Do we need more than 600 horsepower under the hood to bring family and luggage? The question is not meaningless after trying the fourth and final version of the Porsche Taycan sedan. It is satisfied with 326 horsepower and a single electric motor when all the other models have two and the top of the range (Turbo S) peaks at 680 hp and even 761 hp with the overboost function. Unless you want to experience the sensations of a racing driver - dantesque acceleration and recovery validated by a 0 to 100 km / h in 2.8 seconds and a 80 to 120 km / h in 1.7 seconds - and try to unscrew the heads of the passengers with each acceleration, the performance of the entry-level version of the Taycan is more than enough. This is the observation that we were able to make during a test in Champagne soil.You will even save money because at 88,364 euros with the 79.2 kWh battery, the little Taycan is not a discount version. It retains everything that made the salt of Porsche's first electric model, namely very advanced technology and features that preserve the sporting genes of the brand.
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What responsibility at the wheel of an “autonomous car”?
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Not to mention that this new Taycan relieves the wallet, allowing all the same a saving of 21,050 euros compared to the 4S version and peaking at 101,570 euros compared to the flagship Turbo S. We will add the 5,772 euros for the battery. Performance Plus with a gross capacity of 93.4 kWh (83.7 kWh useful).
The investment is worth the effort.
With these accumulators, the range announced by the manufacturer gains 52 km to reach 484 km and the power is increased to 408 hp (476 peak hp).
Not content with being the most sober version of the range, the entry-level Taycan should reinforce the success of the vehicle which has attracted more than 20,000 motorists around the world in 2020, including 527 in France.
It should even become the best-selling version in France with the 4S.
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The 19-inch solid rims optimizing aerodynamics (
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0.22) and model-specific anodized black brake calipers don't change anything: the Taycan looks the same as its sisters on the road. The template is close to the Panamera; the curves evoke the 911. From this coupe which continues to set a benchmark fifty-eight years after its birth, the Taycan also inherits the driving position sparing a low seat and the atmosphere with the digital instrumentation reproducing the five dials evoking the model from 1963. Offering horizontal reading, the dashboard accommodates up to three touch screens. The last one (+ € 1,032) intended for the passenger may seem superfluous. The perceived quality is superior to that of a Tesla but it remains behind compared to a Panamera. The case also of the rear habitability, really cut out for two people.Despite the presence of footwells, sliding your feet under the front seats is not easy. The battery-powered architecture under the floor means that you have to travel with your knees bent. At the front, storage is not legion, apart from two cup holders could possibly fail smartphones.
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Immutable operation at Porsche: the ignition is activated by turning the electronic key to the left of the steering wheel. This may confuse the brand's customer: the Taycan emits no noise or vibration. Comfort is supreme, especially with the air suspension (+ € 2,178). We will gladly associate it with the rear steering wheels (+ € 2,352) which help improve the agility of a sedan which admits 90 kilos less than the 4S on the scale. The consequence of the presence of a single electric machine, on the rear axle. Unless you need the four-wheel drive reserved for higher models, the Taycan does not suffer in any way from its rear-wheel drive architecture. Even on a wet pavement like the one we used on the Bosch test track near Reims,it maintains perfect traction and never deviates from its path. You really have to disconnect all driving aids for the Taycan to start drifting.
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Autonomy remains, the Achilles heel of electric vehicles. The Taycan takes advantage of its low architecture, its aerodynamics, streamlined underbody and its two-speed transmission - their passage is sanctioned by jerks - to reserve remarkable consumption values, close to the 21.5 kWh claimed by the constructor. On the highway, it is possible to approach 400 km provided you avoid using the right pedal. The Taycan only needs 2.7 seconds to re-accelerate from 80 to 120 km / h, barely 0.4 seconds more than the 4S. As with all electric vehicles, behind the wheel of the Taycan, you will have to learn to program your trip to recharge preferably at a fast terminal of the Ionity network created by a consortium of manufacturers including Porsche.On a power accepting a charging power of 270 kW in direct current (there are not yet many), it will be possible to restore 80% of the battery's energy in 22 minutes. Likewise, with the optional 22 kW charger (+ € 1,680), it will be possible to fill up with electricity in less than 2 hours. It is also possible to recharge at home on a domestic outlet but you will have to take your trouble patiently. Charging exceeds 40 hours!It is also possible to recharge at home on a domestic outlet but you will have to take your trouble patiently. Charging exceeds 40 hours!It is also possible to recharge at home on a domestic outlet but you will have to take your trouble patiently. Charging exceeds 40 hours!
With the Taycan, Porsche shows that one can be a record holder for victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans (19) and take the turn of the ecological transition.
The entry-level rear-wheel drive model is a highly recommendable offer.
Technical sheet
Motor: electric, 408 hp, 357 Nm
Transmission: rear-wheel drive, auto.
2 reports
Dimensions: L. 4.96, l.
1.96, h.
1.39 m
Consumption: 21.5 kWh / 100 km
Range: 484 km (with Performance Plus battery of € 5,772)
Speed: 230 km / h
Price: € 88,364 (Performance battery of 79.2 kWh)
