The 2021 Porsche Taycan 4s emerges not merely as an electric vehicle, but as a statement – a definitive Porsche take on the EV landscape. While often positioned as a rival to the Tesla Model S, a closer look reveals a fundamentally different breed of electric car. Stepping into the cockpit of the 2021 Porsche Taycan 4S is a revelation, especially for those familiar with the Tesla. The low-slung seating and the sports car-esque view over the dashboard immediately set it apart, offering a driving experience that feels distinctly more athletic and engaging than its American competitor.
Distinct Driving Experience: Porsche vs. Tesla
In a market where electric vehicles are increasingly common, the 2021 Porsche Taycan 4S carves its own niche. It’s less about direct competition and more about offering a different flavor of electric performance. If the EV market were more saturated, comparisons to Tesla might become less frequent. The 2021 Porsche Taycan 4S truly embodies the spirit of a Porsche 911, now electrified and with the added practicality of four doors. Tesla, on the other hand, leans more towards the sport sedan category, albeit electric. Both approaches are valid and result in exceptional vehicles, yet the driving feel and overall character of the 2021 Porsche Taycan 4S are undeniably unique and divergent from the Tesla experience. Despite both boasting incredible acceleration and handling, they cater to distinct driving preferences and lifestyles.
Performance and Specs of the Taycan 4S
Porsche’s distinct approach is immediately apparent in the 2021 Porsche Taycan 4S. Its stance is lower, and its lines are sleeker, demanding some practical adjustments in exchange for its sharpened reflexes. We’re not just talking aesthetics; the performance figures of the 2021 Porsche Taycan 4S are firmly in sports car territory. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.8 seconds and achieves a top speed of 155 mph. These numbers place it squarely in the realm of high-performance EVs, rivaling even Tesla’s offerings in raw speed.
The 4S as the Goldilocks of the Taycan Range
The 2021 Porsche Taycan 4S occupies a sweet spot in the Taycan lineup. Positioned between the base rear-wheel-drive Taycan and the high-performance Taycan Turbo, the 4S offers a compelling balance of power and price. With 482 horsepower (or 562 hp with launch control) and 479 pound-feet of torque, it delivers exhilarating performance. While the starting price of $105,150 might seem steep, it’s considerably more accessible than the Taycan Turbo’s $150,000 tag. For many, the 2021 Porsche Taycan 4S represents the “Goldilocks” model in the Taycan family – offering exceptional performance without the top-tier price, making it a truly stunning vehicle from every perspective.
Handling and Suspension: A True Porsche
Beyond the impressive performance numbers, the 2021 Porsche Taycan 4S distinguishes itself through its driving dynamics. The handling is pure Porsche, characterized by immediate steering response and powerful braking. The finely tuned air suspension strikes a remarkable balance, providing everyday comfort while readily transforming into a corner-carving machine when needed. You don’t need to push it to its limits to appreciate the special feel of the 2021 Porsche Taycan 4S. Its multi-mode suspension adapts effortlessly to varying conditions, maintaining composure and flat cornering even without engaging the sportiest settings. While carbon-ceramic brakes (PCCB) are an option, they are likely overkill for most drivers unless regular track days are on the agenda.
Innovative Two-Speed Transmission
The 2021 Porsche Taycan 4S continues to stand out in the EV world with its two-speed transmission. Unlike most electric vehicles that utilize a single-speed direct-drive system, the Taycan employs a two-speed gearbox on the rear axle. This innovative feature optimizes both high-speed cruising efficiency and low-end acceleration. While the gear changes are seamless in normal driving, under hard acceleration, you might notice a subtle shift, a reassuringly mechanical sensation that adds to the unique character of the 2021 Porsche Taycan 4S. This subtle “thwack” during gear changes, though not making it significantly quicker than competitors, provides a tactile connection often absent in EVs.
Range and Charging Considerations
One area where the 2021 Porsche Taycan 4S differs significantly from some competitors is its range. The EPA-estimated range is 227 miles with the optional Performance Battery Plus (93.4 kWh), a $6,580 upgrade. The standard 79.2-kWh battery version offers a range of 199 miles. While these figures represent improvements over the 2020 model, they are considerably less than the Tesla Model S Long Range Plus’s 402-mile rating. However, real-world tests have shown that Porsche Taycan models often achieve or even exceed their stated range more consistently than some Teslas. Charging can also be a point of consideration. Features like a 150kW/400V DC charger ($460 option) and Mobile Charge Connect ($1,120) come at an additional cost, as does the Porsche Intelligent Range Manager ($300).
Interior and Technology: Cockpit Feel and Digital Features
The interior of the 2021 Porsche Taycan 4S reinforces its driver-centric nature. The low-slung dashboard and prominent center stack create a cockpit-like environment. The fully digital instrument panel is exceptionally clear and readable in all lighting conditions, despite its hoodless design. The abundance of piano-black trim and touchscreens gives the cabin a modern, high-tech aesthetic, although these surfaces can be prone to fingerprints and dust. Technologically advanced, the 2021 Porsche Taycan 4S can be equipped with up to five screens, including a 16.8-inch gauge cluster, a 10.9-inch central touchscreen, an 8.4-inch HVAC touchscreen, and an optional 5.9-inch passenger display. The Porsche infotainment system is generally well-regarded, although it has a learning curve, and some users may miss physical buttons for certain functions like airflow control. Apple CarPlay is available, but Android Auto was not available until the 2022 model year for Porsche vehicles.
Comfort and Options: Personalization and Pricing
The test 2021 Porsche Taycan 4S featured comfortable and supportive 18-way power Adaptive Sport Seats upholstered in Race-Tex fabric. This material, offered as a leather alternative, might appeal to some buyers, but it’s a costly option. Porsche’s renowned customization options allow for extensive personalization, but they also contribute to a rapidly escalating price. Options like 20-inch Sport Aero wheels ($2,770) and the Premium Package ($7,170) quickly inflate the price tag. The as-tested price of this model reached $136,190 before EV incentives. While this represents a significant investment, Porsche’s unparalleled configurability means that substantial option spending is common among its clientele.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 2021 Porsche Taycan 4S transcends the typical four-door EV, firmly establishing itself as a true Porsche sports car in an electric guise. It delivers a rewarding, engaging, and tactile driving experience, setting it apart with its unique character and performance. As the middle ground in Porsche’s driver-focused EV family, the 2021 Porsche Taycan 4S is a compelling and highly desirable machine for those who prioritize driving pleasure and are willing to look beyond range figures and price tags. It’s an electric vehicle that truly embodies the Porsche spirit, making it a standout choice in the evolving EV market.
