Porsche continues to expand its US market Taycan lineup with a new variant of the all-electric luxury performance sedan. Introducing the 2021 Porsche Taycan, the highly anticipated base model we predicted was coming this week. It's simply called the Taycan with no additional moniker like 4S, Turbo, and Turbo S. In fact, we've already seen this base trim Taycan when it debuted last summer for the Chinese market. But starting now, US buyers can join the fun as the entry-level Taycan fills a hole in the lineup.
Priced from $79,900, the 2021 Taycan costs a full $24,900 and $71,000 less than the cheapest Taycan 4S and Taycan Turbo, respectively. Buyers continue to qualify for the $7,500 federal tax credit. The Taycan is rear-wheel-drive only and shares the same rear-mounted electric motor with the 4S, for a total of 402 horsepower and 254 lb-ft of torque in over-boost mode with launch control.
A Performance Battery Plus option (directly from the Taycan Turbo) will also be available that increases output to 469 hp and 263 lb-ft with the 79.3-kWh lithium-ion battery swapped out for a 93.4-kWh unit. Regardless of the chosen battery, the base Taycan will sprint to 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds and cruise to a top speed of 143 mph. The quarter-mile happens in 13.7 seconds but is reduced by 0.2 seconds with the larger battery pack.
Porsche didn't release official EPA ratings but the Chinese-spec version can travel up to 257 miles on a single charge according to the NEDC test cycle. The bigger battery increases that to 303 miles. We expect the EPA rating to be between 180 to 211 miles of range.
Standard features include 19-inch Taycan Aero wheels and six-piston front brakes and four-piston rear brakes. These are similar wheels and pistons found on the 4S but they now have unique colors, meaning black calipers and brilliant silver wheels instead of the red calipers and polished alloys in high gloss black found on the 4S. Porsche Surface Coated Brakes and Ceramic Coated Brakes are optional, as are 20- or 21-inch wheels. The Porsche Active Suspension Management System remains standard, as do connectivity systems like Porsche Connect with Apply CarPlay, Apple Music, and over-the-air updates.
Optional equipment includes a head-up display, 14-way seats, upgraded audio systems, and a 19.2 kWh on-board charger.
Buyers get three years of free Electrify America charging privileges with sales of the Taycan set to get underway this spring nationwide.