The Porsche Taycan is about to land in Australia, and local pricing and specification now revealed by the luxury sportscar maker.
The Porsche Taycan is due to arrive in Australia in December, 2020, and will add to a handful of electric vehicles available in Australia, but it fall in place at the top of the line of all electric models in Australia, at leasat in terms of price.
Promising to deliver typical Porsche performance, it is billed as “the soul of the Porsche, electrified.”
First launched in Berlin in September 2019, three variants of Porsche’s first all-electric vehicle are on offer in Australia, starting with the “entry-level” Taycan 4S which is priced from $191,000 before on-road costs.
This is followed by the mid-range Taycan Turbo priced from $269,100, topped off by the Taycan Turbo S from $339,100, also both before on-road costs.
When we say the 4S is “entry-level” don’t be deceived – the whole Taycan family promises to deliver plenty of power.
With 390kW and 640Nm torque delivered from its dual motors, the Taycan 4S comes standard with a 79.2kWh battery that offers up to 365km range from fully charged according to Porsche’s own testing in accordance with ADR 81/02. Acceleration is also impressive – from a standing start to 100km/hr in 4.0 seconds.
The Taycan 4S is also available with a Performance Battery Plus option which increases the battery capacity by 18% to 93.4kWh, also enabling greater power output of 420kW and 650Nm torque, and increases range to 414km.
The mid-range Taycan Turbo takes it up a notch, adding “Launch Control” (remember those full throttle launch demonstrations?) that in combination with “overboost power” allows for 500kW power output.
With acceleration from standing start to 100km/hr in 3.2 seconds, the Taycan Turbo offers driving range up to 420km from fully charged.
Quick, but not as quick as the range-topping Taycan Turbo S, which accelerates from standing start to 100km/hr in just 2.8 seconds, which also offers more power at 560kW using bot overboost and Launch Control, and slightly less range at just 405km.
Out on the road, Taycan drivers will benefit from a complimentary three year subscription thanks to a deal with Chargefox, Australia’s most extensive DC fast charging network.
The Taycan will be able to take advantage of Chargefox’s ultra-fast rapid charging units – keeping in mind that although its 800 volt architecture is technically capable of the full 350kW offered by Chargefox’s Tritium and ABB chargers, it is currently limited to a maximum 270kW charge rate.
This will still enable a quick charge in less than 20 minutes for the Taycan 4S and about 20 minutes for the larger battery models.
Design to die for
The Taycan’s clean design with unmistakable Porsche DNA is highlighted by the contoured wings and sleek silhouette, while the headlights sculpt the nose giving a floating appearance.
Make no mistake – this is Porsche arguably at its best, combining performance and style with electric, efficient, kudos.
Air intakes under the headlights help to streamline the Taycan’s aerodynamics, which combined with a flat bonnet and cooling air intakes, and an extendable rear spoiler help to deliver the Taycan’s 0.22 drag coefficiency.
Inside, Porsche takes sustainability seriously using leather-free interior made from recycled material to underscore the eco-friendly spirit of the Taycan.
As a premium electric vehicle offering, the Taycan of course also offers high-level connectivity including a completely new interface that includes a 10.9″ central touchscreen and optional second passenger display.
The dash design is minimal – instead, Porsche bnrings intelligent, intuitive control to the Taycan with voice commands that can be accessed by saying “Hey Porsche”.
Drive in two speeds
Breaking from the usual one speed transmission (that is, none) of electric cars, Porsche has chosen to add a two speed transmission on the rear axle motor to give greater control from standing start to high speeds.
All electric motors, transmission and pulse-controlled inverters are combined in one drive module that Porsche says represents the “highest power density (kW per litre of package space) of all electric powertrains on the market today.”
This is done by using hairpin winding on the stator coild of the electric motors, enabling Porsche to pack more copper wire in for the same size drive package, increasing power output and torque.
Take the power back
Porsche’s regenerative braking system also promises big things: according to the sportscar maker, the Taycan has the greatest potential recuperation power of all its electric competitors.
It certainly sounds like a tantalising proposition – one we’ll look forward to seeing more of when it arrives in Australia in December.
Bridie Schmidt is associate editor for The Driven, sister site of Renew Economy. She has been writing about electric vehicles since 2018, and has a keen interest in the role that zero-emissions transport has to play in sustainability. She has participated in podcasts such as Download This Show with Marc Fennell and Shirtloads of Science with Karl Kruszelnicki and is co-organiser of the Northern Rivers Electric Vehicle Forum. Bridie also owns a Tesla Model Y and has it available for hire on evee.com.au.