Key Points: Performance Battery Plus (93.4), Sport Chrono Package, Passenger Display.

The Porsche Taycan is an electric saloon and shooting brake, originally unveiled at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show as a concept named the Porsche Mission E, with the production version being launched three years later. The name "Taycan" roughly translates from the Turkish ‘tay+can’ as "lively young horse", in reference to the steed on the Stuttgart coat of arms, which is found on the Porsche crest.

The exterior styling, by former Porsche Exterior Designer Mitja Borkert, is strongly influenced by the Mission E concept car. Design features of the Taycan include a retractable rear spoiler, retractable door handles, and an advanced regenerative braking system. Taking full advantage of its drivetrain layout, the Taycan combines the fundamental short-nosed front proportions of traditional Porsches with the stretched proportions of modern front-engine models towards the rear, providing clear design links to existing models. 

The Taycan uses a new battery-electric all-wheel-drive powertrain with a permanent-magnet synchronous motor on each axle. At the front, power is sent to the wheels through a single-speed gearbox, and at the rear, through a two-speed transmission and a limited slip differential. The gearbox has a short planetary first gear providing maximum acceleration, and a long-ratio second gear delivering top speed and efficiency. Power is stored via either a 79.12kWh or 93kWh lithium-ion battery pack that doubles as a structural chassis component, and keeps the centre of gravity low. To increase rear-seat legroom, recesses have been incorporated in the battery pack. 

The Sport Turismo variant shares the estate/shooting brake profile with the Cross Turismo, but deletes the crossover-like styling elements. The luggage compartment holds up to 446 litres, compared to the 407-litre capacity of the saloon. With the rear seats folded, up to 1,212 litres of cargo space is available. The 4S Sport Turismo is fitted with the smaller 79.12kWh battery as standard, though the larger 93kWh battery is an option.

When specified with the 93kWh ‘Performance Battery Plus’, the car produces 483bhp, rising to 563bhp and 479 lb ft when using the ‘overboost’ function. As a result, it can sprint from 0-60mph in just 3.8 seconds and hit a top speed of 155 mph, while the 93kWh battery provides a range of up to 304 miles.