Porsche has taken a rather unusual
approach with the Taycan, launching the top-spec models first and leaving the
base variant for later. The time has now come for the German carmaker to reveal
the “entry-level” model. Badged Porsche Taycan, it’s the rear-wheel-drive
variant of the luxury EV. For now, the model is only available in China but
Porsche could make it available in other markets as well.
In the world’s largest car market, the RWD
Taycan is offered with two battery sizes and corresponding power levels.
Kicking off the range is a single-deck Performance Battery with a gross
capacity of 79.2 kWh (the same as the Taycan 4S), connected to a rear
axle-mounted Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PSM) producing up to 300 kW
(408 PS) in overboost mode with Launch Control.
The standard Porsche Taycan can cover up
to 414 kilometers on a full charge, according to the NEDC test
cycle. Customers who want more range can opt for the RWD Taycan powered by the
double-deck 93.4 kWh Performance Battery Plus, sourced from the Turbo and Turbo
S models.
In this case, the range is rated at 489 km and the maximum output of the rear motor is 350 kW (476 PS) – always in overboost mode with Launch Control. Speaking of Launch Control,
it enables both RWD Taycan models to sprint from 0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds and
reach a top speed of 230 km/h.
In China, the base Porsche Taycan with the
standard battery costs a whopping 888,000 yuan (US$ 125,420), while the model with
the larger pack will set customers back 948,500 yuan (US$ 133,950).
Rear-wheel-drive setup aside, the base Porsche Taycan packs the same tech and
features as AWD variants, including the 800 volt architecture, recuperation
power of up to 264 kW, PSM on the rear axle, PASM, PDCC Sport, PTV Plus,
two-speed transmission, and much more.
The rear-wheel-drive Taycan is also more
practical, offering a total cargo volume of 491 liters thanks to
the enlarged front luggage compartment.
