2021 Porsche Taycan RWD (Performance Battery Plus) Review

The market for fully electric sports cars in Malaysia has been heating up in recent years. Consumers want both the luxury feel of a brand and the smooth experience of an electric vehicle. This time, we test drove the 2021 Porsche Taycan RWD (Performance Battery Plus version). As the brand's entry-level fully electric model, it retains its sporty genes while being more budget-friendly than the all-wheel-drive versions. Its core selling points revolve around rear-wheel drive handling, a long-range battery, and Porsche's iconic design. Our test drive had a simple goal: to see if this "entry-level" Taycan can still uphold Porsche's sporty quality while meeting daily usage demands.

From a distance, the Taycan RWD's silhouette is nearly identical to higher-end models, showcasing the typical Porsche four-door coupe stance — a low-slung body paired with sleek fastback lines. Measuring 4963mm in length, 1966mm in width, and 1394mm in height, it balances sportiness without looking overly compact. The front end prominently features Porsche's signature LED matrix headlights, with highly recognizable four-point daytime running lights that deliver a sharp visual effect when illuminated. On the side, the 20-inch wheels paired with wide 245/45 R20 front tires and 285/40 R20 rear tires enhance the sporty vibe; the pop-out door handles automatically extend when unlocked, reducing air resistance and adding a modern, high-tech touch. At the rear, the full-width LED taillight—a defining feature of the Taycan series—forms a continuous light strip when lit at night. Combined with the diffuser-style design below, it creates a distinct layered look.

Stepping inside, the Taycan RWD's interior maintains Porsche's signature blend of luxury and technology. The dashboard is covered in extensive use of soft-touch materials, paired with metal trim, providing a refined feel to the touch. The centerpiece is its three touchscreens: a 10.9-inch central control screen with high responsiveness, supporting both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; a smaller screen below handles climate control and seat adjustments. There are very few physical buttons, with most functionalities controlled through the screens. The seats are wrapped in genuine leather with moderate support; the front seats are electrically adjustable, with lumbar support and side bolsters providing ample support during spirited driving. As for rear-seat space, the 2900mm wheelbase offers an acceptable experience; a 175cm (5'9") passenger will have about two fists of legroom, but headroom is slightly limited due to the sloping roofline—still comfortable for short trips. Storage space is not particularly large, with the front armrest compartment and door pockets accommodating phones, water bottles, and other small items. The trunk space is adequate in its standard configuration, meeting needs for daily commuting or short trips.

In terms of performance, the Taycan RWD is equipped with a rear-mounted single motor, delivering a maximum of 476PS horsepower and 357N·m torque, with an official 0-100km/h acceleration time of 5.4 seconds. During actual driving, switching to Sport mode and pressing the accelerator deeply reveals a direct and linear power response, free from the gear-shift jolt of fuel-powered vehicles. Although the thrust is not as aggressive as the Turbo version, it is more than sufficient for everyday driving, delivering enough power for overtaking with just a slight press of the pedal. In Normal mode, the power delivery is smoother, making it ideal for city commutes, with a steady and non-abrupt start.

Handling is one of the highlights of the Taycan RWD. The front and rear air suspension is tuned for sportiness, the steering is highly precise, with minimal dead zone, and you can clearly feel the road feedback when turning the wheel. When cornering, the body roll is well controlled, and the 2,130kg weight doesn’t bring a noticeable sense of heaviness. Plus, with the rear-wheel-drive layout, the dynamic response of the rear is agile, giving the driver enough confidence. On bumpy roads, the air suspension filters out most small vibrations while retaining a certain level of road feel, striking a balance between sportiness and comfort.

In terms of range, the Performance Battery Plus version offers a battery capacity of 79.2kWh. During test drives in urban road conditions with the air conditioning and music on, the range achievement rate was approximately 80%, meaning a weekly charge is generally sufficient for urban commutes. On highways, there may be some range reduction, but the overall performance meets expectations. Regarding charging, the Taycan supports fast charging; the charging time from 30% to 80% is approximately 30 minutes, meeting the energy replenishment needs for long-distance travel.

Noise control performs well, with almost no audible motor noise during low-speed driving. At high speeds, there is some wind noise and tire noise, but they remain within an acceptable range and do not impact in-car conversations. As for seating comfort, the front seats offer excellent support and wrap-around comfort, making long drives less tiring. However, the rear seats have a slightly upright angle, which may be less comfortable for long journeys but is fine for short trips.

Overall, the core highlights of the 2021 Porsche Taycan RWD (Performance Battery Plus) are clear: it preserves Porsche's sporty handling genes, and the rear-wheel-drive layout provides a purer driving experience. The range performance meets daily needs, and the 8-year/160,000-kilometer battery warranty offers peace of mind for consumers. The luxurious interior and technology features rank among the top in its class, and its price is more affordable compared to the all-wheel-drive versions, making it highly cost-effective. Compared to similar models like the Tesla Model S, the Taycan RWD offers a greater advantage in terms of brand luxury and handling refinement. It is ideal for consumers who want both the Porsche brand appeal and a smooth pure-electric driving experience.

This car has a clear target audience: firstly, young consumers who value brand and driving experience, seeking sporty characteristics without extreme performance. Secondly, family users, as the four-door design and moderate space can meet daily household needs, and the smoothness of an electric car makes it well-suited for urban commutes.

All in all, the 2021 Porsche Taycan RWD (Performance Battery Plus) is a “balanced” pure electric sport sedan. It does not overly pursue extreme performance but finds a good balance between sportiness, range, and everyday practicality. It is a compelling choice among entry-level luxury electric vehicles.