4S 4dr All-Wheel Drive Sedan
2021 Porsche Taycan
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The all-electric Taycan is a fantastic first step for Porsche into an electric future. Now in its second model year, it has seen both acclaim and sales success, and for good reason. The Taycan 4S on up to the very hottest Turbo S are able to feel distinctly Porsche. But until now, there have been two things missing from the formula: rear-wheel drive and some semblance of affordability. The 4S, Turbo and Turbo S all have all-wheel drive, as well as price tags starting north of $100,000. The new model year changes that with the base 2021 Porsche Taycan, period, no alphanumeric or “Turbo” appendage. The name is simple. Pure. The base Taycan might be able to tickle an itch for purists. For someone who prefers the traditional feel of a rear-wheel-drive sports car — as one might eschew any 911 with a 4 designation — there’s now a Taycan for you. Even better, it starts at $81,250 (after destination fees but before a $7,500 federal tax credit or any local incentives). This base Taycan lowers the barrier to entry by $23,900 compared to the Taycan 4S. Without a motor driving the front wheels, power is down compared to the AWD stablemates. Equipped with the standard, 79.2-kilowatt-hour Performance Battery, power comes in at 321 nominal horsepower, 402 peak horsepower using launch control, and 254 pound-feet of torque. It can also charge at up to 225 kW at a capable DC fast charger, which only Tesla can currently beat. Range is still unannounced as of this writing, but whatever it is will probably be understated. With the Performance Battery Plus, you get 93.4 kWh, 270-kW charging (which Porsche says can charge from 5-80% in 22.5 minutes), up to 469 hp with launch control (402 without) and 263 lb-ft of torque. It also gains 170 pounds so the 0-60-mph time remains the same for every RWD Taycan. At 5.1 seconds in any RWD Taycan, it basically takes twice as long to hit 60 mph from a stop using launch control as the Taycan Turbo S, which does it at 2.6 seconds. But look at those numbers again: 5.1 is plenty fast; 2.6 seconds is just, well, ludicrous. So sure, this base Taycan is down on power, but it’s still potent and punchy. In fact, Porsche notes the Taycan is the most powerful base version of a car it has ever sold. It’s quiet, but it pounces with the swiftness of a jungle cat when prompted. With loads of torque available from low in the rev range, the Taycan will kick you in the small of the back when you jam your foot down from a stop — or from 20 mph, or from a 40-mph cruise. Even at highway speeds, it comes to life to slingshot you past traffic, though the tummy-turning effects are dulled at the high end. The various modes include (from mildest to hottest) Range, Normal, Sport and Sport Plus. There’s also an Individual mode …
Full Review
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The all-electric Taycan is a fantastic first step for Porsche into an electric future. Now in its second model year, it has seen both acclaim and sales success, and for good reason. The Taycan 4S on up to the very hottest Turbo S are able to feel distinctly Porsche. But until now, there have been two things missing from the formula: rear-wheel drive and some semblance of affordability. The 4S, Turbo and Turbo S all have all-wheel drive, as well as price tags starting north of $100,000. The new model year changes that with the base 2021 Porsche Taycan, period, no alphanumeric or “Turbo” appendage. The name is simple. Pure. The base Taycan might be able to tickle an itch for purists. For someone who prefers the traditional feel of a rear-wheel-drive sports car — as one might eschew any 911 with a 4 designation — there’s now a Taycan for you. Even better, it starts at $81,250 (after destination fees but before a $7,500 federal tax credit or any local incentives). This base Taycan lowers the barrier to entry by $23,900 compared to the Taycan 4S. Without a motor driving the front wheels, power is down compared to the AWD stablemates. Equipped with the standard, 79.2-kilowatt-hour Performance Battery, power comes in at 321 nominal horsepower, 402 peak horsepower using launch control, and 254 pound-feet of torque. It can also charge at up to 225 kW at a capable DC fast charger, which only Tesla can currently beat. Range is still unannounced as of this writing, but whatever it is will probably be understated. With the Performance Battery Plus, you get 93.4 kWh, 270-kW charging (which Porsche says can charge from 5-80% in 22.5 minutes), up to 469 hp with launch control (402 without) and 263 lb-ft of torque. It also gains 170 pounds so the 0-60-mph time remains the same for every RWD Taycan. At 5.1 seconds in any RWD Taycan, it basically takes twice as long to hit 60 mph from a stop using launch control as the Taycan Turbo S, which does it at 2.6 seconds. But look at those numbers again: 5.1 is plenty fast; 2.6 seconds is just, well, ludicrous. So sure, this base Taycan is down on power, but it’s still potent and punchy. In fact, Porsche notes the Taycan is the most powerful base version of a car it has ever sold. It’s quiet, but it pounces with the swiftness of a jungle cat when prompted. With loads of torque available from low in the rev range, the Taycan will kick you in the small of the back when you jam your foot down from a stop — or from 20 mph, or from a 40-mph cruise. Even at highway speeds, it comes to life to slingshot you past traffic, though the tummy-turning effects are dulled at the high end. The various modes include (from mildest to hottest) Range, Normal, Sport and Sport Plus. There’s also an Individual mode …
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Retail Price
$103,800
MSRP / Window Sticker Price
| Engine | |
| MPG | 79 City / 80 Hwy |
| Seating | 4 Passengers |
| Transmission | 2-spd auto |
| Power | 429 @ rpm |
| Drivetrain | all wheel |
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