The RWD, Base Model Porsche Taycan Is The Best EV You Can Buy Under $100k - One Take
Use Off The Record! and ALWAYS fight your tickets! Enter code TST10 for a 10% discount on your first case on the Off The Record app, or go to www.offtherecord.com/TST
The RWD, Base Model Porsche Taycan Is The Best EV You Can Buy Under $100k - One Take
The Porsche Taycan, the company's first EV, is a smashing success, and obscenely fast in many trims. But, like many other Porsche's, the costs add up quickly, and a Turbo S model with 700 HP and AWD will knock on the door of $200,000. This is the new Base Model Taycan. It's RWD only and has less power than the turbo by half. But it starts at under $90,000. We know enthusiasts don't like the base model of anything, but is the RWD, base model Taycan a diamond in the rough?
Porsche Cars, NA, provided the vehicle, insurance, and a full charge for this review.
Follow us!
T: @thesmokingtire @zackklapman
IG: @thesmokingtire @fakezackklapman
Check out our PODCAST! Over 100,000 listeners and counting!
KZhead: / thesmokingtirepodcast
Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/4nl2Rna...
Apple podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Google Podcasts: podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...
NEW SHIRTS!
www.blipshift.com/tst
Handling and build quality aside, it wins for me because it is actually a good looking vehicle.
Yeah hybrids or electric cars always look like shit for some reason
@@Che1seabluesdrogba11 I still don't understand why no one makes a handsome 2 door convertible EV. It's either 1,500 hp hyper car or a SUV.
Still can't believe that's there's actually people out there that think tesla's are attractive. There's a green taycan at my work and it's 🔥
@@ky1le750 I have a Tesla and even I'll agree - not great looking. But I REALLY like it. I don't have to look at it while I'm inside driving it lol
I'm also glad the taycan maintains a porsche-esque interior and it doesn't look like you're driving a laptop.
damn you were hauling ass in this thing. jesus this thing is capable.
Jesus, you were caning that thing. No wonder the brakes got cooked.
He pulled a Zack there. No way would he have driven that fast with an ICE.
@@acalthu I mean, I've seen Matt drive plenty fast in the 765LT, Ford GT, various Lamborghinis, etc. But not on this tight and twisty of a road.
Other than the brakes it was eating it up though, very impressive, now just need an affordable ev coupe
@@wristofkings i meant the Twisties, he never whips the car on those roads like Zack does.
Base model Porsches tend to be the purest. Hope there's some of this magic when they electrify the Macan. Or some in the Audi etron GT.
Really looking forward to the Macan EV
I drove my niece's base 4-cyl Macan and found it more fun than the V6 S and GTS models I had driven previously. That weight removed from the nose made a big difference and, despite the power difference, I did not find it slow at any time.
Audi will have found some way to ensure the etron steers far worse knowing them 😂
I mean still I'd much rather have a gt3 than a base 911. That 4.0 is just and entirely different beast than the base motors.
@@user-yn5sk5ru5g yes!
Best video I've seen about the Taycan range as a whole full stop. It demonstrates really well where this car actually shines, a regular, usable EV that actually can handle itself in the twisties like a sports car. And for an EV it appears to be enjoyable to drive that way.
I appreciate that you still hand-write your notes! Once you finish a journal, you should consider digitizing and storing them in the cloud that way they're safe and you always have access for reference purposes.
This is the first press RWD that doesn't have those awful Matchbox wheels.
Saved me from saying it.
This is specced with the sport design package (like $6000) and the Mission E wheel ($5000)
factory forgiatos, bruh
You know Matt ain’t riding out like that
The problem is still that there is no charging infrastructure where I live, but I think I'd take this over any other current EV.
This is why Tesla is ahead. Supercharging network
@Jordan Zibitsker I was surprised about how much infrastructure there is. I live in rural Arkansas and travel to Dallas Tx and have no problem. EVGateway is a great company with 200 KW chargers all the way and then Electrify America is growing.
@@ChuckJ1944 The US gov't has put more than 5 billion into Tesla, of course they have the best charging infrastructure.
