PORSCHE PIONEERS WITH TERRIFIC TAYCAN

In a world where so much is changing, people need constants in their lives they can depend on. In the motoring world there are few things you can rely on to remain constant, especially with the impending switch to fully electric vehicles. It appears that we are going to have to embrace electrification at some point, but most current electric cars need to go some way to excite driving enthusiasts enough to want to make the switch. However, if you can rely on one manufacturer to ensure that the transfer to electric power delivery isn’t a compromise, that car company would be Porsche.

Porsche develop some of the very best handling cars that offer maximum driving enjoyment for their owners. In 2019 when they introduced their fully electric Taycan, there were concerns that Porsche may have had to sacrifice much of their legendary ‘Porsche-ness’ in order to create their first full electric car, however, being Porsche they made sure that wasn’t the case.

Remaining true to the daring looks of the 2015 Mission E concept, the Taycan fills the gap in size between the 911 and the Panamera, but with sleek lines and wide rear arches it appears more of a stretched version of the former than a shrunken version of the latter. The styling looks futuristic and cutting edge yet is instantly recognisable as a Porsche product and the interior too has been given an overhaul yet remains largely familiar to fans of the latest 911 or Panamera. Minimalist design seen in the latest generations of Porsche interiors is taken that bit further, with dual touch screens completing the futuristic feel to the cabin.

The main difference with the Taycan when compared to most other electric cars on sale, however, is the fact that it feels like a normal car. But better than that; a proper Porsche. Most electric cars should come with an asterisk to explain why certain functions or compromises have been made as to why certain things aren’t as good as they are on a petrol equivalent, not so with the Taycan.

Starting with the usual bugbear for electric cars, the range, the Taycan claims a full charge will allow almost 300 miles of range, a Panamera Turbo S driven as sensibly will struggle to reach 380 miles on a full tank. Yes its not as far, but with cheap electric tariffs and often free charging available, it easily offsets that little bit of range with the cost savings. Then there is the other usual issue, charging times. If you happen to have access to a fast charge point capable of delivering 270KW, the Taycan will charge from 5% to 80% in just over 22 minutes. Again, not quite the 5 minutes you might spend at a petrol garage, but if you’ve also had to queue, its not far off. Then when you’ve taken into account the quietness, the simplicity to using the car, the stylish exterior and the quality of the interior you get to the pièce de resistance; the way the car drives.

The Taycan may have four doors and weigh in excess of 2 tonnes but it is as nimble and sharp as a lightweight sports car. The steering feel, surefootedness of the braking and the way the car rides on any road surface is pure Porsche sports car. Initially you might miss the engine note of a petrol car, but the performance and acceleration will certainly help you to forget. Producing 761 PS and 1050Nm or torque from the electric motor, the Taycan Turbo S accelerates from 0-62mph in just 2.8 seconds and keeps going to the 162mph top speed. All without the need to change gear, adjust gearbox settings or fiddle with sports exhausts buttons.

Porsche’s first foray into the electric car market is a game changer, and for one main reason; it feels the same as any other Porsche. The performance, the handling and the fun of driving is pure Porsche, no compromises, no excuses. The reason so many fully electric cars are only used for commuting is that they aren’t fun to drive, they don’t have enough range and they make you feel like you’re having to give up on the joy of driving. The Taycan is so much more than just another electric car, it is a car that takes the compromises associated with electric cars and throws them away. If this is the future of electric car ownership, we will wonder why we were making a fuss over the change in the first place.

Our 2020 Porsche Taycan Turbo S is finished in Jet Black metallic with full car Satin Paint Protection Film (PPF) with full Basalt Black Olea Club leather interior. The car comes with an extensive list of optional features to include 22” Vossen HF-4T Hybrid Forged Satin Black wheels, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport (PDCC Sport), Night view assist, Adaptive cruise control, ParkAssist with surround view and much more. The car is offered in exceptional condition having covered just 7,000 miles and comes with the remainder of a Porsche manufacturer warranty until March 2023.