Porsche Taycan: The Pinnacle of the Second Generation

Porsche gave the Taycan a major refresh in early 2024. With sharper design, increased power, extended range, and improved charging performance, the electric vehicle has evolved in many ways—and now the long-awaited GTS model has finally arrived. Alongside this GTS, the Taycan 4 has also been added, completing an 11-version lineup in Japan. Among these, the newly introduced Taycan GTS is especially noteworthy.

For Porsche, the GTS has held a special place since the 1963 904 Carrera GTS.

GTS, short for Gran Turismo Sport, is a legendary three-letter badge among Porsche fans. Now, this iconic badge has been added to the Taycan lineup as well—actually, two variants. The new Taycan GTS is available in two body styles: the Sport Sedan and the Sport Turismo (the latter not yet introduced in Japan).

Taycan GTS: A Sporty All-Rounder

Positioned as a sporty all-rounder, the Taycan GTS delivers a maximum overboost power of 515 kW when using launch control, which is 75 kW more than the previous generation. Additionally, the standard Sports Chrono Package includes a new feature called “Push-to-Pass,” which provides an extra 70 kW boost for 10 seconds at the push of a button.

The Push-to-Pass function especially enhances the sporty character of the Taycan GTS, raising torque to launch control levels at low speeds. Like the Taycan Turbo GT, the boost is displayed on the instrument cluster with a countdown timer and dynamically highlighted by an animated ring around the speedometer.

Both the Taycan GTS Sport Sedan and Sport Turismo accelerate from standstill to 100 km/h in just 3.3 seconds, 0.4 seconds faster than the previous model. The Sport Sedan achieves 0-200 km/h in only 10.4 seconds, shaving 1.6 seconds off the prior generation. Range has improved by over 120 km, now reaching a maximum of 628 km under WLTP conditions.

To express the thrilling character of the GTS, it features a distinctive sound profile similar to the Taycan Turbo S, differentiating it acoustically from other Taycan models.

Taycan GTS Exterior and Interior: Exceptional Character

The exterior and interior are equally distinctive. Black or anthracite gray details throughout the exterior define the GTS’s character. New compared to the previous model are the front and rear aprons with sports design in black high-gloss paint, as well as black high-gloss bases for the door mirrors.

Meanwhile, the standard 20-inch Taycan Turbo S Aero Design wheels and optional 21-inch RS Spyder Design wheels are painted exclusively in anthracite gray for the GTS.

Many interior materials are borrowed from the Taycan Turbo GT model. For example, the Taycan GTS comes standard with extended scope in sporty Race-Tex and smooth black leather elements. It also includes adaptive Sport Seats Plus (18-way electric adjustment), a GT multifunction sports steering wheel with mode switch and heating, and the Sports Chrono Package featuring Push-to-Pass and Track Mode.

The familiar GT multifunction sports steering wheel from the Taycan Turbo GT is optionally available in black Race-Tex. It includes two mode switches, Push-to-Pass, and paddles for energy recuperation. The optional GTS interior package is now offered not only in Carmine Red but also newly in Slate Gray Neo. The instrument cluster, power meter, and start graphic display the Taycan GTS logo. A BOSE Surround Sound System is standard.

Taycan GTS Driving Performance: A Chassis That Highlights Sporty Character

The GTS-exclusive chassis and optional rear-axle steering especially enhance its sporty personality. Adaptive air suspension including Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) is standard and paired with Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus).

Optionally, the Porsche Active Ride Suspension Control system tuned specifically for the GTS is available. Under dynamic driving conditions, it optimizes individual load distribution on each wheel, ensuring near-perfect road contact. Additionally, Porsche Active Ride improves comfort during everyday driving.

Taycan 4: The Most Efficient Range Among All-Wheel-Drive Models

For those wanting the entry-level Taycan’s high efficiency combined with all-wheel drive, the Taycan 4 Cross Turismo was already available.

Now, Porsche offers this entry-level AWD as a Sport Sedan as well. Performance-wise, this new Taycan 4 is equivalent to the Taycan, delivering a maximum overboost output of 300 kW or 320 kW at launch control, depending on whether it is equipped with the standard Performance Battery or optional Performance Battery Plus mounted under the floor.

Range depends on the battery type: up to 559 km with the Performance Battery and up to 643 km (WLTP) with the Performance Battery Plus. These two versions offer the longest range among all-wheel-drive models, falling just about 35 km short of the corresponding Taycan models.

By mounting one electric motor on each axle, the Taycan 4 provides better driving stability and traction than the rear-wheel-drive Taycan. This is reflected in acceleration: despite weighing 80 kg more, the Taycan 4 is 0.2 seconds quicker to 100 km/h than the rear-wheel-drive model, achieving it in exactly 4.6 seconds.

Throughout the model cycle, Porsche has improved its all-wheel-drive strategy. Naturally, the new Taycan 4 benefits from these optimizations, achieving higher efficiency. This means the front electric motor is electrically disconnected whenever traction, driving dynamics, and stability allow, and reconnected within milliseconds as needed, for example during acceleration or regenerative braking.

Standard exterior features include 19-inch Taycan Aero wheels, black brake calipers, and matrix LED headlights. Porsche Traction Management (PTM) and adaptive air suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) come standard.

Inside, standard equipment includes front comfort seats with 8-way electric adjustment, black partial leather trim, dark silver accent package, leather multifunction sports steering wheel, brushed silver aluminum door entry guards, and Sound Package Plus. Partial leather interiors are also available in two-tone Slate Gray and Black/Chalk Beige.

With the addition of the new Taycan GTS and Taycan 4, Porsche has completed the Taycan lineup. Offering sedans and cross turismos, all-wheel and rear-wheel drive, and Porsche E-Performance motors ranging from 300 kW to 760 kW, Japan now has a total of 11 versions available. It’s exciting to see the Taycan choices expand even further.

Personally, I have test-driven various Taycan models, and I especially recommend the AWD versions like the 4S, GTS, and Turbo S.