Electrifying performance

Petrolheads looking for a way into the world of electric mobility now have one: the new Porsche Taycan. It may not be one of the most frequently seen pure electric models in Hong Kong, but it is certainly an alluring reason to go green.

The green ticket does not come cheap, though. At HK$1.58 million before options, it's quite a bit more expensive than the daddy of premium electric cars, the Tesla Model S.

And lest we forget, the Taycan 4S featured here is the lesser version Taycan available in Hong Kong. Positioned above the 4S are the Turbo and Turbo S, both of which come with a bigger battery and more powerful drive system - with a price tag to match.

In true Porsche style, the Taycan offers a wide array of optional features. Adding options such as the Sport Chrono, Bose audio and ambient lighting - like the test model driven by reviewer Daniel Pang - will set you back roughly HK$1.8 million.

People new to Porsche might struggle to differentiate the Taycan from the slightly bigger Panamera. While the Taycan feels more modern, with touchscreen controls throughout, the two actually share, to a good extent, the ergonomics - which is generally very good with a Porsche.

However, Pang was unsure about the positioning of the gear selector behind the steering wheel on the dash.

The Taycan may not have the biggest touchscreen installation in a car, but it seems determined to make up for it with quantity.

A particularly interesting one is the cost option set in front of the front seat passenger. With it, passengers can determine their location using the navigation system or play with the secondary controls, such as the audio system.

People looking for ample interior space usually stay away from an athletic Porsche. This remains true with the first pure electric car from the Stuttgart-based carmaker. Pointing out the limited space, especially for the rear passengers, Pang half jokingly said that the Taycan is best seen as a two plus two sportscar. However, the one pictured here comes with the four plus one seat package - a cost option of HK$10,000.

Perhaps not every Porsche owner is aware of the brand's racing heritage, but to many enthusiasts, a part of the Porsche equation has always been the consistently high end vehicle dynamics.

The seasoned car reviewer was not at all disappointed by the new kid on the Porsche board.

"With a four second acceleration time from zero to 100 kmh, the Taycan 4S doesn't feel all that quick today," said Pang, having just finished a launch control acceleration run.

"But the mid-range is impressive. The instant push as you floor the throttle pedal will put all petrol powered supercars to shame."

The response perhaps alleviates the weight of the Taycan, which tips the scale at 2,140 kilograms, he added.

Pang did feel the Taycan's inertia on twisting roads, but he was appreciative of the excellent stopping power, helped by the energy recuperation system, especially when in Sport Plus mode, as well as the increased wheel spin leeway given the more aggressive PSM Sport setting.

It is clear Porsche is not willing to compromise its reputation with its first electric project.

staff.reporter@singtaonewscorp.com