Even with infrastructure the charge time is just too long. Electric makes sense only if you drive within the battery range and plan on charging at home in between use, having to stop and recharge during your trip is ridiculous. Over 20 minutes for the Porsche to charge to 80% (40 minutes for Tesla), and that's assuming there's an open charging station when you get there.
@@baseballhunter42 umm supercharging is like 10-20 min, not that I like teslas but that is not correct
Big money for a daily, but a great alternative to a Tesla. The only downside is the charging options with the Porsche. I see one of these in my future.
If you drive a minivan backwards, it's kinda like a 911....
@Nomen Clature I could careless what others are driving. Only purchase things I’m interested in.
Thats not big money in todays time honestly...
@@jghjjhkhkhk 6 figures for a daily, is big money. I make multiple times that a year, and live in a very affordable area for reference. Things are so pricey, because people like you think it’s normal. F150s are 80k in today’s market for that exact reason. Pure gouging, because the general public is stupid and will stretch a loan on anything they can.
@Hussar0 The R&D on tech is high, but chips themselves are dirt cheap. Take a peak into the margins on Porsche, and report back. They are bonkers. Again, anyone who feels a 100+k vehicle, used for commuting isn’t a lot of money is not in touch with reality.
ME: Is he hustling? I can't tell but it looks like he's pushing pretty hard. BRAKES: *literally are on fire* ME: Okay I think we'll file under, "confirmed for hustling"
Excellent editing. It feels like one cohesive video instead of a bunch of small segments.
I just saw my first Taycan Turbo S in burgundy up close and it blew my mind. Seriously. I would buy this just for the looks.
EV cars should let you upload your own sound effects. How awesome would the Elite: Dangerous sound effects be!?
They do actually. Or at least I know you can in a Tesla
well the porsche pipes its noise straight from the electric motor (i think). its real noise, not a wavetable, and thats why its so good.
80k for a Porsche isn't much. They really out for tesla. This might shake up the ev market
LOL Nope Porsche does not even compete, 80K is 20K more than one of Tesla's Model 3 & Y which is majority of what they sell. Model S is just a passion project halo product.
Model Y P a fat SUV torches the base Taycan in ANY test of performance. For way less money. Oh but it drives so good... Ha! Yeah you keep telling yourself that when I kick your azz off the line then through the corners.
@@twothbeave @Neojhun Have you skipped school or something? I'm not comparing the taycan rwd to the model Y or 3 with your ikea looking like interior and shitty build quality.
@@twothbeave are you saying that the model y corners better than the Porsche? Agreed with the off the line torque but cornering?
@@twothbeave I better have my roof.
Great video. Thanks for putting the Taycan on a proper spirited drive and showing what it is like
@Matt: If it's the Euro spec car you get the 476 PS/hp only for the launch control start (some kind of time-limited overboost). The regular power for the model with bigger battery is 380 hp, for the other it's 326.
this car legit sounds like a fucking UFO when you take off.
The first EV that has me excited. I do mean this base Taycan in particular. It's a rear-engine Porsche sedan. That's pretty freakin' cool.
Looks great. Im in my second Tesla, a Model XP100D. Have a F12 in the garage and keep a truck. The Taycan looks great. But it does sit really low. Ive been in one a bit and it just sits too low to be a comfortable daily. Second hit, the range. Lastly, Tesla supercharger network is unbeatable. Driving the Taycan would be a PITA to try and charge. Also, currently buying electric is like buying a laptop...its outdated in 3 years. Which is why Ive leased mine. Lease is up in 2 months, and may go back to petrol until we can get a real 500 mile range. Liking the new Panamera....and would love a GTS.
Great review! I’m wondering if the base would be better for a track day since less power means you might make it through more sessions?
This looks like the one to buy. Perfect DD capability, still can go fast as heck on the streets.
These wheels look pretty good, much better than the standard ones.
7:15 “hey model Y I can handle better than you!” *airhorn noises*
Matt needs to lose about 40lbs before he can handle better than the average fat American
@@Del_987 mad tesla fan boy?
