2021 Porsche Taycan

Porsche has come up with a few relatively controversial models in the past two decades, including its very first SUV, the Cayenne, and the Panamera, the first front-engined Porsche since the departure of the legendary 928. The 2021 Porsche Taycan joins that list but is way, way more special. As Porsche's first fully electric car, the Taycan will go down in the history books regardless of how good it is, which is amazing, just by the way. With up to 522 horsepower available from its electric motors, a beautiful design, and impressive road holding one year on, Porsche's first EV is now a fully respected member of the family.

Powering the base model is a single rear-mounted electric motor mated to a 2-speed automatic transmission that drives the rear wheels. In base spec, the Taycan delivers 402 hp, can sprint to 60 mph in only 5.1 seconds and has a range of 225 miles. The AWD 4S features two permanent magnet synchronous motors and a power output of 429 hp and 472 lb-ft, while the 4S gets 93.4 kWhs of juice, 482 hp, and a 0-60 mph time of 3.8 seconds. Competitors such as the BMW M550i can do it in only 3.6 seconds, but the instant torque of the Taycan makes it feel quicker. As with any electric vehicle, the Taycan boasts impressive fuel economy.

A car of this historical importance will always experience added scrutiny not only from journalists but from Porsche fans, too. As Porsche's first-ever EV, the Taycan has managed to win the majority of Porsche fans over, and one year later, it is doing better than ever.

The main reason for this is that it's not just a gimmick; this all-electric performance car looks great, drives beautifully, and is seriously luxurious. Yes, it might not be as quick as its Californian rival, the Tesla Model S, but it outshines it in the handling department, as well as in overall refinement. The 2021 Taycan EV is not perfect, however: rear leg space is on the tight side for a 4-door, its range could be more impressive, and its options are expensive. There is also no official safety rating review of the 2021 Porsche Taycan from either the NHTSA or IIHS. But as a first attempt, Porsche has nailed the brief, and we expect the Taycan sedan to only get better with age.

We'd go with the base model, which is more than powerful enough for your daily driving needs, and then go to town on the options. We'd get one in Frozen Blue Metallic and add the 21-inch Mission E Design Wheels. On the inside, we'd go for the Black and Chalk upholstery for $4,700 and the $7,310 Premium package, which includes a surround-view camera system, an ionizer, ambient lighting, and a panoramic glass roof. In terms of performance, we'd go for the $1,320 Sport Chrono Package. The total price of a 2021 Porsche Taycan sedan in this configuration comes to $110,690, including a destination fee of $1,350.