PHOENIX — Porsche’s first all-electric car, the 2020 Taycan (pronounced Tie-kahn meaning “lively young horse”) is a profoundly impressive sports sedan. It delivers every bit of refinement, driving engagement with the recognized high-performance sports car experience of other Porsche models that affluent driving enthusiasts have come to expect.

The Taycan is just a bit smaller than its larger Panamera sibling, and targets the Tesla Model S competitor. Built with 4-door coupe-like styling, the design is gorgeous and its shapely lines readily turn heads. The Taycan weighs in at a hefty 5,100 pounds, but with 670 horsepower including launch control, 0 to 60 mph is over in just 3.0 seconds in our Turbo tested model.

The “Turbo” moniker is especially gratuitous on an all-electric car, since there’s no combustion engine to turbocharge.

Taycan is the first electric vehicle to use a two-speed transmission and an 800-volt electrical system that powers the all-wheel-drive, delivering quicker acceleration and shorter recharging times; it recharges five to 80-percent in 22 minutes. That said, 800-volt chargers are rare. Buyers should opt for the optional 150-kW charger that triples maximum charging power at 400-volt DC fast-charging stations. Driving range is stated at 201 miles before necessary recharging.

Handling is simply magic with razor sharp cornering that’s absolutely amazing to experience — a world class thrill ride. On the open road it’s agility, superb body control and quiet, composed ride are seamlessly flawless with wind noise nearly absent. 

Inside, the interior proves surprisingly spacious. A four-seat configuration standard, but an optional third center-rear seat for a fifth is available. Unlike the liftback styling of the Model S, Taycan has a traditional trunk in the rear and a small compartment up front.

Standard equipment includes SiriusXM radio, Apple CarPlay compatibility but not Android Auto. A three-screen instrument panel with a main touchscreen for infotainment, and a secondary touchscreen that controls climate functions also doubles as a laptop-like experience for other operational controls.

Porsche engineers said it was worth sacrificing a bit of driving range for the sake of its ultimate goal in making the Taycan drive as much like a 911 possible. In our opinion, Porsche nailed it. It’s quick, gorgeous, fun, quiet and comfortable, with every reason to get excited about it.

Vital Stats
Base Price: $150,900
Price as Tested: $168,680
Engine – Transmission: Dual electric motor with 500kW overboost power and a two-speed direct automatic transmission.
Fuel Economy: 68/71/69 – City/Highway/Combined MPG3 – 201-mile driving range
Seating: Up to 5

Where Built: Zuffenhausen (Stuttgart) Germany

Crash Test Results: The Taycan has not been crash tested by either the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Competes With:
Lexus LS 600h L
Tesla Model S

Fab Features
Two-speed automatic transmission
Speedy 800-volt recharging capability
Wickedly quick, razor sharp handling, supreme luxury

— Jim Prueter