Porsche Taycan

The Porsche Taycan stands as a testament to Porsche’s unwavering commitment to innovation without compromising its iconic design philosophy. Initially introduced as the Mission E Concept car, the Taycan carries forward the legacy of this design, but with added panache. Porsche’s signature design elements are prominently visible, making it reminiscent of the Panamera, its combustion engine counterpart.

Decked in Frozen Metallic Blue, the Taycan commands attention. This colour not only accentuates the car’s form but also amplifies the allure of the headlights. The LED DRL housing presents a unique design that complements the car’s wide and flat front, accentuated by its contoured wings. Moving along the side, the silhouette is dominated by the descending roofline, which gives the Taycan its sporty stance. True to Porsche’s design legacy, the Taycan features sculpted side sections. The rear is no less captivating with the drawn-in rear C-pillar and pronounced shoulders. A subtle yet impactful touch is the glass-look Porsche lettering, seamlessly integrated into the rear light bar.

However, what sets the Taycan apart is its charging port on the front fender, which is more than just functional. Contrary to expectations, the charging cap does not open with a simple tap. Instead, an innovative sensor-based mechanism is at play. A gesture under the sensor pops open the AC charging port that recesses into the fender. This design not only offers a futuristic touch but also eliminates the traditional swinging mechanism seen in combustion engine vehicles. Moreover, Porsche has equipped the Taycan with a second charging port, catering to both AC and DC charging.

Stepping inside reveals a world of futuristic technology and luxury. With four touch-based screens, Porsche has minimized physical buttons, streamlining controls for a more intuitive experience. Whether it’s the 8.4-inch display for basic commands, the 10.9-inch central display for functionalities, or the 16.8-inch curved display for lighting and chassis functions, the Taycan ensures you’re always in control. High-quality materials, comfortable seating, and a massive tinted glass panel further enrich the interior experience.

Safety is paramount for Porsche, and the Taycan is a testament to this commitment. Built with a high-strength steel frame, the Taycan provides robust protection against collisions. Advanced crumple zones in the front and rear absorb impact, ensuring minimal force transfer to the occupants. The Taycan boasts a comprehensive suite of active and passive safety features. Its advanced braking system, equipped with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), ensures maximum stopping power even in critical conditions. The Taycan’s Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Traction Control System (TCS) work in tandem to maintain optimal grip, especially during high-speed maneuvers.

In the realm of passive safety, the Taycan is equipped with multiple airbags, strategically placed to provide maximum protection. These include front, side, and curtain airbags. Additionally, the car features advanced seatbelt pretensioners that tighten during an impact, holding the occupants securely. Porsche has also equipped the Taycan with an array of advanced driver assistance systems. These include Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, and Blind Spot Monitoring. For parking and maneuvering in tight spaces, the Taycan features a 360-degree camera along with front and rear parking sensors. Furthermore, given that the Taycan is an EV, Porsche has integrated safety mechanisms to protect against electrical hazards. The battery pack is encased in a reinforced shell, ensuring it remains undamaged even in severe collisions. In the event of an accident, an automatic disconnect system isolates the battery, preventing electrical hazards.

At the heart of the Porsche Taycan lies an engineering marvel that redefines electric propulsion. Unlike traditional internal combustion engines, the Taycan is driven by a synchronous electric motor on each axle, enabling all-wheel drive. The Taycan’s performance statistics are jaw-dropping. With its electric powertrain churning out an astonishing 761 PS in overboost mode with Launch Control, the Taycan Turbo S variant accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 2.8 seconds. Even the base Taycan 4S doesn’t hold back, offering a commendable 530 PS.

Moreover, the Taycan is equipped with an innovative two-speed transmission on the rear axle. While the first gear gives the Taycan that instant torque for exhilarating launch control starts, the second gear, optimized for efficiency, ensures top-notch performance at higher speeds. This isn’t just a testament to Porsche’s commitment to performance, but also their dedication to creating a truly versatile EV that excels in every driving scenario.

Staying true to Porsche’s legacy, the Taycan offers an impeccable blend of comfort and dynamic agility. Its three-chamber air suspension system ensures a plush ride, absorbing road imperfections with finesse. At the same time, the Taycan’s low center of gravity, courtesy of its underfloor battery, aids in providing exemplary handling characteristics.

The Taycan's steering Is precise, offering feedback that is tactile and direct, reminiscent of Porsche’s sports car lineage. Active anti-roll bars further enhance the car’s cornering abilities, ensuring minimal body roll. For those keen on personalizing their driving experience, the Taycan offers multiple driving modes, including ‘Range’, ‘Normal’, ‘Sport’, and ‘Sport Plus’, each tailoring the car’s dynamics to the driver’s preference.

The Porsche Taycan, with its cutting-edge technology and unparalleled performance, comes with a premium price tag. Starting at Rs. 1.50 crore for the Taycan 4S, the price increases to Rs. 2.35 crore for the range-topping Taycan Turbo S in the Indian market. While this may seem steep, one must consider the avant-garde technology, luxurious amenities, and the unparalleled driving experience that the Taycan offers. It’s not just an electric vehicle; it’s a Porsche.

Choosing a Taycan variant largely depends on individual preferences and budget constraints. The Taycan 4S, being the entry-level variant, offers substantial performance and features for those looking to experience Porsche’s electric revolution. However, for enthusiasts seeking the pinnacle of EV performance, the Taycan Turbo S is the undisputed choice, with its blistering acceleration and top-tier features. In essence, every Taycan variant offers a unique blend of performance and luxury, ensuring that there’s a Taycan for every Porsche aficionado.

The electric car segment, once sparsely populated, is now bustling with formidable contenders. In the luxury EV segment, the Taycan faces stiff competition from the likes of the Tesla Model S, known for its impressive range and Autopilot features, and the Audi e-tron GT, which combines Audi’s design philosophy with electric performance. Moreover, the Jaguar I-PACE, with its blend of British luxury and electric prowess, and the Mercedes-Benz EQS, showcasing German engineering and opulence, also vie for a piece of the luxury EV pie. Each competitor brings its unique strengths to the table, but the Taycan, with its rich heritage and groundbreaking innovations, stands tall as a paragon of electric performance.

Also, check our Porsche Taycan Review: An Electric Sports Car For The Family