@@MrZyLeXx lol immensely
@@MrZyLeXx All electric cars are appliances. Spending more for objectively less is pure brainlet.
@@Del_987 ur watching the wrong video then cause he is reviewing the handling of the appliance
Definitely Euro spec. That red hazard case in the frunk is ubiquitous (and mandatory) in Europe.
Good call - also the clear reflector imbedded in the leading edge of the front fender.
Yes, they send euro cars then send them back or scrap hem.
You lost a bunch of weight.. looking good man..
Still waiting for a review of one with steel springs. I am really curious if the springs are more engaging, or if due to the weight air is a 'must have'.
Ive got a 2020 s6. Is this the same size interior or does it feel a little more cramped?
Thanks Matt, I'd love to try one of those, would like to wait for the wagon too, Rj in Oz
The wagon is such a better deal. For some reason the sedan goes from RWD straight to 4S, with no base AWD option. The wagon doesn't offer a RWD option, but does offer a base "4" version that gives you more hp, more torque, AWD, AND air suspension (plus the slick glass roof), and doesn't cost that much extra. If configured equally, the wagon is only like $1700 more than the RWD sedan. The base Taycan 4 Cross Turismo really seems like the best balance of price, feature, and performance in the Taycan lineup. I even think the wagon looks nicer too.
I wasn’t planning on watching this video but the text in the thumbnail piqued my curiosity just enough to watch it.
That dash camera view makes it seem like you're flying through the canyons
Interesting to see what the Audi ETron GT base is all about
This was the best thing to see this morning since I’ve been trying to figure out if my next car is going to be the base or the 4S.
I just ordered a RWD Tqycan, I prefer the pure RWD performance
@@josealexander9794 When it comes to EV’s, AWD Is better when you have this much power.
@@joetacchino4470 Is it worth $20k extra though? That's the question that's been bothering me. I live in the same area that Matt does all his tests, so I rarely encounter non-ideal driving conditions, which would make RWD a reasonable choice. AWD and a faster 0-60 would be nice, but the cost/benefit analysis tells me it may not be worth the extra money if the car is already this fast and handles this well.
@@joetacchino4470 you're right, an AWD is more stable and handling better. But I like the dynamic of a RWD. My GT350 have more power than this, although the delivery of this power is more progressive, feels more like a sport car. There were 2 reasons for me to wait until now for a EV; there wasn't a true sport-driving EV and RWD until now, and as a bonus the Taycan came as a gran turismo model instead of a sport (911).
@@biturboboxer7921 I got the RWD and added some options. Still under 100k. Air suspension, rear steering wheels, autopilot (or whatever they call it), heater seats, folding mirrors, 93kWh performance battery and on-board fast charging. I got it with regular aluminum roof instead of glass, I am in Florida and summers are hell.
Love the review!
Noticing the new 2021 cover photo style. It’s working
...yep...switching it up a bit...
The thumbnails are hilariously simple. However the hype captions seem to be critical to younger viewers. I expect a refined design over the coming months.
Just the way you grip the wheel shows how good this car is. Because you are going slower, you are enjoying the feel of the car in corners more. Plus RWD will always be more fun than AWD. It takes the soul of the other Taycans, and turns it up to 11. This car will be the one people want when it gets into the classics age range, not the Tesla.
Great review thanks
I am in love with this EV by Porsche. Hope Tesla takes a few notes on styling and the interior.
Can't wait for the Cross Turismo!
That's the one to have for 80k
@@dragospahontu Absolutely.
Same! I think when the cross Turismo comes, then that will be the KEY EV.
You stimulate an interesting line of thought. I think EVs will struggle to distinguish themselves. Even more so when battery technology mitigates range anxiety.
Good review ..hope they come to canada
Good review Matt, can't wait for you to try the new Audi GT E-tron. I know it's same basic platform but will be curious to see if you find any differences.
Glad to hear that the base model rocks. Maybe the used market will treat us well!
