In the name of pursuing innovation and representing the future of electric mobility, Porsche has released a fourth variant Taycan now with rear-wheel drive alongside the Taycan Turbo S, Taycan Turbo, and Taycan 4S. While it features many similarities as its siblings, this new entry-level model boasts the latest battery and drive technology for a greater performance that dares to go further.

Young but powerful

One of the main standouts of this new Taycan rear-wheel drive is that it’s the first to come with two sizes of battery. As a standard, it’s fitted with the single-deck Performance Battery which delivers up to 300kW in overboost mode with Launch Control. With a gross capacity of 79.2 kWh, the standard Performance Battery provides up to 431km of range.

Then comes the optional upgrade to the two-deck Performance Battery Plus, which increases the power output to 350kW, boosting the gross capacity to 93.4kWh and promising up to 484km of range. Regardless of the choice of battery configuration, both boast a top speed of 230kmh, reaching the century sprint from a standing start within 5.4 seconds.

Enhanced convenience

The youngest Taycan of the model family also includes the new features introduced in the other version at the model year changeover, such as the Plug & Charge function for enhanced convenience. Upon plugging in, the Taycan establishes encrypted communication with the Plug & Charge-compatible charging station, and automatically begins charging. Payments are also processed automatically.

The new Taycan also features up to 270kW maximum charging capacity on the Performance Battery Plus, which can be charged from five to eighty percent state-of-charge in 22.5 minutes, powering a further 100km in a mere five minutes.

It also comes with other features included in the other variants, such as optional equipment including a colour head-up display and an on-board charger with a charging capacity of up to 22kW. For owners to purchase additional convenience or assistance functions, the new Taycan also comes with Functions on Demand (FoD).

A dynamic performance

Aside from its impressive acceleration and range, the new Taycan also features the permanently excited synchronous motor on the rear axle which has an active length of 130mm, the same as the one fitted to the Taycan 4S. The pulse-controlled inverter on the rear axle operates at up to 600 amps.

In addition, the drive architecture also includes a two-speed transmission. Just like its siblings in the model range, it includes intelligent charging management as well as exemplary aerodynamics. With a Cd value from 0.22, its aerodynamics make a significant contribution to its low energy consumption and its long range, with maximum recuperation power at 265kW.

A purist exterior design

Now let’s talk aesthetics. The new Taycan may signal the beginning of a new era, but continues to retain the Porsche design DNA. The electric sports car, from the front, looks particularly low and wide, with highly contoured wings. Its shapely silhouette is enhanced by the sporty roof line sloping downward to the rear, while its highly sculpted side sections are also characteristic.

The sleek cabin, the strikingly-drawn-in C-pillars, and the pronounced shoulders of its wings result in a sharply emphasised rear which is typical of the marque. Other innovative elements include the glass-look lettering of the Porsche logo that’s located in the rear light bar.

As a standard for its model family, the Taycan is fitted with standard LED headlights, aerodynamically optimised 19-inch Taycan Aero wheels, and black anodised brake callipers. The front apron, side sills, and rear diffuser in black are the same as those on the Taycan 4S.

On the inside, the cockpit of the Taycan includes the free-standing curved instrument cluster which forms the highest point on the dashboard, placing a clear focus on the driver axis. It also features a central 10.9-inch infotainment display and an optional display for the front passenger.

Prices for the entry-level Taycan start from RM605,000. From now until 30 June 2021, prices start from RM584,561, which comes inclusive of the current sales tax incentive, and will be available at Porsche Centres in the second quarter of 2021. For more information, contact your nearest Porsche Centre.

Photos: Porsche