Analyzing style between the classic newcomer and upstart icon
The electric performance revolution is underway, and the tables have turned. Despite its illustrious history, Porsche is the upstart with its Taycan all-electric sedan. Meanwhile Tesla's Model S is the icon of the space—an odd designation to bestow to a vehicle less than a decade old.
An argument persists that the two aren't true competitors. The Taycan's significantly higher price point
somewhat precludes it from being cross-shopped against the Model S. But
the fact is that in today's arena, there simply aren't any closer
rivals. And with their ridiculous acceleration and simmering lap time face-off, it's impossible not to compare them. Design-wise, though, each brings its own approach. Pitted against the Tesla Model S, is the Porsche Taycan refreshing or revolting?
Tesla succeeded with the Model S' styling. Without a lineage to
conform to, it was granted liberal reign to make the car look however it
liked. The result was sleek and elegant; its low-key looks only
enhanced by the face-lift which retired the "grille"—no engine to cool,
after all. However, otherwise aesthetically unchanged since its 2012
introduction, it's beginning to seem dated. Perhaps spoiled by the
cadence set by more established manufacturers, we're eager to see a
thorough redesign of Tesla's mainstay vehicle.
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This stagnation only enhances the Porsche Taycan's looks. As the camo
peeled away leading up to its reveal, we were thrilled to see its
resemblance to the Mission E concept. As a whole it's extremely modern and ready for the next few years as the lineup proliferates.
Unlike Tesla, Porsche has an aesthetic heritage and range-wide design
language it must adhere to. The Taycan successfully aligns with it,
while presenting its own fresh, distinct being.
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That's evident at the front, with the headlights in particular
breaking from tradition. Porsche lamps have always been round or
smooth-edged, but the Taycan's are distinctly rectangular. Still, they
carry the four-element LED signature seen in Porsche's modern road and
race cars. The units are sunken into the fenders in a manner dissimilar
from Porsches past, which are typically
mounted flush with or protruding from the fascia. That said, the
fenders' rise over the hood is a design hallmark seen on Porsche
vehicles without an engine ahead of the driver.
Likewise, grille openings are kept to a minimum, although the distinct
"teardrop" vents beside the headlights feed cooling air to the front
brakes and smooth frontal airflow.
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Pivoting to the profile, it's classic Porsche from end to end—there's no denying the Taycan's sloping roofline is meant to resemble the 911. Its tapering daylight opening and vertical vents behind the front wheels are much like the Panamera. There's almost nothing about the Taycan that projects its electric motivation, but the subtle fin on the charge port on each side tastefully draws attention to the Taycan Turbo S' eco-friendly aspirations.
The side showcases the Taycan's retro-modern wheel options.
Motorsports-inspired multi-spoke designs have flat facing to smooth
airflow. Taycan-exclusive five-spokes have broad blades which call to
mind the timeless Fuchs design, but become contemporary with the
addition of available carbon fiber. On the Mission E-inspired rollers,
the body color outer lip is a love-it-or-hate-it detail. Regardless,
it's optional for either inclination.
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Viewed from the rear, the Taycan continues its familial resemblance.
The deck is extremely short to further evoke the 911, but leaves space
for a pop-up spoiler and a bit of extra trunk lid. Set into the fascia
is a width-spanning taillight, which has been seen previously on some earlier Porsche models and is a modish trait in the industry today.
The rear bumper is a prominent element integrating a diffuser. Perhaps
it's intended to invite the viewer to find a tailpipe—which is, of
course, conspicuously absent.
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The Taycan's interior will feel recognizable
to any prior Porsche driver. A power button to the left of the steering
column carries the decades-old tradition, while a stubby 992-esque
drive selector is mounted on the right. Perhaps the biggest departure is
the sheer number of digital displays across the dashboard and center
stack. It's not spartan to the extent of the Model S, but less decorated
than other European luxury rivals. Like the exterior, as a whole the
Taycan's interior is clean, purposeful, and technical.
Even after
several years on the market, the Tesla Model S remains a looker. We
won't assert that the Taycan is a resounding design defeat of the EV
originator. It is, however, a refreshing addition to the segment; an
equally attractive offering executed in typical Porsche fashion. Now
only one test remains: to set them side by side on the starting line and
let electrons fly.
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