plug in where most convenient.

AMBITIOUS AND INNOVATIVE
The opportunity to own an all-new Porsche model is rare in itself, and a car as game-changing as the Taycan is especially exceptional. Owners of the debuting 2020 Taycan can truly call themselves cutting-edge.

PORSCHE EXPERIENCE, ELECTRIFIED
Most EVs by nature are quick and fun in a straight line, but the Taycan is also a joy to drive beyond straight-line blasts. Its powertrain may differ from every other Porsche, but it still corners and performs like one of Zuffenhausen’s best.

The Porsche Taycan comes in three main trims: 4S, Turbo and Turbo S. As expected in a $100,000-plus luxury sports sedan, even a Taycan 4S is nicely equipped, including dual-zone climate control, heated and 8-way-adjustable front seats, partial-leather upholstery, adaptive air suspension, and a universal garage remote.

As we mentioned, the Taycan is a tech powerhouse, featuring a trio of standard digital displays, including a curved-glass instrument panel. Also standard is navigation, 150-watt/10-speaker audio system, and Apple CarPlay (but no Android Auto). Standard safety features include lane-keeping assist, forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, and front/rear parking cameras.

Stepping up to the Taycan Turbo or Turbo S adds more power. The pricier Turbo models also get more standard features, such as full-leather interior, larger wheels, higher-end seats, and, in the case of the Taycan Turbo S, standard rear-axle steering.

As with other Porsche vehicles, the Taycan’s options list is long and varied. Available features range from ventilated and massaging front seats to a nearly $6,000 Burmester audio system.

Driver-assistance options include adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring (Porsche calls it “Lane Change Assist”), and a night-vision system. A leather-free interior also is available. One option you’re not likely to find on many other EVs is “Porsche Electric Sport Sound,” which amplifies the electrified powertrain’s whooshing.

The Taycan uses an all-electric powertrain that includes a battery pack and two permanent magnetic synchronous (PSM) electric motors. Each axle has its own motor, which grants the Taycan standard all-wheel drive. While there was talk about a base 4S Taycan with a 79.2-kWh battery pack, all the 2020 models (4S, Turbo, Turbo S) are equipped with the 93.4-kWh Performance Battery Pack.

As you step up trims, you get higher performance. It’s still safe to say that all models are extremely powerful and quick. The 4S features up to 522 horsepower with launch control engaged and 472 lb-ft of torque. That enables a 0-60 mph sprint of just 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph. At the top of the lineup, the Taycan Turbo S packs a staggering 750 horsepower with launch control engaged and 774 lb-ft of torque. That translates to 0-60 mph in 2.6 seconds and a 161-mph top speed.

The Porsche Taycan’s range is rated at 192 miles for the Turbo S and 201 for the Turbo. The 4S has an EPA range of 203 miles. That range may appear disappointing compared with up to 373 for the Model S. But if it’s any consolation, we’ve found the Porsche’s ratings conservative in real-world driving.

Dual motors with all-wheel drive (Taycan 4S with Performance Battery Plus)
563 horsepower (w/ launch control)
479 lb-ft of torque
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 68/71 MPGe
EPA-rated range on a full charge: 203 miles

Dual motors with all-wheel drive (Taycan Turbo)
670 horsepower (w/ launch control)
626 lb-ft of torque
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 68/71 MPGe
EPA-rated range on a full charge: 201 miles

Dual motors with all-wheel drive (Taycan Turbo S)
750 horsepower (w/ launch control)
774 lb-ft of torque
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 67/68 MPGe
EPA-rated range on a full charge: 192 miles