It's still got a pretty big price tag, but it looks to be worth it. And this car looks fantastic! If I had the budget, I would seriously consider this car
Thx for the video. Would you go with the RWD or 4S? I’m test driving one next month, just curious if it’s worth the extra money for the dual motor. Ivan see with the RWD with the add ons I’m at $110k 😩
Do the same thing to the 4s. My build came in at 106k.... The same options in 4s 129k..... Kinda want the 4s in some ways but I have a 875 hp gt350.... It was actually a bit more fun stock just throwing it in the curves. It's kinda a lot to handle now lol. So that's why I want the RWD base.
Is that a marine layer sweatshirt? I have the blue one and the sleeves are way too long.
So calm inside👍👍👍
LOL that quick stab at tesla
Ruthless :)
@@BeingMe23 0/10 take
I guess the question for me is "why?" From a performance car perspective, the only real advantage to EVs is the ability to do face-shreddingly-fast acceleration, and this one is slower than my 20-year-old Cobra, not to mention every gas-powered performance sedan that starts in the same price range (even factoring in the tax credit).
Excellent video!
great review
nice video; exactly the kind of feedback I was looking for
Awesome!!! Any range test on this model on the docket?
I have the base Taycan loaded up and looks exactly like turbo S (MissionE Rims color coded rims, electric door slider, white side skirts, Full Red Leather, Sport Chrono, etc). 125k....half price of turbo S. It is plenty quick and super nice!
I test drove a base Taycan a few weeks ago knowing the 4S with options is out of my price range. I have a 2018 RS3 and I was shocked at how fast the Taycan felt to me. I think this will be my next car after I sell my Audi.
I came back to this comment to say I did end up selling my RS3 and have had my Taycan for 8 months now.
@@brandon7136 checked this comment at the right time lol congrats on the taycan
@@brandon7136 How are you liking it?
I would love an update on how the Parking Garage/studio is going. Thanks for all the content.
he mentions it sometimes on the podcast, almost all of his spots are filled
@@Del_987 Its "money-pit" you cant even troll correctly. Im in the business, and he built a great establishment. He obviously took a lot of time planning this, and making sure it would feasible.
@@Del_987 Sold out now I think, or maybe there's one or two spots left. Few well known clients as well.
He talks about it often on the podcast.
@@Del_987 Literally sold out.. like what rofl
"Hey Model Y, I can handle better than you!" We need more journalists like you, who will unhesitatingly and clearly say the things which need to be said! I salute you!
You mean “journalists“ who compare a sporty focussed EV for realisticly double the price to a crossover EV for the masses?
Where was this filmed? CA? Looks beautiful!
I'm curious to know if the RWD configuration is the reason for the brakes heating up. Without a front motor, there is no recuperative braking on the front axle; aggressively slowing down such a heavy vehicle forces the front friction brakes to have to work much harder than those in the rear.
This looks real sweet and i can watch this all day bro proper nice 🚘👍
I like this video and I agree that you dont need turbo or turbo+ in daily driver but if you use car in track you need turbo😁 I have driven base and 4 S model and both was nice but my favourite is base model😉👍 Tesla is totally different car and if you like Tesla....Porche its not for you😎
"Because it's quiet, you're more likely to drive like a dick!" LOL! 10000%
Sure, it doesn't have the range of the Tesla. But, I know very few EV drivers who use the car for road-trips. For 90% of them, it's to work and back or to run the kids around town. 200 miles is way more than you need for that, usually.
Unless you live in a cold weather climate this vehicle’s range is a serious liability. You have to spend a chunk more for AWD capability and range across the lineup would be tough in winters.
Very nice video. Are you going to do a range test on it- especially highway. It may get over 300 miles with the big battery as I get 280 with the heavier 4S. You really must know those roads; I got concerned just looking at the video! Good job!
I did a range test with the 4S, but only had this car for only 12 hours so there wasn't time. With the same battery as the 4S and less motor, I don't see why It wouldn't exceed that range.
