Porsche has just expanded the Taycan range with a new base model, bringing the total number of variants to four – the new Taycan, Taycan 4S, Taycan Turbo, and Taycan Turbo S.
The new base Taycan, which is a rear-wheel drive model, is available with two sizes of battery. With the standard Performance Battery, the new entry-level model delivers up to 408 PS. Meanwhile, those who opt for the base Taycan with Performance Battery Plus will be entitled to an output of up to 476 PS.
While the single-deck Performance Battery with a gross capacity of 79.2 kWh is fitted as standard, the two-deck 93.4 kWh Performance Battery Plus is available only as an option. Range, in accordance with WLTP, is up to 431 km and up to 484 km respectively.
As the youngest member of the model family, the Taycan includes, right from the start, the new features introduced in the other versions at the model year changeover. For instance, there is the Plug & Charge function which enables convenient charging and payments without the need for cards or an app.
Performance
The new base Taycan accelerates from a standing start to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds, whichever battery is specified. Its top speed is also 230 km/h in both configurations, while its maximum charging capacity is up to 225 kW (Performance Battery) or up to 270 kW (Performance Battery Plus).
This means that both batteries can be charged from five to 80 per cent in 22.5 minutes and that power for a further 100 kilometres is achieved after only five minutes.
In addition to the permanently excited synchronous motor on the rear axle, the drive architecture also includes a two-speed transmission. Just as with its siblings in the model range, its highlights include intelligent charging management as well as exemplary aerodynamics.
Exterior
Distinguishing features of the Taycan within its model family include aerodynamically optimised 19-inch Taycan Aero wheels and black anodised brake callipers.
The front apron, side sills and rear diffuser in black are the same as those on the Taycan 4S. LED headlights are fitted as standard.
Interior
Inside, the new base Taycan comes with a partial leather interior as well as front comfort seats with eight-way electrical adjustment. The car features two luggage compartments: 84 litres at the front, and up to 407 litres at the rear.
The Taycan is also the first Porsche model available with an entirely leather-free interior. Interiors made from innovative recycled materials underscore the sustainable concept of the electric sports car.
The adaptive air suspension is also equipped with a Smartlift function. This allows the Taycan to be programmed so that it raises its ride height automatically at certain recurring locations such as road humps or garage driveways.
The Smartlift function can also actively influence the vehicle’s height on motorway journeys and can adjust the vehicle’s ride height for the best possible compromise between efficiency and driving comfort.
The Taycan is equipped as standard with six-piston aluminium monobloc fixed-calliper brakes at the front and four-piston aluminium monobloc fixed-calliper brakes at the rear. The internally vented brake discs are 360 mm diameter at the front and 358 mm at the rear.
The brake callipers have a black anodised finish. A further option is the high-performance Porsche Surface Coated Brake (PSCB). Its discs have a diameter of 410 mm and 365 mm front and rear.
Flying start
Having delivered over 20,000 Taycans to customers worldwide in 2020, the model was already off to a flying start since its global debut. The electric sports car has already received around 50 international awards, above all in its principal markets of Germany, the US, the UK and China.
The new rear-wheel drive Taycan also holds the Guinness World Record for the longest drift with an electric car, having been driven sideways non-stop for exactly 42.171 km. Now that a cheaper entry-level model is in the picture, we can only expect the Taycan sales to grow further around the world.
As for Malaysia, the Porsche Taycan is available in three variants, with prices ranging between RM725,000 and RM1.195 million.
