Porsche Taycan | Tesla Model S |
The Porsche Taycan vs. the Tesla Model S - Napleton Westmont Porsche
The Tesla Model S and the Porsche Taycan are two examples of a segment gone wild. If you have been a castaway on a deserted island in the South Pacific, we are talking about electric vehicles (EV). In this case, we are referring to the Tesla Model S and the young upstart Porsche Taycan. Two of the most impressive vehicles in any segment on the road today. So how does the Tesla Model S vs Porsche Taycan matchup play out? We took a deep dive into both vehicles to highlight this.
The Porsche Taycan was brought to the market in 2019 as the brand's first series production electric car. Like most vehicles that Porsche builds, this electric vehicle is designed with an emphasis on driver enjoyment.
Believe it or not, the Tesla Model S has been available since 2012. Innovative at its introduction, it has had to face a growing field of competitors since its debut, and some of them are very well thought-out. The Porsche Taycan is one of the most worthy competitors the Model S faces. While the top of the line Tesla Model S Plaid may outperform the top of the line Taycan when it comes to strictly performance metrics, these metrics don't paint the entire picture. As you will discover as you continue reading below, where the Porsche really outshines the Tesla is in its luxury, customization, features, style, and experience.
Here, we take a look at the entirety of both of these electrics vehicles.
Taycan vs Model S Performance Specs
Performance Specs | Porsche Taycan Turbo S | Tesla Model S |
Horsepower | 750 hp ✓ | 670 hp |
Range | 201 mi* (EPA est.) w/ Performance Battery Plus | 405 mi* (EPA est.) ✓ |
Powertrain | All-electric dual motors | All-electric dual motors |
 Porsche Taycan Performance | Â |  Tesla Model S Performance |
Taycan vs Tesla
Let's get this out of the way first:Â Yes, the Tesla Model S can go about 400 miles* on a single charge, depending on your driving style. While the Taycan can take you about 200 miles* on a charge. But that's not the point of these cars. The Tesla has great abilities that can take you from point A to point B without anything getting in the way. But nothing can get you there like a Porsche Taycan. A driver-oriented vehicle, it constantly confirms the company motto: Porsche. There is no substitute.
The Tesla Model SÂ is available in a couple different configurations and starts as a five-passenger sport/luxury sedan. The base model is powered by dual AC electric motors that produce approximately 670 combined horsepower and a range of 405 miles* on a single charge.
The Tesla Model S Plaid one-ups that model to include a third electric motor with over 1,020 combined horsepower. It is capable of achieving 396 miles* per charge.
The Porsche Taycan is a five-passenger luxury sport sedan available in a large variety of configurations. Unlike the Model S, which only gives you the choice of the Tesla Model S (base) or the Tesla Model S Plaid, the Taycan has eight different trim levels that can be customized further. Within these eight trim levels includes the Taycan Cross Turismo options.
These Taycan trim levels range from the entry-level Taycan with 402 horsepower and a mileage range of 225 miles* with performance battery plus or 200 miles* without the performance battery plus.
Then we have the Taycan 4S with Performance Battery Plus that comes in at 227 miles* per charge and jumps in horsepower to 522 hp.
Next up is the Taycan Turbo (although the Taycan is not powered by an internal combustion engine, so no turbocharger). It makes 670 horsepower and has a range of 212 miles* per charge with performance battery plus.
Finally, there's the Taycan Turbo S making 750 horsepower with launch control and an EPA rating of 201 miles* per charge with performance battery plus.
Like we mentioned before, each of these four Taycan trim options is also available in the bold Cross Turismo style. The Taycan Cross Turismo furthers your options by offering a larger rear luggage compartment and an even more spacious interior. The Porsche Cross Turismo is defined by its sporty roofline sloping downward to the rear that has become a signature Porsche look. Porsche designers refer to this rear sporty slope as a "flyline".
*Range estimates based on standardized EPA testing may be found on the new vehicle window sticker (Monroney label) and on https://www.fueleconomy.gov/. Please make sure the range is adequate for your daily driving needs prior to finalizing your purchase. EPA estimate. Actual mileage may vary.
Tesla Model S features:
- Yoke Steering Wheel
- Simple, futuristic design
- Over the air (OTA) software updates
- Zero-emission driving
- Seats five passengers
- One 17" infotainment display
- Two trim options
Porsche Taycan features:
- All-electric, zero-emissions powertrain
- Engaging, precision-based driving experience
- Handsome GT styling and performance
- Able to seat four or five passengers
- Several infotainment touchscreen displays
- Eight trim options
- All the prestige you expect from a Porsche
 Porsche Taycan Exterior Design | Â |  Tesla Model S Exterior Design |
Does the Porsche Taycan or the Tesla Model S look better?
