Porsche prices Taycan EV from $191,000

PORSCHE Cars Australia (PCA) has announced pricing and specification for its first-ever series-production electric vehicle, the Taycan performance sedan, which will arrive in local showrooms in December priced from $191,000 plus on-road costs for the entry-level 4S variant.

The mid-spec Turbo commands an almost $80,000 premium at $269,100, while the flagship Turbo S will start at $339,100, making for a $148,100 price difference between the entry and top model lines.

The pricing ensures all three variants are now the three most expensive pure-electric vehicles on sale in Australia, trumping Tesla’s Model X Performance which asks $175,269 plus on-roads.

Buyers will instead be compensated with equipment and performance credentials never seen before on an EV, with the Taycan’s zero-emissions powertrain forming the basis of its impressive athletic abilities.

Even at the bottom rung, the all-wheel-drive 4S – which has a permanently excited synchronous electric motor on the rear axle (alongside a two-speed transmission) and another on the front axle – offers an impressive 390kW of power and 640Nm of torque, allowing for a sprint from standstill to 100km/h in 4.0 seconds on the way to a top speed of 250km/h.

Equipped with a 79.2kWh single-deck battery, the 4S has a claimed driving range of 365km, which can be expanded to 414km with a twin-deck Performance Battery option that boosts battery size to 93.4kWh while also increasing output to 420kW/650Nm. PCA is yet to confirm the price of this option.

The Turbo uses the bigger battery option with power increased to 500kW/850Nm, which enables a 0-100km/h sprint in 3.2s when using launch control, while range is pegged at 420km.

Finally, the flagship Turbo S produces a heavy 560kW/1050Nm, allowing a 2.8s 0-100km/h time and driving range of 405km.

From the outside, the 4S is distinguishable by its 20-inch Taycan Sport aero wheels, LED headlights with dynamic indicators and black paint on the lower valance, wing mirrors, rear diffuser and side skirts.

Inside, the 4S is fitted with two-zone climate control, 14-way comfort seats with front seat heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel, 16.8-inch curved display with Apple CarPlay and DAB+ digital radio, 14-speaker Bose audio system, partial leather upholstery, black accent package and fabric roof lining.

The Turbo adds Taycan Turbo aero wheels, body-coloured lower valance, side skirt inlays, rear diffuser and wing mirrors, LED matrix headlights, four-zone climate control, rear seat heating, PDCC Sport, full leather upholstery, Race-Tex roof liner, stainless-steel pedal pad edge and ambient lighting.

Stepping up to the Turbo S brings 21-inch wheels, carbon exterior inlays, carbon matte door sill guards, black model designation badging, electric charging cover, 18-way adaptive front sports seats, two-tone leather interior, matte carbon trim with dark silver accents and a heated GT sports steering wheel.

A full suite of active safety features will be standard across the range, which includes adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, lane-change assist and park assist with surround-view monitors.

Given its 800V on-board electrical system – the first of its kind in Australia compared to the usual 400V system – the Taycan features a charging capacity of 270kW, while charging at 400V charging points will allow 150kW of DC charge.

PCA has partnered with EV charging infrastructure specialist Chargefox to use its ultra-rapid 350kW DC charging network, while destination charging and home charging with infrastructure installation also available.

The Taycan range is now available to order ahead of deliveries commencing in December.

2020 Porsche Taycan pricing*

*Excludes on-road costs