Porsche Taycan 2019 Review

In recent years, competition in the luxury electric GT market has been gradually heating up. Consumers’ demands for high-performance electric vehicles are no longer limited to range but increasingly highlight a combination of brand heritage, driving dynamics, and luxury experiences. As Porsche's first pure electric model, the 2019 Taycan Turbo S has been a hot topic since its release—it must not only continue Porsche's sporty DNA but also set new benchmarks in the electric vehicle segment. Our main goal during this test drive is to verify whether it can simultaneously meet the "stringent driving requirements of Porsche owners" and the "daily practicality expectations of electric vehicle owners."

The Taycan Turbo S’s exterior is instantly recognizable as a Porsche—with the brand's classic fastback shape and low-slung stance. The overall lines are sleek yet muscular. The LED matrix headlights at the front have a sharp design, while the four-point daytime running lights are a signature feature, offering remarkable visibility when lit. The closed front grille is combined with air intakes below that retain the sporty feel of traditional fuel-powered cars, while also providing cooling for the battery and motors. On the side, the 20-inch sporty wheels paired with 245/45 R20 front tires and 285/40 R20 rear tires emphasize the rear-wheel-drive-oriented power layout. The waistline runs smoothly from the front to the rear, seamlessly integrating with the fastback roofline. At the rear, the car features a full-width LED taillight strip, a common design in electric vehicles, but Porsche enhances it with dynamic sequential turn signals for added sophistication. Below, the exaggerated diffuser accentuates the car’s performance-oriented appeal. Overall, the design avoids making a deliberate statement about being "electric" and instead interprets the electric GT style through Porsche’s familiar design language.

Sitting inside the Taycan Turbo S, the interior continues the brand's blend of luxury and technology. The dashboard adopts a multi-layer design, with a 10.9-inch touchscreen at the top, and an additional touch panel below for controlling the air conditioning and seat settings. Physical buttons are significantly reduced, but commonly used features are easy to operate via touch controls. As for materials, the cabin is predominantly wrapped in soft leather, with Alcantara material applied to the door panels and seats. Metal trim details add a touch of refinement. The seats feature a sports bucket design, providing ample lateral support, and offer an 18-way power adjustment, allowing precise adjustments for lumbar and thigh support. In terms of space, the vehicle’s dimensions are 4963mm in length, 1966mm in width, and 1378mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2900mm. The front row provides generous seating space, with more than a fist-width of headroom and legroom for a 180cm passenger. The rear row feels slightly tight in headroom due to the fastback roofline, but the legroom remains adequate at around two fist-widths, ensuring daily comfort. For storage, the front trunk offers approximately 81L of capacity, while the rear trunk offers 407L—enough to fit two carry-on suitcases and personal items. The central armrest compartment and door storage pockets also provide ample space for everyday uses.

In terms of performance, the Taycan Turbo S is equipped with a dual-motor system on the front and rear axles, delivering a maximum output of 634 horsepower and a peak torque of 1050Nm. Official data claims a 0-100km/h acceleration in just 2.8 seconds. In actual driving, the power response during take-off is extremely rapid, with an intense push-back sensation immediately felt upon pressing the accelerator pedal. Even in high-speed ranges (100-160km/h), power delivery remains linear and abundant. It offers Normal, Sport, Sport Plus, and Individual driving modes. Switching to Sport Plus mode results in more aggressive motor output, a 10mm reduction in suspension height, and heavier steering wheel feedback. Despite the vehicle weighing 2870kg, its double-wishbone suspension is tuned for sporty performance. The body remains well-controlled during cornering, with ample grip. The steering precision is high, with minimal dead zones, inheriting Porsche's hallmark handling characteristics. On rough roads, the suspension filters out most minor vibrations while retaining some road feel, balancing sportiness and comfort effectively.

In terms of range and energy consumption, we conducted a test under mixed road conditions (60% city roads, 40% highways), with the air conditioning turned on throughout the drive and the driving mode mainly set to Normal. The final range attainment rate was about 85%, and energy consumption was approximately 22kWh per 100 kilometers. The regenerative braking system offers three adjustable levels, with the highest level nearly achieving a one-pedal driving feel but without noticeable drag, making it easy to adapt for daily driving. Noise control is excellent; wind noise and tire noise are well suppressed during high-speed driving, and the sound of the motor is almost negligible. Combined with the seat's enveloping comfort, long-distance journeys are not fatiguing.

In summary, the core strengths of the 2019 Taycan Turbo S are evident: it preserves Porsche's signature handling feel and performance while offering the quietness and low running costs of an electric vehicle. Its luxurious interior and technological features place it among the top tier of electric GTs in its class, and its space is sufficient for daily family use. Compared to the Tesla Model S Plaid in the same price range, it boasts a higher brand premium and a tuning that leans more toward a traditional luxury GT rather than solely pursuing acceleration figures. This car is ideal for consumers who value brand sophistication, want an electrified experience, and have high expectations for driving quality—such as 35 to 50-year-old middle to high-income individuals who may already own a fuel-powered sports car but need an electric vehicle that is practical for daily use without compromising on driving enjoyment.

Overall, the Taycan Turbo S is not just an electric vehicle that competes on specifications; instead, it is Porsche's redefinition of a luxury GT with electric technology. It proves that electric vehicles can deliver exceptional driving pleasure while maintaining practicality. If you're looking for a luxury electric vehicle that can "handle track days and school runs" alike, the Taycan Turbo S is a worthy consideration.