Porsche Taycan

Welcome to our latest deep dive into the world of luxury electric vehicles in India! As an automotive journalist, I know how many factors go into buying a new car. You think about your budget, how safe the car is, monthly maintenance costs, the latest features it offers, and of course, the company's service network. Today, we are focusing on a car that checks many of these boxes for those looking for a premium experience: the new Porsche Taycan.

The Porsche Taycan is not just another electric car; it is Porsche's first all-electric sports car, combining thrilling performance with everyday usability. Let's break down what makes this luxury EV a game-changer for the Indian market.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

Unlike traditional cars, the Porsche Taycan does not have an internal combustion engine. Instead, it is powered by advanced electric motors. These motors deliver instant torque and incredible acceleration. Depending on the variant, the Taycan offers impressive power outputs and rapid acceleration. For instance, the base Taycan can offer up to 408 PS (with overboost), while the top-of-the-line Taycan Turbo S delivers a staggering 761 PS!

Design Overview

Exterior

The Taycan's design is unmistakably Porsche, but with a futuristic twist.

• Sleek Silhouette: It has a low, wide, and elongated profile, typical of a sports sedan.
• Distinctive Lighting: The signature four-point LED headlights give it a unique look, while the continuous light bar at the rear makes it stand out.
• Aerodynamic Form: Every line and curve is designed for maximum aerodynamic efficiency, helping with both performance and range.

Interior

Step inside, and you are greeted by a cabin that blends luxury with cutting-edge technology.

• Digital Cockpit: Almost all physical buttons have been replaced by touchscreens, creating a clean and modern dashboard.
• Driver-Focused Design: The dashboard is curved and angled towards the driver, making everything easily accessible.
• Premium Materials: High-quality leather, Alcantara, and sustainable materials are used throughout, offering a premium feel.
• Comfortable Seating: Sports seats offer excellent support for both spirited driving and long journeys.

Key Features

The Porsche Taycan is packed with features to enhance comfort, convenience, and connectivity.

• Infotainment Screen Size: Typically features a 10.9-inch central infotainment display, with an optional passenger display.
• Connectivity: Comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, online navigation, and a host of connected services.
• Sunroof: An optional panoramic fixed glass roof enhances the cabin's airy feel.
• 360-degree Camera: For easy parking and maneuvering in tight spots.
• Wireless Charging: Convenient charging for your smartphone.
• Advanced Climate Control: Four-zone automatic climate control ensures comfort for all occupants.
• Burmester or Bose Surround Sound System: For an immersive audio experience.
• Adaptive Air Suspension: Enhances ride comfort and handling, also allowing for variable ground clearance.

What is the Ground Clearance of the Porsche Taycan?

The Porsche Taycan typically offers a variable ground clearance thanks to its adaptive air suspension. It ranges from approximately 128 mm to 146 mm, depending on the drive mode and suspension setting. This flexibility helps in navigating varied Indian road conditions.

What is the Boot Space of the Porsche Taycan?

The Taycan offers practical storage. It has a rear boot space of about 407 litres. Additionally, there is a 'frunk' (front trunk) under the hood with an 84-litre capacity, bringing the total luggage space to around 491 litres.

What are the Dimensions of the Porsche Taycan?

• Length: Approximately 4963 mm
• Width: Approximately 1966 mm (without mirrors)
• Height: Approximately 1379 mm

Powertrain Options

The Porsche Taycan comes in several exciting variants, each offering a different level of performance and range.

• Taycan (Base Model): Rear-wheel drive, good for daily driving.
• Taycan 4S: All-wheel drive, a significant bump in power and performance.
• Taycan GTS: Sportier tuning, designed for dynamic driving.
• Taycan Turbo: High performance, all-wheel drive.
• Taycan Turbo S: Top-tier performance, incredible acceleration and power.

All models come with either the Performance Battery or the larger Performance Battery Plus, offering varying ranges (typically from around 400 km to over 500 km WLTP, depending on the variant and battery).

Safety Features

Porsche prioritizes safety, and the Taycan is equipped with a comprehensive suite of active and passive safety features.

• Multiple Airbags (front, side, curtain)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
• Traction Control System (TCS)
• Porsche Stability Management (PSM)
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• ParkAssist (front and rear) with surround view
• Night Vision Assist (optional)

NCAP Rating Table

Understanding car safety is crucial, and independent crash tests provide valuable insights.

Rating Agency	Porsche Taycan Rating
Bharat NCAP	Not yet rated in India for this model.
Global NCAP (Euro NCAP)	5 Stars (Tested in 2019)

Rivals of Porsche Taycan in India

The Porsche Taycan competes in the high-end luxury electric vehicle segment. Its main rivals in the Indian market include:

• Audi e-tron GT
• Mercedes-Benz EQS
• Tesla Model S (though not officially launched in India, it is a global rival)
• BMW i5 M60

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Let's look at the balanced picture of owning a Porsche Taycan.

Pros

• Stunning Performance: Unrivaled acceleration and dynamic handling for an EV.
• Iconic Porsche Design: Combines traditional Porsche styling with modern EV aesthetics.
• Luxurious and High-Tech Interior: Premium materials and an abundance of digital screens.
• Build Quality: Typical Porsche precision and solid construction.
• Everyday Usability: Despite being a sports car, it offers practical features like decent boot space and comfortable seating.
• Fast Charging Capability: Can charge at very high speeds with compatible DC fast chargers.

Cons

• High Price Tag: As a luxury import, it comes with a premium price in India.
• Charging Infrastructure: While improving, India's EV charging network is still developing, especially for ultra-fast DC chargers needed by Taycan.
• Rear Seat Space: The sloping roofline can limit headroom for taller passengers in the rear.
• Maintenance Cost: Being a high-performance luxury EV, parts and service can be expensive, though electric powertrains typically have fewer moving parts.
• Limited Dealer Network: Porsche's service network, while excellent, is not as widespread as some mainstream brands in India.

Conclusion

The Porsche Taycan is more than just an electric car; it is a statement. For Indian car buyers looking for a blend of exhilarating performance, cutting-edge technology, and the unmatched prestige of the Porsche badge, the Taycan stands out as a top contender. While the price and current charging infrastructure are considerations, its unparalleled driving dynamics, luxurious cabin, and commitment to safety make it a highly desirable electric vehicle. If you are ready to embrace the future of driving with a touch of sporting heritage, the Porsche Taycan is definitely worth considering for your garage.