What Is the Porsche Taycan Base Model?

This time, I had the opportunity to test drive the base model of the Porsche Taycan. The Taycan comes in various trims, but so far, I’ve experienced almost every model except the Taycan 4, including the Turbo S, Turbo, GTS, and 4S.

Having borrowed the base model for a few days, I’d like to focus this report on the differences compared to the other trims.

To get straight to the point, the base model Taycan leaves quite a different impression from the other trims. Of course, since it’s still a Taycan, the fundamental ride quality and feel are shared, but the intensity is completely different.

The Turbo S and Turbo are cars that concentrate all the best aspects of the Taycan into one package. To put it simply, if the Turbo S were whole milk, the base model feels more like low-fat milk.

Here is the Turbo S

Distinctive Features of the Base Model

Compared to other trims, the base model Taycan has several standout features. Let’s take a closer look in order.

The first is the drivetrain difference. The base model Taycan uses rear-wheel drive only, whereas all trims from the 4S and above come equipped with an all-wheel-drive system.
This difference greatly affects driving performance. When driving the base model, the front end feels noticeably lighter compared to the AWD models. AWD models have a certain weightiness as the front tires grip and hold the front down, but the base model lacks this sensation.
Also, on rainy days driving on the highway, this difference becomes very clear. Especially when passing over metal expansion joints, if you’re pressing the accelerator even slightly in the rear-wheel-drive base model, you can feel the rear tires slipping. On the other hand, AWD models show no such behavior.

The second difference lies in the suspension. The base model Taycan I tested is equipped with the standard steel spring PASM suspension.
In contrast, all trims from the 4S and above come with air suspension.

This difference is especially noticeable in city driving. At speeds below about 50–60 km/h, on rough or uneven roads, the steel spring base model’s suspension moves more noticeably.
The jolt felt when going over bumps is also gentler with the air suspension.
Additionally, the air suspension better follows small surface irregularities. The steel spring base model tends to transmit these small bumps as road noise.
That said, the base model’s suspension isn’t harsh. Compared to other high-performance sedans, it still offers a sufficiently refined ride. It’s just that the Taycan with air suspension is exceptionally smooth, elevating the car’s class several notches, not that the base model is inferior.

Interestingly, switching from the base model’s steel suspension to air suspension is not very noticeable. However, after getting used to the air suspension Taycan, driving the base model clearly reveals the difference. That shows just how refined the Taycan’s air suspension is, making it a premium option that significantly upgrades the driving experience.

However, when driving fast on the highway, the suspension differences become less apparent. Whether equipped with steel springs or air suspension, the Taycan’s outstanding straight-line stability remains. At high cruising speeds, it’s difficult to detect suspension differences from inside the cabin.

How to Enjoy the Base Model

Driving on winding roads really reveals the character of the base model Taycan. Compared to the 4S and above, it demands more from the driver’s skill.
The 4S and above benefit greatly from electronic controls, which help the car turn automatically once you steer to a certain degree. The base model, however, offers less driving assistance. You need to read the course yourself and consciously manage weight transfer while driving.

This is reminiscent of classic sports cars. While the 4S and above can run fast almost like cyborgs, the base model’s appeal lies in its analog feel. You can fully enjoy the joy of controlling the car with your own skill. It’s fair to say the Taycan base model has a driving feel closer to that of a traditional combustion engine car.

The 4S and above offer outstanding steering response and precision in corners. Especially with a rear axle steering system, the effect is tremendous, allowing the car to turn sharply like a 992 Carrera.
The base model, on the other hand, isn’t quite as nimble. It tends to roll a bit more, and you feel the need to load the outside tires firmly to corner, much like a traditional engine car.

That said, the base model offers its own unique pleasures. The satisfaction of skillfully controlling the car and nailing a corner is truly special.

Regarding power, honestly, the base model falls short compared to the 4S and above. In situations requiring extra power, like overtaking or merging onto highways, the 4S and above have a clear advantage.
However, for everyday use, the base model’s power is more than enough. Within legal speed limits, you can fully enjoy driving the base model.

Overall Impression: Who Is the Base Model Taycan For?

The base model Taycan offers a driving experience reminiscent of classic sports cars. It relies less on electronic aids and emphasizes analog driving feel.
If you seek a driving experience that extends the feel of a combustion engine car, and take pleasure in controlling the car with your own skill, the base model Taycan is an excellent choice.

However, in terms of comfort, the 4S and above, especially those with air suspension, have the edge. If you want a smoother, more refined ride from city driving to highway cruising, you might prefer those trims.
As for power, the base model is fast and fun enough, but the 4S and above offer a much greater margin of acceleration. If performance is your priority, go for the 4S or higher.

If I were to buy a base model Taycan, I would probably add air suspension. Lowering the ride height with air suspension on winding roads would let me fully enjoy the analog feel of rear-wheel drive.

If you choose based on power and digital driving feel, the 4S and above are great options. But for enthusiasts who want to enjoy pure, classic sports car driving, the base model is definitely the way to go.