• Latest version of Porsche’s interior
• Seriously reduced button count
• Screens aplenty, including dials

How is the quality and layout?

The first major difference when you drop into the Taycan’s low driving position is the big on/off button you use to start the car. Then you’ll start the search for the diminutive gearshifter, which has been moved to the dashboard itself in order to free up space in the centre console.

From then on in though it’s a thoroughly modern take on the classic Porsche cockpit – specifically, says the manufacturer, the clean styling of the original 911 from 1963. While it’s true there are very few buttons, and the new free-standing instrument cluster is wider than the steering wheel, from there things start to diverge.

Because this is a high-tech electric sports car there are no mechanically operated louvres for the air vents – those belong in the past, says Porsche – meaning you now control the air flow from the climate screen (like a Tesla Model 3). Call us old fashioned, but we prefer physical controls.

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Infotainment and tech

That digital instrument cluster is a cowl-free design based on an 16.8-inch curved digital screen. It features touch controls for the lights and suspension along the edges too. In the centre of the dash is the main infotainment screen, measuring 10.9-inches, and there’s an option of another display ahead of the front passenger. This is filtered so the driver can’t see it, allowing the passenger to watch streamed video, if they want.

A further 8.4-inch touch panel on the lower centre console controls the air-conditioning – you have to prod this pretty hard, though, and it’s awkward to use on the move. It also features a text input pad for the sat-nav. Rear passengers can have their own 5.9-inch touchscreen for the four-zone climate control.

Continuing the zero tailpipe emissions theme there’s a choice of leather tanned by olives, which is less harmful to the enviroment, or the option to go completely hide-free, complete with flooring made from old recycled fishing nets. For the facelift, Porsche has added new two-tone leather choices.

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Comfort

• Comfortable and supportive front seats
• Rear is excellent for two
• Quiet and refined at speed

As is typical for Porsche, Taycan buyers can choose from a range of seats in the front. The standard items are multi-adjustable but can be upgraded to 18-way adjustables, with heating, cooling and massaging functions also available. Or, alternatively, ultra-sporty bucket seats can be fitted. These are surprisingly comfortable and supportive, too.

We’ve covered the back seat situation on the previous page of this review. Suffice to say, four adults should be very comfortable. The optional fifth will be decidedly less happy, and impinge on the elbow and shoulder room of the other rear passengers.

The Taycan is a quiet car at speed, with little wind or tyre noise, making it a refined way to cover big distances. You can enjoy artificial driving noises in the cabin if you want a little more excitement, but these are easily switched off via the driving mode menus on the central touchscreen.