A modified front apron and new LED headlights – that’s what you notice at second glance about the new Porsche Taycan. Apart from a slightly modified light strip with illuminated lettering, nothing has changed at the rear. Inside it doesn’t look much different. Aside from more informative digital instruments, there are familiar displays that could be a little larger and the usual excellent seating position on air-conditioned leather chairs.
With so few visible changes, it’s the inner values that have to do the trick and here the Porsche Taycan has catapulted itself into a new league with its revision. While some competitors are happy that they can refuel at the charging station with 180 to 200 kilowatts, the Taycan driver only has a tired smile.
While the previous 270 kilowatts that the twin pair of Porsche Taycan and Audi Etron GT offered were already more than impressive and faster than most of the competition, the charging time has now been shortened even further with up to 320 kilowatts. Depending on the body variant, the maximum range increased by up to 35 percent to almost 680 kilometers for the rear-wheel drive version.
While it previously took just under 40 minutes on the Hypercharger to charge the 93 kWh battery in the underbody to at least 80 percent, it now takes less than 20 minutes despite the larger 105 kW battery. 33 individual modules consist of a total of 396 pouch cells, with the mixing ratio of nickel, cobalt and manganese being 8:1:1.
The maximum recuperation power when decelerating from high speeds increases by more than 30 percent from 290 to up to 400 kW. All derivatives have aerodynamically optimized wheels and tires with reduced rolling resistance as standard. “With the Taycan we started the era of electromobility at the end of 2019,” says Kevin Giek, head of the Taycan series, “with the extensively updated Taycan we are continuing this success story. In terms of performance, the model series reaches a new level: driving dynamics and Driving pleasure is unique. At the same time, we were able to significantly improve efficiency, range, suitability for everyday use and comfort.”
But it’s not just more battery power and a 50 kilowatt faster charging speed. All Taycan models receive a significant performance increase, which is unfortunately also reflected in the prices. Even the entry-level model, increased to 300 kW / 408 hp, costs at least 101,500 euros. The Taycan 4S now produces 400 kW / 544 hp and the Taycan Turbo 650 kW / 884 hp.
The top model of the Porsche Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo costs more than twice as much with a purchase price of 211,300 euros. It now produces 700 kW / 952 hp. The improved performance of 260 km/h top speed and 0 to 100 km/h in 2.4 seconds are made possible by a more powerful electric motor (plus 80 kW / minus ten kilograms) on the rear axle. The push-to-pass button on the steering wheel appears like something out of a racing series, giving the electric Swabian more power for ten seconds. Porsche points out that the standard equipment has been significantly increased and details such as air suspension or the electric loading flap are now also standard on the basic models. New, but only available on request: the extremely comfortable Active Ride chassis.