This is going to be first and next car I buy. Planning to buy it in 2022
This thing is the closest to wanting any new car, electric or otherwise, I've been in some time. Gives me hope for the future of my enthusiasm 😅
Curious to see where this powertrain goes. Too large for a Macan but I could see it appearing across the VAG portfolio.
Stability control off in an EV doesn't really put the car into a passive state. There is always an active component of an electric motor system. For example, it won't let you shred the tires nor destroy the driveline. There is always some moderation or default behavior, even if it's not correcting your line. The weirdest thing is turning off regenerative braking to 0% in Tesla's track mode. You get a good sense of what neutral versus light throttle means when the electromagnetic field comes "on" at 1% throttle and it puts a force on the chassis.
Congrats! Lovely video! My RWD Taycan is great!!!!!... I agree!!!
Geezus this thing is fast.
Cheapest Taycan definitely the best, yes; in fact I'd be strongly tempted to get the lighter, cheaper base battery car which still should do 200 miles. But even optioned with a fair deal of restraint, I find it near impossible to keep under $90k, and what I want is $105k (with the small battery!) Not happening anytime soon...I kinda wish this was the S and they would do a base and a 4 with smaller rear motors. Not like I could afford those either but it would be a LITTLE more imaginable!
Honestly, I’ve tried it and it is powerful relative to other cars but it is not really what you expect from an electric car, like if you gave me this performance with à combustion engine it would be fine because you have sensation, the best Taycan for price/performance is the 4S, i have tried it after the base and it has wayyy more punch and agressivity
How would you compare this Base Taycan to the Tesla Model 3 Performace (you reviewed about 1 year ago)? I'm a big fan of your videos, driving the canyons (wish we had those near where I live). The reason I ask, my next car is likely to be an all-electric - like you, I still like to drive & hear & feel, etc. Which of these two is better to *drive*?
What do you value more? A trusted service and dealer network, fit and finish, material selection, driving characteristics, or do you value charging infrastructure / network? Tesla for the latter, Porsche for the former.
porsche 1000%. but you'll pay for it.
The Tesla Model 3 is between the Taycan an Taycan 4S. The main difference is the regeneration, if you take the feet from the gas, the Tesla starts breaking with the battery regeneration, the Taycan is usually in sailing mode and drives more like a conventional car. The Taycan is a Porsche and drivs like a Porsche - sporty and direct in Sport Mode. kzhead.info/sun/a9FsYamfiJ2pqp8/bejne.html
The biggest problem for every non-Tesla EV, outside of CA, is charging infrastructure. Tesla has done a great job building that our all over the country- even in rural South Texas!- and everyone else has a lot of catching up.
I personally hate leather seats (with a deep passion) and love (mesh) cloth seats. I'd want those seats in my cayman/911. If they are manually adjustable i'd like them even more, since i also hate power seats.
Looks like you're doing more than double the speed limit. Did you ever lose any traction being rwd or TCS keeps everything straight?
As long as Matt and Zack start rating the EV “weeeuuu” sound on each new car, we are in all set.
Anyone know what road this is?
Interesting, this isn't available in Canada. I can only find the 4S, Turbo and Turbo S for sale on the configurator.
They are new, and even Matt had to ride a European one.
Nice review ..... i would now be happy with the base model 😅😅😅
Which road is this?
I'm so happy Porsche is making these, and really taking EV's seriously. If you live in LA and drive the canyons, this is a great car. I'm still choosing the Tesla though as more car for the money and better charging infrastructure.
Tesla much better value will probably also retain its value more than this. Porsche/Audi have yet to prove they’re committed to software support/improvements like Tesla is.
Porsche is changing the EV game. Can't wait for the Taycan sport turismo.
Taycan Sport Turismo in Turbo S trim would be so fucking awesome.
