The 2021 Porsche Taycan 4s emerges as a compelling all-electric vehicle, often pitted against the Tesla Model S. While both share an electric powertrain, impressive performance, and a four-door configuration, stepping into the Taycan 4S reveals a fundamentally different driving philosophy. The low-slung seating and commanding view from the cockpit immediately communicate a sports car DNA, a stark contrast to the more sedan-like feel of its American rival. For those familiar with the Tesla Model S, the Porsche Taycan 4S offers a refreshing and distinctly Porsche experience.
In a rapidly evolving EV landscape, the 2021 Porsche Taycan 4S distinguishes itself. It’s more than just an electric vehicle; it embodies the spirit of a Porsche 911, seamlessly blended with electric technology and added practicality. While comparisons to the Tesla Model S are inevitable due to their similar segments, the Taycan 4S carves its own niche. It’s less of a sport sedan that happens to be electric and more accurately described as an electric sports car with four doors. This distinction isn’t a critique of either approach, but rather an acknowledgment of their divergent philosophies in crafting high-performance EVs. Both are exceptional machines, yet they cater to different driving desires and lifestyles, despite both boasting exhilarating acceleration and agile handling.
Porsche’s unique approach to electric mobility is evident from the outset in the Taycan 4S. Its low-profile stance and aerodynamic silhouette prioritize sporting agility over outright practicality. This design ethos results in a vehicle that demands certain concessions in everyday usability, but rewards drivers with unparalleled driving dynamics. The performance figures are undeniably impressive – a 0-to-60 mph sprint in just 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph, placing it squarely in the performance territory dominated by Tesla.
The 2021 Porsche Taycan 4S: Stuttgart’s Electrified Stunner
The 2021 Taycan 4S occupies a sweet spot within the Taycan lineup. Positioned above the base rear-wheel-drive Taycan and below the formidable Taycan Turbo, the 4S delivers a potent 482 horsepower (or 562 hp with launch control). Torque figures reach an impressive 479 pound-feet, distributed via an all-wheel-drive system. The 4S utilizes a smaller inverter paired with the same front motor as the Turbo model, along with a slightly smaller rear motor. Priced starting at $105,150 (including destination fees), the Taycan 4S may appear as a more accessible entry point compared to the $150,000 Turbo. However, it remains a significant investment. Driving the 4S reveals its “Goldilocks” character within the Taycan family, offering a compelling blend of performance and relative value, while still delivering the breathtaking driving experience synonymous with the Porsche brand.
Beyond raw specifications, the Porsche difference resides in the tactile feedback and driving feel of the 4S. Its handling prowess is immediately apparent, characterized by responsive steering and confident braking. The finely tuned air suspension strikes a balance between everyday comfort and corner-carving capability. Even during casual driving, the Taycan 4S’s special character shines through. The adaptive suspension remains compliant for daily commutes, yet adeptly minimizes body roll when tackling corners, even without engaging the sportier suspension settings. While carbon-ceramic brakes (PCCB) are an available upgrade, they are likely overkill for drivers who don’t frequent racetracks.
A distinctive feature of the Taycan 4S is its two-speed transmission, a relative rarity in the EV world, where single-speed direct-drive systems are the norm. Porsche’s two-speed gearbox acts upon the rear axle, optimizing both high-speed cruising efficiency and low-end acceleration. While imperceptible in typical driving scenarios, the transmission’s gear changes become noticeable during hard acceleration. This subtle “thwack” during gear shifts imparts a reassuringly mechanical feel to the electric Porsche, enhancing the driving experience, even if it doesn’t translate to a significant acceleration advantage over some competitors.
Interestingly, the 2021 Porsche Taycan 4S forgoes a dedicated one-pedal driving mode. Instead, it offers adjustable levels of lift-off energy recuperation. Porsche justifies this design choice by prioritizing consistent braking feel, irrespective of the battery’s state of charge. Indeed, the Taycan 4S boasts the most natural and predictable brake pedal modulation among EVs tested. Despite this, some drivers might still prefer the convenience of a one-pedal driving option for maximizing energy regeneration and simplifying low-speed driving.
The Taycan 4S’s sports car character extends to its EPA-estimated driving range of 227 miles when equipped with the optional Performance Battery Plus, a 93.4-kWh dual-layer battery. The standard 79.2-kWh battery model offers a reduced range of 199 miles. While these figures represent improvements over the initial 2020 model year estimates, they remain modest compared to some competitors, notably the Tesla Model S Long Range Plus with its 402-mile EPA rating.
Real-world range tests, including those conducted by automotive publications, suggest that Porsche Taycan models often achieve or even exceed their stated range estimates more consistently than some Tesla vehicles. However, Porsche’s approach to optional features extends to charging as well. A 150kW/400V DC onboard charger is a standalone option, and the Mobile Charge Connect, a charging cable with an integrated screen, is also an extra cost. Even the Porsche Intelligent Range Manager, a software feature designed to optimize charging stops based on driving style and available range, requires an additional purchase.
Despite range limitations, the Taycan 4S delivers a thrilling driving experience, even in less-than-ideal weather conditions. However, its range profile positions it ideally as a weekend sports car or a premium daily commuter, rather than a long-distance grand tourer.
In terms of practicality, the Taycan 4S offers slightly more rear trunk space than the Taycan Turbo, owing to subtle differences in powertrain component packaging. However, overall cargo capacity remains modest across the Taycan range. The 4S provides 17.2 cubic feet of total cargo space, distributed between the rear trunk (14.3 cubic feet) and the front trunk (frunk) (2.9 cubic feet). Compared to the Tesla Model S, the Taycan prioritizes its sports car identity, offering supplemental cargo space and rear seating suitable for occasional passengers. For those requiring greater cargo volume, Porsche now offers the Taycan Sport Turismo variant, combining wagon practicality with the Taycan’s electric performance.
The interior of the 2021 Porsche Taycan 4S reinforces its driver-centric character. The low-set dashboard and prominent center console create a cockpit-like ambiance. 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 touch-sensitive surfaces contribute to a sleek, high-tech aesthetic, although they are prone to fingerprints and dust accumulation.
The Taycan 4S can be equipped with up to five screens, including a 16.8-inch curved instrument cluster, a 10.9-inch central infotainment display, an 8.4-inch lower touchscreen for HVAC controls, and an optional 5.9-inch passenger-side display. Porsche’s latest-generation infotainment system is feature-rich and responsive, although it does require a learning curve. Some users may miss physical buttons, particularly for frequently used functions like climate control adjustments, which are managed entirely through touch menus. Apple CarPlay integration is standard, while Android Auto availability was slated for future model years.
The test vehicle featured comfortable and supportive 18-way power-adjustable Adaptive Sport Seats upholstered in Race-Tex fabric. While Race-Tex provides a leather alternative and caters to a growing preference for non-leather interiors, its texture may feel slightly less refined to some. The extensive customization options available for the Taycan 4S allow buyers to personalize their vehicle extensively. However, these options can quickly escalate the vehicle’s price.
Ultimately, the 2021 Porsche Taycan 4S successfully translates the essence of a Porsche sports car into an electric vehicle. It delivers engaging, high-performance driving dynamics in a distinctive package, albeit at a premium price point. As the middle ground within the Taycan EV family, the 4S presents a compelling and highly desirable option for those prioritizing driving enjoyment and brand heritage in an electric vehicle, provided they are comfortable with its range limitations and price tag.
