Overview

The Porsche Taycan is one of the very best electric cars you can buy. From the way it looks to the way it drives, the Taycan is right at the top of the pile, and although it’s also expensive it rarely feels poor value for money. A facelift in 2024 has made it even better, improving performance and driving range, as well as introducing a new halo model – the astonishingly fast Taycan Turbo GT, which we have now driven on track.

With four seats, four doors and a boot that can accept a reasonable amount of luggage, the Taycan is a practical choice, too. Upgrades for the facelift – which is visually limited to slimmer headlights, new wheel designs and the option of an illuminated Porsche badge on the back – mean that according to official WLTP figures it can now go up to 35% further on a charge.

As a result, the most efficient version – the entry-level rear-wheel drive Taycan with optional 97kWh Performance Plus Battery – now claims as much as 422 miles per charge.

Despite plenty of family resemblance to the 911, Cayman and Panamera, the Taycan’s closest sibling is actually the Audi E-Tron GT, which shares much of the same underlying technology. However, while the Audi is only available as a saloon, the Porsche also comes as the Taycan Sport Turismo estate and slightly off-road styled Taycan Cross Turismo.

The Tesla Model S is the Taycan’s most obvious rival – costing less but challenging the Porsche on range and performance, if not quite quality and driver satisfaction. But this is only available new in left-hand-drive now. Other driver-focused alternatives include the Jaguar I-Pace SUV, and a selection of electric BMWs: the sporty i4, executive i5 and sumptuous i7. The surprising Kia EV6 GT might seem an unlikely addition to a Porsche buyer’s shopping list, but this also offers serious performance for a lot less cash.

The Taycan still stands out, however, because despite coming from a sportscar brand it offers an incredibly well-rounded blend of talents. Yes, it’s sharp to drive – and very fast. But it’s also comfortable, modern and luxurious. Every facelifted model is fitted with air suspension as standard, while the optional new Porsche Active Ride suspension system refines the driving experience even further.

There are five versions to choose from. The basic single-motor Taycan has 408hp. The rest have twin motors and all-wheel-drive, starting with the 544hp Taycan 4S. Then there’s the 884hp Taycan Turbo and 952hp Taycan Turbo S. All of these have more power and longer driving ranges than before. The new Taycan Turbo GT has up to 1,108hp available, but only for short bursts – we’ll explain more in the Engines and Handling section of this review.

The previously available GTS has been dropped for now. As before, all Taycans have 800v charging capability, enhanced to accept a 320kW DC supply and allow faster charging over a wider temperature scale as part of the facelift.

Keep reading for our full Porsche Taycan review, which covers everything from what it’s like to drive, what the interior is like to live with, how comfortable the car is and whether it might let you down. Some of the answers are surprising.