Specifications of the Taycan

The Porsche Taycan I had for two days was packed with features.

This model boasts a power unit that generates 380hp. While that might not seem substantial for a vehicle weighing over two tons, it accelerates impressively. If you engage the somewhat comical but impractical launch control, you can unleash 476hp.

It comes equipped with a two-speed transmission, which is uncommon among single-speed EVs, and can go from 0 to 60 mph in a respectable 5.4 seconds. If you’re feeling adventurous (and find yourself in an unrestricted speed zone), it can reach 124 mph in just 16.5 seconds.

The battery has a capacity of 93.4kWh, offering a range of over 300 miles on a good day.

The Taycan I drove was adorned in a striking Frozen Berry Metallic hue, a blend of pink and purple that surprisingly grows on you. As is typical for press vehicles, it came with numerous upgrades, including 20-inch Turbo Aero wheels and a performance battery, bringing the total cost to slightly over £86,235—making it the most costly review unit I've ever handled.

Driving the Taycan

Having been a passenger in numerous electric vehicles and having driven a few hybrids, this was my inaugural experience piloting a full EV. The Taycan provided an opportunity to navigate the world of electric driving while managing range anxiety.

My first drive—a leisurely 80-mile trip from Porsche’s UK headquarters in Reading to my home in Leamington Spa—was utterly uneventful. It was perhaps the easiest car I've ever driven, requiring just basic actions: accelerate, steer, and brake. The Taycan does not have regenerative braking as a default (it needs to be activated), eliminating the awkward engine braking found in many EVs.

While driving the Taycan felt akin to piloting a standard automatic, there’s an undeniable simplicity to the EV experience that makes it feel more like a video game than operating a combustion engine. Monitoring a battery percentage rather than a fuel gauge feels strange at first, but it quickly becomes second nature, especially in today’s world of battery-operated gadgets.

Despite its high cost and impressive capabilities, I found the Taycan to be remarkably easy to drive for anyone needing to travel from point A to B.

Exterior and Interior Design

The Taycan's exterior design is definitely polarizing. My brother-in-law compared its elevated front headlights to a surprised frog—a description that, depending on the angle, isn’t entirely off. However, from a lower viewpoint, the car exudes a commanding presence that never fails to attract attention.

It’s a substantial vehicle, embodying the essence of a grand tourer. Its design, especially the rear end, clearly signals ‘Porsche’ while adding a unique flair. The striking LED light that runs along the boot lid only enhances its appearance.

Inside, the Taycan offers a premium feel without being ostentatious. Rather than bombarding you with reminders of your financial outlay, it prioritizes the driving experience, relying heavily on three large displays rather than an array of knobs and switches.

While the absence of luxurious materials like chrome or Alcantara may disappoint some, the Taycan’s cabin is well-crafted, quiet, and exceptionally comfortable—akin to settling into a sleek, minimalist living room.

Technological Features of the Taycan

The Taycan's cabin centers around its trio of displays. The most notable is the 16.8-inch curved screen behind the steering wheel, replacing traditional dials that are becoming obsolete.

This bright, customizable display has three segments that can show everything from speed and acceleration to navigation maps. The display also features a 'Powermeter' that tracks speed and recuperation (Porsche’s term for battery regeneration).

In the center of the dashboard lies a traditional display for entertainment and smartphone integration, supporting both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Porsche Communication Management system is intuitive and fluid, although I primarily used CarPlay.

On the topic of CarPlay, the Taycan offers wireless connectivity, a delightful feature for someone used to wired connections, though I experienced occasional connectivity issues.

I also spent time exploring the Taycan's navigation system, particularly its integration with the UK charging network. Initially, it was confusing as it automatically calculated necessary charging stops based on the destination, leading to longer travel times than expected.

Performance Insights

The Taycan is incredibly fast. While I knew EVs generally outpace their petrol counterparts, I was unprepared for just how swift this model is.

Given its price tag of nearly £90,000, its speed should be expected, but the continuous power on tap is astonishing. Acceleration is immediate and smooth, especially in Sport modes, where it becomes exhilarating.

The Taycan excels on twisty roads, feeling well-balanced and nimble, while it truly shines on the motorway, where it is comfortable and effortless to drive. The vehicle's power makes overtaking simple, and the ride quality ensures a pleasant journey.

Electric Vehicle Ownership Experience

Having never charged a vehicle before, I anticipated that learning to operate the Taycan would be both fascinating and potentially stressful.

The Taycan offers both AC and DC charging options, with the latter being what you’ll seek most often unless you’re charging overnight. However, challenges arise since only the passenger side has the DC port, making it tricky to find parking spots that align with charging stations.

During my first day, I was fortunate to find a functioning DC charger. The second day proved more challenging, as several stations were either broken or inaccessible, leading to frustrating delays and a taste of range anxiety.

Almost a Disastrous Return

As my return to Porsche approached, I faced a precarious situation: I had about 28 miles to travel with only 33 miles of battery left. I had to find a charger quickly, as I couldn’t afford to run out of power.

Initially, my search yielded no results; the only available DC charger was already in use, and I had to navigate with just five miles of battery life remaining. After a few unsuccessful attempts, I finally found a DC charging station at a Lidl store, bringing me immense relief.

Conclusion

In summary, the Taycan is a remarkable car. If I had the budget for a grand tourer, I would choose a Taycan in a heartbeat due to its performance, comfort, and stunning design.

However, my experience with EVs still needs refinement. I lacked the foresight to plan my trips effectively, assuming I could charge like I would at a gas station. This highlights the unique challenges of EV ownership that I was unprepared for.

It’s worth noting that this very car took part in an unofficial EV world record attempt this year, showcasing that with proper planning, incredible journeys are possible with vehicles like the Taycan.

This review won't be my last on electric vehicles. My curiosity about the technology and ownership experience remains high, and I look forward to exploring more miles powered by electricity. Stay tuned for my upcoming YouTube review of the 2022 Porsche Taycan!

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