One of the main issues with the Porsche Taycan is its price. The Taycan 4S starts at $105,150 (prices include destination), while the range-topping Turbo S is priced at $186,350. The electric vehicle has impressive figures, but its high starting price makes it out of reach for the majority of consumers. Porsche is looking to change that by adding a new entry-level Taycan model to the lineup. The rear-wheel-drive electric sedan will go on sale later this March and start at $81,250.
The new Taycan comes with an electric motor at the back and a 79.2-kWh battery pack. The electric motor is rated at 402 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque. A larger 93.4-kWh battery pack is optional and raises power to 469 hp and 263 lb-ft of torque. Regardless of which battery pack you choose, Porsche claims a zero-to-62 mph time of 5.4 seconds.
While we know what kind of performance the rear-wheel-drive Tacyan comes with, Porsche hasn’t said anything about range. The heavier Taycan 4S is offered with the same battery packs. With the 79.2-kWh pack, the 4S has a range of 199 miles, while the larger 93.4-kWh pack increases range to 227 miles. With less weight and rear-wheel drive, we’re expecting the rear-wheel-drive Taycan with the large battery pack to be able to eclipse 230 miles of range.
When it comes to standard features, the new Taycan will come with a healthy list of standard equipment. Adaptive suspension, 19-inch wheels, a partial leather interior, eight-way power-adjustable seats, and a central 10.9-inch infotainment screen are standard. We expect the model to share a lot of the same available features as other Taycan models, so things like massaging seats and a head-up display should be optional, too.
The addition of a new, more affordable Taycan is a great thing for Porsche. With a starting price of $81,250, the rear-wheel-drive Taycan is $23,900 more affordable than the next model in the line. Obviously, the new Taycan’s largest competitor is the Tesla Model S. The most-affordable Model S is the Long Range Plus trim that costs $70,620. Not only is the Model S more affordable, but it will probably blow the Taycan away with its range of 402 miles. With a zero-to-60 mph time of 3.7 seconds, the Model S is quicker, too.
Still, Porsche adding an entry-level Taycan to its lineup will help the vehicle’s appeal. Porsche sold 4,414 units of the Taycan last year, making the electric car more popular than the Panamera (3,870 units sold) and the 718 Cayman and 718 Boxster (3,447 units combined). Adding a more affordable Taycan while its vehicles are still eligible for the full $7,500 federal tax credit should also help draw in more buyers.
Consumers interested in the new Taycan can order the model now. The electric sedan will officially arrive in the U.S. later this spring.
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