The Tesla Model S looks like what George Jetson would have designed if he had worked in the auto industry. Sure, it's not a flying car, but it is rather futuristic and simple.
The Porsche Taycan is definitely a GT-oriented sports sedan that takes on the appearance of a sleek-looking, futuristic Porsche Panamera at first glance. The rear design of the Taycan sports a seamless light strip with "Porsche" written in three-dimensional lettering on top that makes a bold statement with a modern appearance.
Taycan vs Model S Colors & Options:
Specifications | Porsche Taycan | Tesla Model S |
Interior Colors | 13 ✓ | 3 |
Seat Options | 3 ✓ | 1 |
 Porsche Taycan Interior |  Tesla Model S Interior |
What about interior looks?
Do you like airplanes? You may like the latest steering wheel or "yoke" now in the Tesla Model S. The other trademark is the 17.0-inch touchscreen display located on the Model S dashboard. It's like having a large laptop in the middle of the cabin that controls the vast majority of features. To give you an idea of just how much this 17" display controls, if you want to open your glovebox, you have to use your touchscreen.
The Porsche features a traditional steering wheel, and instead of one 17" touchscreen display, the Taycan offers four intuitive, distraction-free, easy to use displays. As typical of Porsche, everything in the cockpit is driver-focused. The instrument cluster is the star of the show, consisting of a wide 16.8-inch curved display and surrounded by control panels. Comfortable seating in the second row cradles passengers and holds them in place while the driver has fun putting the Taycan through its paces.
Porsche vs Tesla Frequently Asked Questions:
The Porsche Taycan is better than the Tesla Model S, depending on what you're looking for in an EV. The Taycan offers eight unique trim options with countless configurations within each trim level. With the Porsche Taycan you can find the model to fit your needs. Meanwhile, the Tesla Model S only comes in two different versions.
The top of the line all-electric Porsche Taycan Turbo S is faster than the Tesla Model S, Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model X, and Tesla Model Y Performance. However, the Tesla Model S Plaid and the Tesla Model X Plaid are bother faster than the Porsche Taycan Turbo S.
One of the fastest electric cars on the road today is the Porsche Taycan Turbo S, which can reach a top speed of 161 mph. If speed is what you're looking for then you're going to want to give the Porsche Taycan Turbo S a drive. However, the fastest road-legal electric car in the world today is the multi-million dollar Croatian hypercar, the Rimac Nevera. The Nevera can reach a top speed of 258 mph.
The Porsche Taycan 4S w/ Performance Battery Plus is the Taycan with the longest range. This Taycan trim level receives an EPA estimated 227 miles* per charge.
Tesla doesn't have traditional storefront dealerships. Because of this, scheduling a Tesla test drive can be difficult. Not only that but you may also find that having your vehicle serviced and maintaining your Tesla to be difficult as well. With the Porsche Taycan you can conveniently bring your vehicle into any Porsche dealership and rest easy knowing that your car is receiving the best possible professional care. If you're looking to schedule a Taycan test drive or if you just want to take a look at the new Taycan in person and talk to a Porsche specialist, stop by Napleton Westmont Porsche today. Our state of the art dealership has a great selection of sports cars so you can compare and get a better feel for the Taycan.
Porsche EV vs Tesla EV Conclusion
When comparing the Porsche Taycan to the Tesla Model S it's clear that Porsche offers more. The Taycan offers an abundance of luxury features and options with every little detail thought about inside and out, while the Tesla Model S gives you very few options or customization freedom. The Taycan gives you the exclusive Porsche experience that you just can't get from any other vehicle. From its driver-focused cockpit to its sporty, sleek design, the Taycan doesn't disappoint. On the flipside, the Tesla Model S does provide drivers with some very impressive performance capabilities like it's range and power. However, depending on what's important to you as a driver, the Taycan has an option for you. If getting the most miles per charge is the most important factor in your decision, then you may find the Tesla intriguing. But if miles per charge is what you're looking for, you may be looking in the wrong EV segment altogether. If you're looking for a driver-oriented, stylish EV luxury sports car, then the Taycan is where to start.
There's so much more to find out about the Porsche Taycan. It's one of the most innovative sports cars available today. And it will continue to grow with you into the future. These and many other features are what helps to separate the Porsche Taycan from all the competition. There's nothing that can match the luxury experience you can get from shopping and driving a Porsche. Please get in touch with the Porsche specialists at Napleton Westmont Porsche for more information (630-326-7447). If you're ready to experience the Taycan for yourself schedule your test drive below and shop our extensive Taycan online inventory.
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