Turbo S: The Top of the Taycan Lineup

This time, I test drove the Porsche Taycan’s top-tier model, the Turbo S. Currently, it’s the most powerful grade in the Taycan lineup, and it’s truly an incredible car. Fast, nimble, comfortable, and easy to use. That’s the impression I got.

First, the specs: the body size is the same as other Taycans. However, the power is in a league of its own. It produces 625 horsepower in normal mode, and an overboost of 761 horsepower when launch control is activated. The 0-100 km/h time is 2.8 seconds. Breaking into the 2-second range is quite rare.

That said, Porsche has a tradition of modestly stating their catalog specs, so I believe the 2.8 seconds is a conservative figure. The actual time is probably a bit faster. I had the chance to fully experience the Turbo S with these specs.

Nimble Driving Close to the 911 and 718

My first impression driving in the city was that there’s no major difference from other Taycans. Maybe just a bit more torque feel. It’s truly Taycan-like: stress-free and gliding smoothly.

Once on winding roads, the Turbo S really shines. It feels incredibly nimble. It doesn’t have the heavy, dense feel of a 911 Turbo S or Panamera Turbo S.

Instead, it feels like driving a 992 or 718. Having driven both, I can confirm this. It turns sharply and shows agile handling that you wouldn’t expect from a 2.2 to 2.3-ton vehicle.

21-inch wheels and PCCB

This is likely thanks to the standard PCCB (Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes) on the Turbo S. Carbon ceramic brakes weigh about one-third of steel brakes, greatly reducing unsprung mass.

Of course, the PDCC (Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control) also helps by suppressing body roll and making the weight feel less noticeable.

In S-curves, where you turn right then quickly left, it feels like the car is glued to the road, slicing through corners smoothly. There’s almost no rebound sway. This is a moment where the low center of gravity unique to EVs truly comes alive.

That said, because it’s still a heavy vehicle, you might feel some lateral inertia in high-speed corners. But for everyday driving on public roads, you can enjoy an unbeatable driving experience. It’s absolutely exhilarating.

Acceleration Feels Like “Free Fall”

The true highlight of the Turbo S is its power. Even the 4S and GTS are fast enough, but the Turbo S clearly accelerates faster. I pressed the accelerator on an uphill, and the difference was obvious.

Anyone in the passenger seat would definitely have their head thrown back. Even in the driver’s seat, you feel blood pulling toward the back of your head. The acceleration rivals that of the 992 Turbo S.

Moreover, with the Turbo S, the G-force sustains endlessly. It’s like free fall, a sensation of falling freely. I once described the Taycan Turbo’s acceleration on this blog as a forward free fall, and the Turbo S is no different.

I’d love to try this acceleration on a circuit. It would probably set some seriously fast lap times.

Speaking of highway driving, naturally it’s even faster than the 4S. The throttle response and speed increase rate are different. The Turbo S reaches speed with even less throttle input than the 4S.

It feels like a GT3 locked in 2nd or 3rd gear, ready for battle. The moment you press the accelerator, it bursts forward with explosive acceleration. The difference is that the Taycan can do this instantly and silently, without any engine vibration or noise during cruising. This feeling alone is unbeatable by any combustion engine car.

Balancing Comfort and Agility

The ride comfort is also impeccable. Always flat, as if gliding over the road surface. Thanks to the active suspension, it feels less like driving and more like sliding—no, gliding.

But this is by no means a soft, floaty ride. It’s not like the plush, cushy feel of a Crown or Range Rover. It has a firm core, like a sturdy udon noodle, yet it moves smoothly.

This is a Porsche setup that perfectly balances driving performance and comfort. Truly “Soulful”—it stirs your soul.

If You Choose a Taycan, Turbo S Is Recommended

Honestly, for a 911, I often recommend the Carrera or T models, but when it comes to the Taycan, personally, I think the Turbo S is the best choice.

That’s because it combines extraordinary power with the nimbleness reminiscent of the 911 and 718. Thanks to the PCCB, you get a feeling as if you’re driving a Porsche two-door sports car.

Right now, Turbo S prices have dropped quite a bit in the used car market. Why not consider this opportunity? Putting resale value aside, it will surely be a car you’ll be fully satisfied with.