Porsche Taycan (2020–2023): Redefining Electric Performance and Luxury
I still remember the first time I slid into a Porsche Taycan and pressed that start button. No engine bark, just a quiet readiness—like an athlete on the blocks. A tap of throttle and the whole car seemed to tense, then whoosh. The 800-volt spine of Stuttgart’s first full EV doesn’t shout; it just gets on with it. And over the 2020–2023 model years, Porsche kept sharpening it, sometimes quietly via software, sometimes with new hardware you could actually tick on a spec sheet.
Think of the Porsche Taycan as the sports sedan that went electric without forgetting why we love a Porsche in the first place: steering feel, braking consistency, grip for days, and a dash of show-off tech that actually works on a wet Tuesday. I’ve driven early 2020 cars and later 2023 updates back-to-back; the evolution is real.
What changed across Porsche Taycan 2020–2023?
Porsche didn’t rip it up each year—they refined. The headline tunes:
- 2020 launch: Taycan 4S, Turbo, and Turbo S land. The 2-speed rear axle makes the first 60 feet feel like a slingshot, then settles into long-legged efficiency. Turbo S overboost peaks at 750 hp; 0–60 mph as quick as 2.6 seconds.
- 2021: The rear-drive Taycan arrives—lighter, a touch purer, and (in my notebook) the sleeper pick for twisty roads. Over-the-air (OTA) updates improve thermal management and charging curves.
- 2022: Android Auto finally joins Apple CarPlay, the infotainment UI gets quicker and cleaner (PCM 6.0), and Remote Park Assist debuts. Real-world range quietly creeps up thanks to smarter software.
- 2023: Further optimization of energy recuperation and battery preconditioning, more paint/wheel options, and the optional panoramic roof with Variable Light Control. It’s the same car—just a bit better at everything.
Range and charging: The useful stuff you feel every day
I ran a 4S from Los Angeles to Palm Springs twice. On the first trip (earlier software), I was cautious with speed and climate. The second time in a 2023 car, I drove it like a Porsche—and still stopped less. The difference isn’t night and day, but it’s noticeable.
- EPA range (varies by spec and wheels): roughly 200–242 miles for most 2020–2023 cars; the rear-drive and 4S with the Performance Battery Plus tend to be the most frugal on the highway.
- 800‑volt architecture with up to 270 kW DC fast charging in ideal conditions; 5–80% in about 22–25 minutes if you precondition the pack and find a healthy charger.
- AC charging: 11 kW standard, up to 19.2 kW available—handy if your home setup can feed it.
Performance and handling: The Porsche part of Porsche Taycan
Numbers? Plenty.
- Taycan (RWD): up to 469 hp with the bigger battery; feels like a well-sorted 911 on a quiet morning—just eerily silent.
- Taycan 4S: up to 562 hp; 0–60 mph in about 3.8 seconds. The sweet spot for most buyers.
- Taycan Turbo: 670 hp; 0–60 mph about 3.0 seconds. Instant freeway gaps, any time, any gear (there’s technically two).
- Taycan Turbo S: 750 hp overboost; 0–60 in as little as 2.6 seconds. Launch control feels like pressing fast-forward.
On a battered stretch of canyon road, the optional rear-axle steering practically shortens the wheelbase, and the adaptive air suspension settles the body like you’re ironing the tarmac. Brakes are mighty—steel or ceramic—and Porsche’s blend between regen and friction is the least “EV-weird” of the bunch. Minor nit: the car prefers coasting to heavy one-pedal driving, so you’ll use the pedal more in traffic than in, say, a Tesla.
Cabin and tech: Quietly posh, with the good kind of screens
Three displays if you want them—driver, central, and an optional passenger screen that your co-pilot will either love or ignore. In 2022, Android Auto finally joined Apple CarPlay (wireless), and by 2023 the system boots faster and drops fewer Bluetooth connections. The optional Burmester audio is proper hi-fi; the standard system is better than you’d expect at this price point.
Quirks? A few. The haptic controls below the center screen look slick but take a beat to learn. The powered charge doors can be stubborn in winter. Rear headroom is tight if you’re tall. But overall, it’s a calm place to be—quiet enough to hear your kids arguing over who gets the passenger display. Been there.
Porsche Taycan vs. rivals (2023)
| Car | Power (approx.) | 0–60 mph | Max DC charge | EPA range (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Porsche Taycan 4S | Up to 562 hp | ~3.8 s | 270 kW | ~206–227 mi |
| Audi e-tron GT | ~522 hp | ~3.9 s | 270 kW | ~238 mi |
| Tesla Model S (Dual Motor) | ~670 hp | ~3.1 s | 250 kW | ~375–405 mi |
| Mercedes EQS 580 | 516 hp | ~4.1 s | 200 kW | ~340–350 mi |
The Taycan rarely “wins” the range chart, but it wins the driver’s car test. Steering precision, body control, brake feel—those are the reasons owners tell me they chose it over the spec-sheet champs.
