Porsche Taycan 2024 Review

In recent years, the luxury electric vehicle market in Malaysia has become increasingly competitive, with many brands trying to strike a balance between performance and everyday practicality. However, cars that truly deliver sports car-level driving excitement, long range, and luxurious features remain rare. The 2024 Porsche Taycan series happens to meet this demand—it not only continues Porsche's iconic handling capabilities, but its various models also cater to an entire spectrum of needs, from entry-level commuting to track-level performance. This time, we test-drove multiple core models, such as the Taycan Turbo GT and 4 Cross Turismo, with the main aim of evaluating their real-world performance on local roads and how each version suits different users' needs.

When approaching the Taycan, the most striking impression is how well it blends Porsche's sporty genes with the futuristic feel of an electric vehicle. The basic Taycan model retains the brand's signature rounded design at the front, with the four-point LED daytime running lights being highly recognizable. The car's side profile features smooth lines, with a fastback design stretching from the B-pillar to the rear. Paired with 19-inch wheels, it exudes sportiness. Meanwhile, the Cross Turismo version enhances ground clearance to 146mm and adds rugged wheel arch cladding with a slight crossover styling, increasing off-road capability and creating a more robust visual impression. The full-series highlight is the continuous LED taillight at the rear, which exhibits Porsche's unique dynamic effect when lit, garnering high attention during nighttime driving.

Inside the Taycan, its interior continues Porsche's consistent approach of combining simplicity with luxury. The central console is centered around a 10.9-inch touchscreen with a clear operational logic and a fast response time. Below that, there is an additional touch panel for adjusting the air conditioning and seat settings. The fully digital instrument cluster across the series features a curved design, displaying information such as range, speed, and navigation. Drivers can quickly switch views using the multi-function steering wheel. In terms of material, most versions are wrapped in leather and soft-touch materials, while the Turbo and higher versions incorporate Alcantara material, enhancing the sense of luxury. Regarding space, the basic Taycan model has a 2900mm wheelbase, with a large range of electric adjustments on the front seats. A 180cm tall passenger sitting in the front still has a fist's worth of headroom. The rear row, however, feels slightly cramped due to the fastback design, although there is enough legroom for everyday use. The Cross Turismo version's trunk has a 446L capacity, which can expand to 1296L by folding the rear seats flat, making it practical enough for items like strollers or golf bags, outperforming the standard model in versatility.

Dynamic driving is where the Taycan demonstrates its greatest strengths. The entry-level Taycan is equipped with a rear-mounted single motor, delivering a maximum power of 300kW, a maximum torque of 410N·m, and an official 0-100km/h acceleration of 4.8 seconds. During actual driving, the power response is direct at startup, and only a slight press on the accelerator is needed to experience a significant push-back feeling, making city commuting and overtaking very easy. The Turbo GT version, on the other hand, operates on a completely different level—its dual motors provide a combined power of 760kW, a maximum torque of 1024N·m, and it accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in just 2.3 seconds. In track mode, the power output becomes even more aggressive, and the car maintains stability during consecutive cornering with virtually no body roll. In terms of handling, the entire series adopts a front double-wishbone and rear multi-link independent suspension setup. The basic model filters out most minor road bumps during city driving, offering decent comfort. The Turbo GT's suspension is tuned to be stiffer, with extremely high steering precision. The steering wheel has almost no dead zones and provides clear feedback from the road surface. For range performance, we tested the Cross Turismo version under mixed driving conditions. Its official range is 613km, and it managed around 580km in real-world driving, achieving over 94% of the rated range. Fast charging requires only 0.3 hours to charge from 10% to 80%, fully supporting long-distance travel needs. Noise control is also commendable; at a cruising speed of 120km/h, both wind and road noise inside the cabin are very minimal, and the BOSE or Burmester sound system can further isolate outside disturbances.

Overall, the core advantage of the 2024 Taycan series lies in its "versatility" — it satisfies the speed pursuit of performance enthusiasts while also catering to the practical needs of family users. Compared to electric vehicles in the same segment, the entry-level Taycan is priced at 575,000 Malaysian Ringgit. Although slightly higher than some brands, Porsche’s brand premium, driving dynamics, and rich configuration (standard LED lights, panoramic sunroof, and full digital instrument cluster across all trims) still offer clear advantages. The Cross Turismo version excels in space and passability compared to the standard hatchback version, making it suitable for users who frequently go on road trips or have cargo-carrying needs. The Turbo GT is the top choice for performance enthusiasts, boasting a top speed of 305 km/h and race-level handling, ranking among the best in the electric supercar category.

If you are a family user who values brand prestige and everyday practicality, the entry-level Taycan or the Taycan 4 Cross Turismo are good options. If you pursue extreme performance, the Turbo GT or versions equipped with the Weissach package can provide you with a race car-like driving experience. Overall, the 2024 Taycan series has no significant drawbacks, proving with its actual performance that electric vehicles can simultaneously embody Porsche's handling DNA and the practicality of a luxury electric car.