When it comes to the Porsche Taycan, almost everyone is fascinated by the headline-grabbing, range-topping 750 HP Turbo S. But the truth is that you can live with the lesser versions just as good, including the base Taycan RWD, which offers more than decent performance, as you’re about to find out.
Offered from $79,900 in the United States, which is less than half the MSRP of the Turbo S, the Taycan RWD takes 5.1 seconds to sprint from 0 to 60 mph (0-96 km/h) with the Launch Control function engaged, and maxes out at 143 mph (230 km/h).
Review: Is The Entry-Level Porsche Taycan RWD The One You Should Buy?
It has 402 HP and 254 lb-ft (344 Nm) of torque and an EPA-estimated range of 200 miles (322 km). Opt for the Performance Battery Plus variant and you will not only get a bigger battery, from 79.2 kWh to 93.4 kWh, increasing the range to 225 miles (362 km), but also more power. In this case, the electric motor generates 469 horsepower and 263 pound-feet (357 Nm).
Besides a few tiny tweaks, the Taycan RWD looks pretty much identical to its more expensive siblings. And the same can be said about the cockpit too, as you won’t feel like you’re sitting in a lesser spec. As for standard gear, you get LED headlights, Porsche’s Active Suspension Management and a 10.9-inch infotainment system, among others. Customers can further opt for 20 or 21-inch wheels, upgraded brakes and air suspension.
In theory, the Taycan RWD sounds good, but how quick is it actually in the real world? The answer is a mouse-click away.