64
up, is how the Taycan shifts up through
its two-speed gearbox (unique among
today’s EVs), and how the optional
Electric Sport Sound system treats
your ears to a sci-fi amplification of the
two motors feeding a mountain of torque
to all four wheels.
Despite its not-inconsiderable size
and weight, the 2300kg Taycan has a
dynamism that can’t be matched by other
electric cars. It may have a bulky battery
in the floor, but that keeps the centre of
gravity low and its cornering abilities high.
Once up on its toes, the Taycan is far more
fun than you might expect, with a balance
and surefootedness that encourages you
to press on.THOROUGH SCREENING
Inside, the cabin pairs the steering wheel
and seats from a standard 911 with an
infotainment system spread across upto five displays. These include one curved
screen behind the wheel, a touchscreen
for entertainment in the centre of the
dashboard, and a second screen below
that for controlling heating and air-con.
Haptic feedback here helps you know
when you’ve prodded the screen so you
can keep your eyes on the road.
After all that, there’s the option for a
second infotainment touchscreen fitted
in front of the front passenger, and a
display for rear occupants to fiddle with
their own air vents. This may sound like
touchscreen overload, but while there is
a learning curve, it all makes a lot of sense.
After one day with the Taycan we were up
to speed with most of it.
Much more tech lurks beneath the
surface, including an 800-volt power
system that charges faster than any
other. Providing you’re able to hunt down
the quickest type of charger (offered byPRICE from £83,367 / porsche.com
KEY SPECS
ORange Up to 280 miles
OPower 750hp
O0-62mph 2.8 seconds
OTop speed 162mphIonity in the UK and Europe), the Taycan
will gulp down an 80% charge in about
23 minutes.
Range for the Taycan Turbo is up to 280
miles, which is well short of the 379 of the
Tesla Model S Long Range but we reckon
still plenty for most people. Let’s face it,
after 250 miles or so you’ll probably want
to stretch your legs anyway.
Most importantly of all, this thing feels
like a Porsche. Yes, the 83-grand starting
price (or the £140k you’ll need for the
Turbo S) is a whole heap of cash. But for
that you’re getting arguably the most
exciting EV on sale today.STUFF SAYS Big power, sports-car handling and more tech than you can
shake a charger at make the Taycan the most exciting EV yet +++++
ELECTRIC CARS
Taycan on board
Like most EVs, the
Taycan has a front
boot where the
engine would
otherwise be. Handy
for shopping.Taycan advantage
The battery pack
sits in the floor. It
weighs over 600kg,
but all that mass
low down means
great handling.