September 2nd, 2021 | By Sal Ialuna

The 2021 Porsche Taycan was released in 2020 as the first fully electric production Porsche and has been a huge success. The trim levels are Base, 4S, Turbo, and Turbo S, with the Turbo S putting out 750-hp, with a 0 to 60 mph of just 2.4 seconds. The primary rival to the Porsche Taycan is the Tesla Model S. The Porsche Taycan drives just like a Porsche sports car does, and even though there is no engine noise, it still delivers the power and precision just as well.

The base model Taycan starts just under $80,000, not including delivery and has321hp. The base model Taycan only comes in rear-wheel drive. The 4S starts at around $104,000 before delivery and comes with a 522-hp powertrain, stylish 19-inch wheels, and an adaptive air suspension. There is a “PerformanceBattery Plus” option, which increases the size of the battery pack and with doing so, increases the combined horsepower rating to 562. The Turbo starts at just under $151,000, not including delivery charges, and has 616hp. The Turbo S, putting out 750-hp, has a 0 to 60 mph time of just 2.4 seconds.

We drove the Taycan 4S, and it served as a great family car, as well as an excellent competitor to the Tesla Model S, which we have also driven for this comparison. The Taycan has much better materials inside and out than the Tesla, and the build quality is exceptional. It is quite a surprise that the sports car/sedan feeling is not lost on a practical fully electric sedan, even though the roar and grumble are replaced by electric whines.

Pros:

  • Variety of trim levels.
  • Numerous technological innovations.
  • Exceptional speed and handling throughout the trim levels.
  • Drives like a proper Porsche sports car.

Cons:

  • Electric range is limited.
  • Price point is much higher than competitor (Tesla Model S).
  • Unknown reliability.

Competitor(s): Tesla Model S.