Is there a new Porsche Taycan coming out?
Porsche updates the Porsche Taycan frequently—sometimes with OTA software, sometimes with fresh options or hardware tweaks. During 2020–2023, the rhythm was steady and meaningful, and history suggests Porsche won’t stop. If you’re shopping used or CPO, check that earlier cars have received the free software campaigns; they improve charging behavior and day-to-day efficiency.
Will the 2023 Porsche Taycan have more range?
Short answer: a bit, yes. The 2023 cars benefited from smarter thermal management, improved recuperation, and better battery preconditioning logic. EPA numbers didn’t leap, but in my highway loops, a 2023 4S with the Performance Battery Plus consistently went farther at the same cruising speeds than a comparable early car. Not magic—just optimization.
Will Porsche upgrade the Taycan?
Count on it. Porsche listens—to owners, journalists, engineers who can’t stop tinkering. From 2020 to 2023 we saw infotainment upgrades, charging improvements, and added driver-assist tech. Even if you never visit a dealer, OTA updates can make your Taycan better over time. Old-school Porsche values, new-school delivery.
What are the updates for the Porsche Taycan 2023?
- Smarter charging: improved preconditioning and energy recuperation for more consistent fast-charge speeds.
- PCM refinements: quicker responses, cleaner graphics; integrated Spotify and wireless smartphone mirroring.
- Options: panoramic roof with Variable Light Control, fresh exterior colors and wheel designs.
- Driver assists: expanded ParkAssist functions including Remote Park Assist in certain specs.
Living with a Porsche Taycan: The little things
- Storage: decent trunk, useful frunk; odd opening for longer items. The Cross Turismo variant (2021–) fixes the practicality itch if you have skis or dogs.
- Ride: on 20s with air suspension, it’s “German-sporty.” On 21s with low profiles, you’ll feel sharper edges—choose tires wisely if your roads are rough.
- Winter: a heat pump is available and worth it in cold climates. Preheat the cabin and battery from the app on frosty mornings.
- Warranty: battery coverage is typically 8 years/100,000 miles. Useful peace of mind when you plan those long ski weekends.
Porsche Taycan accessories that make sense
I’m picky about interiors. Mud from trailheads, sand from beach days—it all finds a way in. For the Porsche Taycan (2020–2023), I’ve used fitted mats from AutoWin to keep the cabin looking fresh. They’re tailored to the floorpan and don’t curl at the edges—pet peeve solved.
- Premium protection against grit, spills, and snow slush
- Easy to clean; clips in without drama
- Looks OEM, not “universal”
Interesting facts about Porsche Taycan (2020–2023)
- The Taycan is Porsche’s first all-electric production car—and it still feels like a Porsche first, EV second.
- Variants include Taycan (RWD), 4S, Turbo, and Turbo S—plus Cross Turismo and Sport Turismo body styles for space and style.
- With launch control, a Turbo S can match supercars to 60 mph, then repeat that performance without wilting. Consistency is the flex here.
- The Taycan’s infotainment and charging logic improved multiple times via free OTA updates between 2020 and 2023.
Final thoughts: Why the Porsche Taycan still sticks with me
Some EVs impress you with numbers; the Porsche Taycan impresses you on your favorite road at 7 a.m., when it’s just you, the car, and the surface you drove a hundred times before. Between 2020 and 2023, Porsche made a quick, precise, beautifully built electric sports sedan even smarter. If you’re cross-shopping premium EVs, drive a Taycan first—and bring your expectations. It tends to rearrange them.
If you already own one, consider a simple upgrade like tailored mats from AutoWin to keep the cabin pristine. Small tweak, big daily payoff.
FAQ: Porsche Taycan (2020–2023)
- How fast is the Porsche Taycan Turbo S? It can hit 60 mph in as little as 2.6 seconds with launch control. It’s the repeatability that amazes—lap after lap, the car stays cool and quick.
- What’s the real-world range? Depends on spec, wheels, weather, and speed. Expect roughly 200–240 miles for most 2020–2023 cars. Later software helps, especially on highway runs.
- Does it support one‑pedal driving? Not in the heavy sense. Porsche prefers coasting with firm, natural brake feel. You can increase regen, but it won’t do full one-pedal stops.
- Can I charge at 350‑kW stations? Yes—on a healthy charger, the Taycan can accept up to 270 kW. Preconditioning via the nav gets you the best speeds.
- What should I look for on a used Taycan? Confirm software campaigns/OTAs are up to date, check tire and brake wear (these cars are quick), and verify charging speeds on a DC fast charger if possible.
