2021 Porsche Taycan 4S (Performance Battery Plus) Review

As the electric vehicle market expands into the high-performance sector, the electric transformation products of traditional supercar brands have gradually become the focus of consumer attention — the Porsche Taycan series is a prime example. The 2021 Taycan 4S (with optional Performance Battery Plus) serves as a mid-level model in the series, combining Porsche's iconic sporty genes with everyday practicality. With an official price of RM 736,365, it targets mid-to-high-end electric vehicle owners seeking a balance between performance and luxury. The core purpose of this test drive is to evaluate this car's performance on actual roads, driving comfort, and spatial practicality to see if it can find the optimal solution between being an "electric supercar" and a "daily driver."

In terms of appearance, the 2021 Taycan 4S continues Porsche's family-style streamlined design, with a low and muscular stance. Its body dimensions measure 4963mm×1966mm×1379mm, with a wheelbase of 2900mm, showcasing a typical four-door coupe proportion. The front is equipped with a closed grille, flanked by sharp LED headlight clusters that integrate Porsche's signature four-point daytime running lights, ensuring high recognizability. The side profile features smooth lines running from the front to the rear, with waistlines passing through the door handles. Paired with 19-inch wheels (front tires 225/55 R19, rear tires 275/45 R19), it enhances the sporty vibe. At the rear, the standout features include the continuous LED taillights and an extendable electric spoiler. The spoiler automatically deploys at high speeds to enhance aerodynamics, while the taillight design presents Porsche's distinct light band effect when illuminated, offering excellent night visibility.

Inside the cabin, the interior of the Taycan 4S blends technology with luxury. The dashboard adopts a layered design and is equipped with a 10.9-inch touchscreen as the central display. The interface is intuitive and smooth to operate, supporting Apple CarPlay connectivity. Below it lies a touch panel for controlling functions such as air conditioning and seat adjustments, reducing the need for physical buttons. The interior materials consist mainly of soft leather and Alcantara, complemented by metallic trims, providing a refined and luxurious feel. The seats adopt a sporty design with strong support. The front seats feature electric adjustments and heating functionality (ventilation is optional on some versions), ensuring comfort during long drives.

In terms of space, as a four-door model, the Taycan 4S offers enough front and rear space for daily use. The front headroom is about 950mm (based on a 175cm tall tester), with ample legroom; the rear headroom is approximately 880mm, slightly limited due to the sloping roofline, and legroom is around 850mm, making it more suitable for adults on short trips, though long journeys might feel a bit cramped. For storage, the front trunk has a capacity of about 81L, suitable for small backpacks or charging equipment, while the rear trunk offers a capacity of about 366L, accommodating 2-3 carry-on size suitcases, sufficient for daily commuting or short trips. The interior storage compartments are well-designed, with a moderately sized central armrest box and door storage slots, ideal for holding small items like phones and water bottles.

Powertrain: The Taycan 4S is equipped with dual motors on the front and rear axles. With the optional Performance Battery Plus, the maximum horsepower is 571PS and the peak torque is approximately 650N·m. Official figures claim 0-100km/h acceleration in just 4 seconds. During actual driving, the power response is instantaneous at the start; pressing the accelerator pedal immediately delivers a strong push-back sensation. Even in normal mode, the power delivery is very linear. Switching to sport mode makes the output more aggressive, with mid-range acceleration (80-120km/h) for overtaking being effortless and requiring minimal pedal input. The battery capacity is 79.2kWh, with an official CLTC range of about 460km. In real-world road tests, the range achievement rate is about 85% for urban conditions (traffic + steady-speed driving) and approximately 75% for highways (110km/h cruising), with a combined power consumption of about 22kWh/100km, which meets the expectations of a premium electric sports sedan.

Handling and chassis performance are Porsche's strong suits. The Taycan 4S is equipped with front and rear air suspension, providing strong support. Body roll is well-controlled during cornering, and the steering is precise with minimal play, giving the driver ample confidence. On bumpy roads, the air suspension effectively filters out minor vibrations. When crossing speed bumps or patches of uneven road surfaces, the car body maintains minimal movement, offering good comfort. The all-wheel-drive (AWD) system performs stably on slippery surfaces, distributing power evenly, which makes slipping less likely during starts and acceleration. The braking system uses ventilated disc brakes with responsive stopping power and short braking distance (100-0km/h takes about 35 meters), which provides a sense of safety.

Regarding ride comfort, the Taycan 4S excels in noise control. During steady city driving, cabin noise is around 55 decibels, and at highway speeds (120km/h), it's about 65 decibels, mainly from tire and wind noise, but these are within an acceptable range. The energy recovery system is adjustable in three levels; the highest level provides noticeable deceleration, enabling one-pedal operation, while the lowest level feels similar to the coasting experience of fuel-powered cars, catering to various driving habits. In terms of seat comfort, despite the strong wrap-around design of the sports seats, the cushioning is sufficiently soft, ensuring no discomfort in the back or waist even on long drives (over two hours).

In summary, the core advantages of the 2021 Taycan 4S (Performance Battery Plus) lie in its Porsche-branded sporty DNA, powerful performance, outstanding handling and chassis refinement, and practical space design. Compared to competitors in the same class (such as the Tesla Model S Long Range and Audi e-tron GT), the Taycan 4S has an edge in brand appeal and handling. While its range is slightly inferior to that of the Model S, it stands out in terms of luxury and driving enjoyment.

This car is suitable for the following types of consumers: young entrepreneurs who value brand and performance, electric vehicle owners who prioritize driving pleasure, and families who need a car that can meet daily commuting needs while occasionally offering a thrilling speed experience (the rear seats are suitable for children or short trips with passengers). Its balanced overall performance allows it to showcase its sporty prowess on the track while maintaining comfort and practicality on city roads.

Overall, the 2021 Porsche Taycan 4S (Performance Battery Plus) is an electric sports sedan with "no obvious shortcomings." Its actual performance proves that electrification does not mean losing driving pleasure—the Porsche sports DNA is perfectly continued in this car, while also balancing daily comfort and practicality. If your budget allows and you're looking for an electric vehicle that both signifies status and delivers driving excitement, the Taycan 4S is undoubtedly a choice worth considering.