The new Taycan EV is one of the fastest accelerating Porsches of all time
Shortly after the launch of the Macan EV, Porsche has put the finishing touches to its heavily updated Taycan model, which now offers an increased all-electric range of up to 680 kilometers in certain model variants and the ability to go from 0 to 100 km/h in certain model variants. you to sprint. a whopping 2.4 seconds.
Granted, those staggering acceleration figures are only available in the most powerful (and expensive) Taycan Turbo S models, but they put Porsche’s 918 Spyder to shame. That model once considered part of the ‘holy trinity’ of next-generation high-performance hypercars, including the Ferrari LaFerrari and McLaren P1.
Owners of the top-of-the-line Taycan Turbo S model will have access to a total output of 700 kW (or 952 hp), although this is only available when using the Launch Control functionality. Drivers also get a ‘push-to-pass function’ button, which unleashes an additional 70 kW (94 hp) for ten seconds to assist with overtaking manoeuvres. In short, it’s crazy fast no matter how you slice it.
But behind the insane performance data is still a very usable and family-friendly electric sedan. One that can now travel up to 680 kilometers on a single charge in the Turbo and Turbo S variants, thanks to a larger 105 kWh battery pack (97 kWh is usable).
Amazingly, despite the increased performance and electric range, the new Taycan has managed to shed some weight, with overall mass falling by 15kg thanks to lighter battery pack construction and tweaks to second-generation electric motor technology.
Porsche says maximum energy recuperation during braking has increased by more than 30 percent from 290 kW to a maximum of 400 kW, while fast charging capacity has also been increased by 50 kW to a maximum of 320 kW, meaning charging sessions are significantly reduced when using the correct socket.
In addition, the fast charging window of the new performance battery pack has been expanded. Essentially this means that charging powers in excess of 300 kW can be sustained for longer periods (up to five minutes), allowing the highest possible charging powers to be used for longer and therefore squeezing more juice into the packs in a shorter time. .
If all parameters are perfect (suitable fast charger, favorable outside temperatures), second-generation Taycan customers can achieve a charge of 10 to 80 percent in 18 minutes, as opposed to the 37 minutes of its predecessor.
In addition to the further/faster approach, Porsche has also equipped the new Taycan with adaptive air suspension for a smoother ride and a more dynamic driving experience when satisfied with the right foot.
Like the previous generation, the new Taycan will be offered in Cross Turismo and Sport Turismo body styles, with the range including a standard model with true wheel drive, a 4S with all-wheel drive, Turbo and Turbo S. all body styles. This model derivative dictates performance and range, as well as equipment specification.
Porsche has also slightly tweaked the exterior styling so it’s now sharper, with greater differentiation between standard and turbo models thanks to bespoke bumpers and badging.
The updated model also heralds Porsche’s promise of deeper Apple CarPlay integration, with much of the vehicle’s functionality accessible from within the CarPlay ecosystem.
In addition, a new In-Car Video function enables video streaming at any time on the central display when parked and on the passenger display. This is thanks to a special coating that prevents the driver from seeing what is being displayed from the driver’s seat.
Predictably, the Porsche Taycan won’t be cheap: the entry-level model will cost £86,500 (approximately $109,000 / AUS$168,000) and the range-topping Taycan Turbo S will cost £161,400 (approximately $204,000 / AUS$313,000).
A prescription for residual headaches?
Demand for the first-generation Porsche Taycan exceeded supply, even pushing up used prices. But the market has since calmed down and now the original model can be purchased on the second-hand market at significant savings.
During a quick search on one of Britain’s largest used car sales sites, we found low-mileage used models for under £50,000 (approximately $63,000 / AUS$97,000).
That’s more than half the asking price of the 2020 vehicle, especially when you consider that such a beloved example included £37,000 (approximately $46,000 / AUS$72,000) in optional extras.
This is great news for the used car buyer, but it clearly shows that the market is still very wary of the premium electric car. Those who part with the full price for the second-generation Taycan Turbo S could well find its value plummeting after just a few years, despite its massive performance credentials, and that’s a problem.