Current Entry-Level Porsche Taycan 4S Is Still Ridiculously Quick

One of Porsche’s debuts for this year’s LA Auto Show is the current base-spec version (at least until we get a non-S variant) of the Taycan, dubbed the 4S. It costs upwards of $103,800 to purchase, though if you want the Performance Battery Plus model, the prices goes up to $110,380.

Even so, it’s considerably less than what you’d be paying for the Taycan Turbo, which starts from $150,000 – and don’t worry, the 4S is by no means a major compromise, regardless of configuration.

Flooring the throttle in your new Taycan 4S means putting down a peak 522 HP (530 PS) at the very least. That number goes up to 563 HP (571 PS) with the previously-mentioned Performance Battery Plus package. Both configurations will help you hit 60 mph (96 km/h) from a standstill in just 3.8 seconds, which almost begs the question of whether or not you would even want the more expensive Turbo or Turbo S variant.

Related: 2020 Macan Turbo And Taycan 4S Headline Porsche’s LA Auto Show Lineup

While EPA range estimates have yet to be released, Porsche says the Taycan 4S can travel 252 miles (405 km) in the WLTP cycle, while the Performance Battery Plus package (270 kW instead of 225 kW) increases your range to 287 miles (462 km).

Unlike its flagship spec siblings, the 4S features aero-optimized 19-inch alloys, as well as black-finished side sills, rear diffuser and front apron. The interior however is pretty much the same, featuring a curved digital gauge cluster, 10.9-inch infotainment display and an optional passenger display. The partial leather upholstery and front comfort seats with eight-way electric adjustment are both offered as standard.

Shouldn’t I still consider a Tesla?

Well, technically yes, especially if you care less about badge culture and more about what the numbers say. The top of the line Tesla Model S Performance is priced from $99,990 (without potential incentives), and can hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 2.4 seconds. On top of that, it also has an EPA estimated range of 348 miles (560 km).

The Model S Long Range is however more of an equivalent to the Taycan 4S in terms of straight line acceleration. It will hit 60 in 3.7 seconds, yet its range is a staggering 373 miles (600 km) – and all this for upwards of $79,990, also without incentives.