The Taycan Is Back!

The Taycan, which had been in the dealer for repairs due to charging issues, has finally returned home. It was about a three-week stay (mostly waiting for parts from overseas), but it’s great to have it back.

During those three weeks without the Taycan, I mostly drove the Tesla Model 3, and it was undeniably comfortable and stress-free.

The driving experience was excellent and easy, so there were honestly moments when I thought, “Maybe I don’t even need the Taycan if I have the Model 3…” But then, when driving on the highway, I found myself missing the Taycan’s performance and eagerly thinking, “I hope the Taycan comes back soon…”

That’s how those three weeks went by.

Now that the Taycan is back home, I took it for a drive again and was reminded just how different the Model 3 and Taycan are, even though both are electric vehicles. (If I were to compare properly, maybe I should be comparing the Taycan to the Model S due to their sizes.) Today, I want to share my thoughts on that.

Also, our Tesla Model 3 is the Long Range version, so the impressions might differ greatly if it were the Performance model. Please keep that in mind.

Tesla Model 3: Nothing to Complain About!

I’ve come to feel once again that the Tesla Model 3 perfectly suits Japan’s environment.

① Compact Size Perfect for Japanese Roads

The Model 3’s size makes it easy to handle on Japan’s narrow roads and in tight parking spaces. Compared to other overseas models, its particularly compact width makes driving in Japan much more comfortable. Not having to worry about “Will the parking lot be okay if I go there…?” or “Can I get through that road…?” is a huge stress relief.

② Excellent Driving Performance and Cutting-Edge Features

Tesla’s Autopilot is truly smart. It’s so natural that I often wonder, “How does it detect cars so far ahead?” It accurately senses vehicles far beyond what a human eye can see and precisely tracks where surrounding cars are within their lanes.

It quickly notices when the car ahead changes lanes, makes accurate decisions, and reacts and follows as naturally as if a human were driving. It’s really impressive.

The large touchscreen is also very user-friendly and responsive. Honestly, once you get used to that monitor, the Taycan’s navigation screen feels sluggish and somewhat frustrating by comparison.

③ Economical Running Costs

Electricity costs are cheaper compared to gasoline. Also, the regenerative braking system is quite remarkable. Unlike gasoline cars, where fuel can’t be recovered, the Tesla recovers a surprising amount of charge when going downhill.

Subjectively, I feel Tesla’s regeneration works better than the Taycan’s.

By efficiently recovering energy on descents and using power effectively on ascents, it maximizes energy efficiency—something very useful for our home in a hilly town.

④ Comfort Like a Living Room

The rear seats are more spacious than those in the Taycan. The roomy interior allows both adults and children to sit comfortably and stretch out. Even on long drives, there’s no feeling of tightness, making the ride very pleasant.

There’s also a display in the back seats that serves as an entertainment hub, so the kids can watch YouTube and stay entertained even on long trips.

The cabin is very quiet and comfortable. It’s so peaceful inside that it’s perfect for chatting or listening to music. In fact, the quietness is such that I often end up falling asleep in the front passenger seat of the Model 3 (laughs).

Because the Tesla is so quiet, when I recently got back into the Taycan, I thought, “Wait, does the Taycan really make this much motor noise?”

When I switched from a 911 Carrera T to the Taycan, I was surprised by how silent the Taycan was, so for its motor noise to now seem loud… it really shows how quiet the Tesla is.

All these features combined mean the Model 3 maintains high comfort even on long drives, keeps the kids entertained, reduces fatigue for adults, and ultimately makes family drives more enjoyable.

The Taycan Is in a Different Class!

On the other hand, when switching from the Tesla to the Taycan, you can’t help but feel the difference in class. Despite how great the Tesla is, the Taycan’s precision in driving is truly remarkable.

① Suspension Differences

The Tesla Model 3 is very smooth and its luxury level stands apart from other brands’ sedans. However, when you ride the Taycan, its density, road-hugging feel, and rigidity really stand out. Especially the suspension surpasses the Model 3, making you strongly feel the difference in refinement and class.

② Handling Differences

The Model 3’s handling is excellent, but the Taycan’s is even more precise. If the Model 3 turns well to the millimeter, the Taycan carves in to the tenth of a millimeter.

Our Taycan is equipped with the optional rear-axle steering, which might contribute significantly. Despite being a large car, parking is incredibly easy, which I find impressive.

The Model 3 can feel a bit reluctant to turn during parking (even when you turn the wheel as expected, it doesn’t always respond), but if you don’t know about Porsche’s rear-axle steering, it might not bother you much.

Still, when compared, the difference is clear.

③ Highway Driving Differences

The Model 3 is very stable on the highway and never feels scary no matter the angle of the turn. However, perhaps due to the lack of downforce, it sometimes feels a bit like it’s floating. I prefer a more planted, sharp driving feel, so the Taycan’s way of accelerating with a sense of sinking in and cutting through the road, along with its high stability, is very appealing to me.

④ Gasoline-Car-Like Feel

While the Taycan is undeniably an electric car, its character feels closer to a gasoline car. Especially with the Sport Electric Sound option, the motor noise and acceleration feel like driving a naturally aspirated engine car.

If you didn’t know the Model 3, the Taycan might feel almost cyborg-like, but comparing the two reveals the Taycan is a car that feels much closer to human senses.

Overall, the Taycan is definitely a sports car, with its precision and sporty feel standing out.

For city driving, the Model 3 is overwhelmingly easier and more comfortable to drive, but if you want sharp, thrilling performance, the Taycan is the way to go.

That said, I’m looking forward to test driving the Model 3 Performance model next.