2023 Porsche Taycan Review: Where The E in EV Means Excellent

Despite being a relative newcomer to the performance EV sedan genre in the USA, Porsche's Taycan made an immediate impact. A good-looking and comfortable cabin, authentic Porsche driver engagement, and strong performance combine to make the Taycan a very compelling choice. The Porsche Taycan's competitors include the Lucid Air, Audi e-tron GT, and Tesla Model S, which all pose a serious challenge to the battery-powered Porsche. This Porsche Taycan review will focus on the three lower-end sedan models, but the Taycan Cross and Sport Turismo as well as the turbo-badged extra-high-performance models are covered in separate reviews. In its lower trim levels, the Taycan can be had with either one or two motors, and with a choice between two battery sizes, to offer a variety of performance levels and fit into different price brackets. Motor outputs vary between 321 horsepower (402 hp with overboost) in the base car to 509 hp (590 hp with overboost) in the Taycan GTS. It's a superb electric sports sedan fully deserving of the Porsche name, despite its limited driving range.

What's the Price of the 2023 Porsche Taycan?

With the introduction of the rear-wheel-drive Porsche Taycan electric car last year, the starting price has dropped by around $20,000. The Taycan with the standard 79.2 kWh battery pack has an MSRP of $82,700. This Porsche Taycan will cost an additional $5,780 if you go for the bigger 93.4 kWh battery. The entry-level 4S has an MSRP of $103,800, and upgrading to the Performance Battery Plus is slightly cheaper at $5,570. These figures don't include Porsche's $1,350 delivery fee. As is common with this brand, the base Porsche Taycan price can climb dramatically by delving into the options list - it all depends on how much you're willing to spend.

Tesla's updated Model S Plaid has an MSRP in the USA of $129,990, while the Long Range model retails for $89,990.

2023 Taycan Exterior

Dimensions

2023 Taycan Performance

2023 Porsche Taycan Handling and Driving Impressions

With up to 402 horsepower on overboost, even the base single-motor RWD Porsche Taycan can get to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. The mid-level, dual-motor AWD Taycan 4S with up to 522 hp drops that to 3.8 seconds and the Taycan GTS with up to 590 hp takes just 3.5 seconds. With up to 254 lb-ft of torque, the single-motor Taycan's overtaking performance is good but not outstanding for this segment. The dual-motor 4S is significantly stronger with up to 472 lb-ft, and the Taycan GTS has 626 lb-ft to make overtaking maneuvers a breeze.

Seeing as the Taycan's batteries are mounted very close to the ground, the basics for excellent handling are in place from the outset. The reality confirms this theory, with flat cornering, very high grip levels, a neutral overall balance, and a surprisingly supple ride with it. There's even some feedback through the steering wheel, while the Taycan is eager to change direction with an immediacy of a sports car. It's not a 911 or a Cayman, but it comes very close and carries more passengers and luggage. If you want a sedan that drives like a Porsche, the Taycan won't disappoint - even if the base model isn't quite as lively as you'd want for the money.

2023 Taycan Interior

2023 Taycan Trunk and Cargo Space

Warranty

Verdict: Is The 2023 Porsche Taycan A Good car?

In the realm of luxury EVs, the 2023 Porsche Taycan is one of the very best of its kind. Crucially, it does just about everything its opponents can do, but adds some real Porsche flavor to the experience as well. It rates highly for practicality and build quality as well, although the latter is to be expected given its stratospheric price tag even at entry level. However, the entry-level Porsche Taycan is not the best value proposition in the range, so head straight for the Taycan 4S at a minimum if your budget allows. The performance difference alone is worth paying a premium of almost $20,000 for a 4S. At its base price point, a single-motor Taycan costs about the same as a Lucid Air Pure, and has less range and slower performance than the Lucid, making it a viable alternative to the base Taycan. The GTS adds almost another $30,000 to the 4S price tag, which may not be worth it in absolute value terms. While still compelling, the Taycan now faces tough competition from new rivals such as the Air.

What Porsche Taycan Model Should I Buy?

As the Taycan is positioned as the luxury EV for keener drivers, it makes sense to buy the 4S. To the base price of $103,800, you also have to add the cost of the more powerful battery ($5,570), the Performance Package ($6,430), and the Premium Package ($7,400) to at least make it feel as luxurious as its price tag suggests. All in, you're looking at $123,200. That's quite pricey, especially when you compare it to the Long Range Model S, which is perhaps one of its closest competitors in terms of performance. It also has a 405-mile range.

The Taycan Turbo S model is closer in performance to the $129,900 Plaid, and the price for that particular model starts at $185,000. The battle between these two uber EVs is going to be one for the record books. Will the Porsche's superior handling be able to lure people away from a car that does 0-60 mph in less than two seconds?