When hearing the word Porsche, what comes to mind? Is it a bright red Turbo 911 sports car, power, speed, or maybe even the luxury and performance of the company's SUVs or sedan? But what about the words “efficiency'' or “electric?” Do either of those associations surface?
Electric vehicles have been the rage for several years. While environmental efficiency is a premiere advantage, speed and power aren’t words usually associated with most electric-powered cars. The Porsche Taycan (pronounced tie-kahn) proves otherwise.
One of the more enjoyable aspects of being a freelance writer is meeting interesting people and enjoying exciting experiences. So, it’s easy to see why I was thrilled when asked to not only review Porsche’s first electric turbo vehicle, but also take it for a test drive.
Although Middle Tennessee’s wet, winter weather wasn’t ideal for a test drive, I ventured out to Porsche of Nashville in Brentwood to experience the Taycan for myself. This new four-door sedan has a price tag that ranges from about $105,150 for the 4S to around $186,350 for their top-of-the-line Turbo S. The Turbo model I drove has a sticker price of about $152,250. Price aside, getting behind the wheel of this expertly engineered machine was pure joy.
There were two Taycan Turbos at the dealership the day I visited. The one I test drove was white. However, the model on the showroom floor was a beautiful black-on-black model that's sure to capture plenty of attention sitting in front of some of the area’s best dining spots or country clubs.
Meet the 2020 Porsche Taycan
Like most sports cars, the Porsche Taycan sat low to the ground and compared to most four-door luxury sedans, provides a genuine sports car feel. The digital instrument dashboard is impressive. Two touchscreens are on the center stack, and a passenger touchscreen is available as an upgrade. Taycan’s come standard with room for four, and a third back seat is offered as an upgrade. But let’s face it, it’s doubtful that passenger interior space is a high priority when seriously considering Porsche’s newest speedster.
The introductory 4S model offers a maximum 562 horsepower, while the Turbo model I drove makes 670 horses, powering all four wheels with front and rear electric motors.
While I appreciated the attractive and well laid out interior design, I wanted to experience how the Turbo model handled, especially on the wet, I-65 surface. The cars wide wheelbase hugged the road nicely, and the quiet electric motor provided ample torque for handling tight curves. The Turbo S model can go from zero to 60 in 2.4 seconds, so acceleration is not an issue.
Porsche of Nashville General Manager, Cody Bender, was my guide for the test drive and encouraged me not to be shy about “opening up” the Turbo Taycan. Thankfully, no one noticed as I quickly reached 95 mph on southbound I-65. I’m sure it comes as no surprise that it felt like I was traveling less than 70 mph as we drove on the wet interstate.
While the power and handling of the Taycan is certainly its forte, I would be remiss if I didn’t expand on the sedan’s more practical features.
The Porsche Taycan comes standard with SiriusXM radio, Bluetooth connectivity, as well as Apple CarPlay compatibility. As of this writing, the Taycan doesn’t support Android integration. This car also comes equipped with standard driver-assisted technologies such as forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance.
Additional safety features offered a’ la carte include parking sensors, adaptive cruise control and blind-side monitoring. A limited four-year, 50,000-mile warranty also comes standard.
Electric Charging
Sure, the 2020 Porsche Taycan is one fast automotive thoroughbred. However, the fact that it’s an electric-powered roadster merits some attention to battery life and charging accessibility.
The Taycan uses a two-speed transmission. It comes standard with an 800-volt electrical system and is the first electric vehicle to be built with this system, allowing Porsche’s powerful 270-kilowatt charging to charge an almost empty battery to 80 percent capacity in under 23 minutes. It’s important to understand that 800-volt DC fast chargers are few and far between.
When first announced, the car’s EPA range came in at 192 miles for the Turbo model. However, further track tests have shown much higher ratings. To maximize range, potential buyers should consider Porsche’s Intelligent Range Manager. For about $300 extra, this software will adjust the climate control and maximum speed when the battery range is getting low before reaching your scheduled destination.
Power, Fuel-Efficiency and Style Define the Porsche Taycan
For the individual where power and efficiency outweigh the price, the Porsche Taycan is a car to test drive soon.
SPECS:
MODEL Porsche Taycan Turbo
HORSEPOWER 670
BATTERY RANGE 192-plus Miles
ELECTRIC CHARGING 800-volt electrical system and 270-kilowatt charging