New entry-level Porsche Taycan on sale now from £70,690
Porsche has launched a cheaper, rear-wheel drive version of the Taycan EV, with a claimed maximum WLTP range of 300 miles
Porsche has introduced a new, base-model version of the Taycan. It sits below the Taycan 4S in the model’s line-up, providing a more competitively priced rival for the Tesla Model S Long Range Plus. Prices start from £70,690, and first deliveries are expected to arrive in March.
Unlike the flagship Taycan Turbo S, this new entry-level model only features an electric motor on its rear axle. As standard, the system generates a constant output of 322bhp and a temporary output of 402bhp with Porsche’s “overboost” setting engaged.
The Taycan’s standard battery pack has a capacity of 79.2kWh, which is enough for a maximum claimed WLTP range of 268 miles. However, Porsche also offers a larger 92.4kWh battery pack as an optional extra, which pushes the motor’s maximum output to 469bhp and increases the EV’s range to 300 miles.
Regardless of the battery pack, the entry-level Taycan has the same 0–62mph time of 5.4 seconds and a 143mph top speed. Both batteries can be charged to 80 percent capacity in around 22 minutes and, after five minutes of charging, there’ll be enough electricity stored in the cells to cover 62 miles.
Porsche also says that the new Taycan will offer the most up-to-date charging connectivity features, including the company’s latest Plug & Charge system. This allows the car to store the owner’s payment details and, when the Taycan is plugged into a charging station, it automatically pays for the amount of electricity the car receives.
To help keep the Taycan’s starting price low, Porsche has stripped away some of the flagship car’s chassis technology. So, it comes with 19-inch alloy wheels housing smaller brakes, and steel springs rather than air suspension – though the latter is available as an optional extra.
It does, at least, look like the rest of the Taycan line-up. LED headlamps come as standard and the blacked-out front splitter, side skirts and rear diffuser are exactly the same units found on the mid-range Taycan 4S. Also, thanks to the removal of the front electric motor, the base-model Taycan’s luggage capacity swells to 491 litres.
The cabin hasn’t suffered any cut-backs, either, as buyers get the same digital instrument cluster, the same 10.9-inch infotainment system and identical electrically adjustable and heated front seats. Like the rest of the line-up, the entry-level Taycan can also be specced with leather-free upholstery.
The base-model Taycan’s options list is even more extensive than the flagship car’s, with buyers being offered an extra touchscreen for the front passenger, seven extra body colours, a choice of alloy wheel designs and an improved 22kW on-board charger.
Buyers can also activate some of the Taycan’s optional features remotely through recurring monthly payment plans. Active lane keeping assist is one such option, which is available for either a one-time payment of £759 or a monthly fee of £18.
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