Hurrah to see you back filming again! Long time, no see! Short answer to your question: No. the base Taycan isn’t the best one in the Taycan line up. It’s just too slow, being 30% slower to 62 than the 4S. The 4S+ is the one to have. Much faster, better during all seasons and even handles better due to it’s insane traction and grip levels all with better range than the Turbo/TurboS. All at little more cash than the Base Taycan, and A LOT cheaper than the Turbo/Turbo S versions. The 4S+ is the sweet spot of the Taycans👌🏻
money is a thing
@@papa_pt it sure is. That’s why the 4S+ is the Best Buy in the Taycan range. A little more expensive than the Base, A LOT cheaper than the Turbo, not to mention the Turbo S
I don't mean this in an insulting way - but what does "back filming again," mean exactly? I have been putting out two videos a week, or more, for like a decade straight at this point. Where did you think I went? This is a real question. It wasn't me that left, I was here making videos the whole time.
@@TheSmokingTire maybe my feed shifted towards other content. Your videos just didn’t seem to surface as they used to do. Anyway, time to get reacquainted again, and with my favorite car too👌🏻 Been driving my 4S+ daily since July now and the Taycan has won me completely over, to the point I sold both my 911’s as I didn’t use them no more. Don’t even miss the roar of the flat six🤭
@@Nord_Mann it's over $20k more expensive than the S and weighs 200lbs more. Not chump change
basically nothing is standard equipment on it though, you gotta pay for like a $8k package to get things like a sunroof and cooled seats, still looks better than a tesla tho
Welcome to Porsche.
You're way off on that, you're thinking of Mercedes. They're the ones who force you to buy a ton of unrelated stuff just so you can have the wheels you like... Porsche for the most part is actually quite decent as in you have quite a bit of freedom with the options - cost of said options is a different matter all together. There's some things where you have to buy other stuff but at least it makes sense and it's not completely random (Mercedes I'm looking at you again) - for example, you'll have to upgrade the seats to have the cooling but on the other hand you can have the air suspension or the panoramic roof without having to buy anything else.
I'm looking forward to the Taycan T :)
Will they do a Sport Turismo for the States in the base?
Nice!
What I love about the Taycan vs other EVs is it's a Porsche that HAPPENS to be an EV, not an EV built by X manufacturer
How can you say its the best EV Matt?! It doesn't have dog mode, fart mode, video game mode, spaceship mode or Elon mode! J/k. Honestly, this is the first new car that i've been excited about in a long time-- and I'd never considered spending even 80k on a car.
If I were ready for my next car, and had the budget (neither true), I'd maybe consider this as an upgrade to my planned Mach-E. Thanks.
Mach-E looks really good, particularly the software and settings.
you should review a BMW 330i 2021
I would get this as a daily, but after a few more years when electric charging infrastructure has vastly improved. The next-gen Taycans will be even better.
thank you....seeme the only people needing the higher models are the ones who need the bragging rights....hope this leads a shift towards more sensible useability, rather than high power/speed that is unuseable every day.
Or people that use it as a daily driver and occasional snow and need the AWD.
Sweet Miata at 6:11
Do we need the Turbo Non-Turbo or the Non-Turbo with Turbo? I’m turbofuse.
"263 torque" is weak sauce for an EV with these specs in 2020+. 1:50
Yeah I was really surprised at how low that number was. If I'm paying 80k for an electric car I definitely don't want it being so slow.
Yeah that's wierd especially for such a heavy car. Spark EV had 327lb/ft to the Front Wheels.
@@Neojhun dann, I thought you were lying until I googled it on the 2 lt ...lol that's a ton of torque for a little spark.. I think I would just get a p90d used for 50 Grand or just get a model 3 performance... 80 grand is asking a lot for a car that's as fast as a base model 3 and doesn't have the same decent range....
@@teej5619 Yep Spark EV has a cult status and naturally wants to torque steer and chirp the front wheels. That motor should of been used for RWD to put the power down.
@@Neojhun ... I wonder if it's like the e golf that Jason camisa has where if you put nice tires on it it'll go like hell...
why would the nav be way over in front of the passenger side?
Get base and get after market wheels with stock tires. Aftermarket wheels makes big difference
Piuma at sunrise 🤤
When is the divo video happening?
Dream car model of the dream car model! Damn it Porsche! Even if I had a 100 grand, I would not hold on for it for many seconds with this thing around! :O