Enhanced Performance Across the Board in the New Taycan

Our family owns the previous generation Taycan 4S Cross Turismo.
This time, I had the opportunity to test drive the new Taycan after its model update, so I’d like to take a close look at its evolution.

The new Taycan has improved performance in almost every aspect. The motor output is higher, the driving range has increased, and acceleration is quicker.
Additionally, charging speed has improved, and there are advancements in stability and hardware as well.

Exterior color: Oak Green Metallic Neo

Acceleration has notably improved across all grades. For models 4S and above, the Sport Chrono Package now includes a new Push-to-Pass feature that lets you use a 70kW boost for 10 seconds by pressing a button, and the driving range has increased by an impressive 35% or more.

The car I test drove had a battery capacity at about 80% and a driving range exceeding 410 km. Our Taycan 4S has large 21-inch tires, which is a disadvantage, and its full charge range is just under 400 km, so this is quite an advancement. This is because the new model’s Performance Battery Plus capacity increased from 93 kWh to 105 kWh, along with improved efficiency.

20-inch Off-Road Design Wheels

The suspension has also been upgraded. The spring suspension PASM, which was standard on base models before, is now replaced by adaptive air suspension as standard across all models. Additionally, the Porsche Active Ride Suspension option is now available.

This system keeps the body level during braking, handling, and acceleration, and almost completely absorbs bumps. Unfortunately, the test car didn’t have this feature, but personally, if I were to buy the new Taycan, it would be one of the options I’d want. This option costs about 1.2 million yen and also offers convenience features like instantly raising the ride height when getting in.

Exterior and Interior Changes

Looking at the exterior, the side and rear views are almost unchanged from the previous generation.

Even as a Taycan owner, I can hardly tell the difference. However, the front headlight area has changed: on models below Turbo, the headlights and the vertical cutout are separated, giving a somewhat smooth impression reminiscent of Tesla.

On the new model, the headlights and vertical air intake cutout are separated

By the way, Turbo and above models keep the headlights and vertical cutout connected like the previous generation, so they have a similar, more aggressive face. If you prefer a more imposing front look, choosing a Turbo or higher model is recommended.

The interior design is almost the same, with only a slight difference in the Sport Chrono Package’s clock design. Hardware-wise it’s the same, but some meter designs have changed, such as a battery icon displayed on the left meter, making it easier to check remaining charge and driving range.
Also, a new feature allows you to customize and save settings for Sport and Sport Plus modes, which I found very convenient.

Real Driving Feel and Power Differences in the New Taycan

When actually driving, this model was the base Taycan 4 Cross Turismo without the S badge, but the low-speed torque feel is clearly improved compared to the previous base model.

The low-speed torque response when pressing the accelerator is excellent, giving a power feel almost like our 4S.

Even at low speeds in town, it feels powerful and very easy to drive. The suspension is very smooth, and although the test car had 20-inch tires, the ride quality is light and refined—a perfect description. Despite a firm ride, it’s comfortable. This is classic Porsche craftsmanship.
At high speeds, the difference from the previous generation is less noticeable, but at low speeds, I definitely felt it was more refined.

As mentioned earlier, the power is clearly up compared to the previous base model. It’s fast enough, though not quite as “noticeably fast” as the 4S, but generally it’s a quick car. While the 4S obviously excels in high-speed acceleration, the base model never feels slow and handles overtaking effortlessly without stress. This is one of the big improvements in the new model. This alone makes the new Taycan well worth choosing.

The Taycan Is Undoubtedly a Highly Recommended Porsche

I truly believe the Taycan is an amazing car. No exaggeration.
It’s almost a mystery why it isn’t selling more.

If you have a power outlet at home or can have one installed, and you’re considering anything other than a 911, Boxster, or Cayman, you should buy a Taycan.

I wholeheartedly recommend it.

Installing a normal 200V outlet costs just a few tens of thousands of yen. Especially if you already drive a 911, Cayman, or Boxster and your family or spouse drives a Panamera or Cayenne, you should definitely choose the Taycan next.
I suspect the less interested your spouse is in cars, the more they’ll love the Taycan. My wife says, “I can never go back to the Panamera. I can only think of the Taycan.”

Usually, you won’t drive 400–500 km every day.
Most often, your spouse will drive short distances like shopping or school runs—maybe 10 or 20 km a day. In that case, just plugging in at home will recharge the battery within a few hours enough to cover the day’s driving, so you can keep driving without worrying about refueling. It’s just like charging a smartphone.

Also, since it’s an electric car, there’s no need to warm up the engine, so short trips don’t wear the car down.
And when waiting for your kids, you can stay comfortable inside with the air conditioning on. Without an engine, there are no exhaust fumes, making the cabin comfortable—another advantage of electric cars.

The Cross Turismo’s solid rear presence is a charm! Like a 911 Carrera 4S.

When it comes to driving, needless to say, the Taycan’s steering is extremely precise, like threading a needle.

This is classic Porsche magic: it’s accurate without artificial quick handling effects, and the car moves exactly as you expect, so it’s not tiring. Despite its large size, acceleration is effortless, and unlike engine cars, there’s no gear shifting at low speeds, so you can enjoy the seamless 435 horsepower even at stoplights or in traffic. This is something no matter how good a V8 engine is, it simply can’t match the motor’s torque feel and smoothness.
You don’t have to wait for the revs to rise like an engine car—you get that power instantly. It’s 435 horsepower you can enjoy and use every day. That’s why it’s fun.

The brakes work well, it’s quiet and stable, agile, precise, and stress-free.

I can confidently say the Taycan is a fantastic car.
You’ll never buy it and think “the performance is no good,” so please consider it with confidence.

This car deserves more recognition. Porsche should really sell it with the attitude of “only to those who bought a 911,” that’s how strong the Taycan is.