So this isn't a full review of any sort, because I have not spent extended periods of time in either the Plaid or Taycan Turbo S - though I do currently own a Model 3 Performance, and have driven and been a passenger in the other two vehicles.
First, the Taycan Turbo S:
1.) It looks pretty great. Looks are subjective, but this is a good-looking car, minus the weird bit on the side that juts out and looks like two cars welded together at this location.
2.) It drives very well, - except.... there's no one-pedal driving which is a complete deal killer for me. Sitting in traffic in the Taycan Turbo S is way more work than it needs to be, requiring constant foot movement from brake to accelerator for no apparent reason other than Porsche's stubbornness. It's a much more jerky ride all the way around. It simply doesn't compare for ease of driving to even the cheapest Standard Range Model 3, and that's sad, because Porsche could easily patch this into a software update.
3.) Interior. Maybe about the same seating space as a Model 3, and what appears to be less trunk space. Peculiar for a car in the same size class as the Model S.
4.) It sounds really good. Especially from the outside as it pulls away, - a lovely sound from the future. And yes, leave the fake/synthesized sounds off when inside - it doesn't need it, - no idea why Porsche even has this option.
5.) Speaking of software updates, my buddy let me know that for larger updates it's required for the driver to bring the Taycan to the dealership to have this done, as there have been bricked cars. Not a good look.
6.) Far too many screens. Some may like the car for this - I do not.
7.) Still with the silly analog clock on the middle of the dash, reflecting onto the windshield at night. Come on, Porsche. Do better!
8.) Driving dynamics are great when not in traffic. I get that Porsche wants to cater to its existing fanbase, but there's no reason they couldn't have options for those of us who have moved on and recognize that one-pedal driving is just the BEST for daily driving, - something 99.9% of Taycan owners will be doing.
9.) Fantastic acceleration. But...
Model S Plaid:
1.) Absolutely destroys the Taycan Turbo S in terms of accelerative performance. The difference is NOT close, especially above 60mph, where the Plaid throws you into the back of the car under acceleration with ferocity, whereas the Turbo S is relegated to merely being fast. This is next-level stuff. For those not convinced the Plaid is worth the difference over the standard Long Range Model S, I'll say this: The Model 3 Performance features similar performance to the new Model S Long Range, though the Long Range S is a tad quicker to 60 and onward. The Plaid is miles quicker. It's a completely different class of vehicle. It's not comparable. Not in any way/shape/form.
2.) Interior space greater than the Taycan, though with my 6'5" frame in the driver's seat there's not much room behind me for an adult at all, which never comes as a surprise for me.
3.) Trunk space is glorious, - that hatch space just can't be beaten. I've missed that so much in my Model 3 Performance since this is my first non-hatch car in forever.
4.) The sound. When you punch it at 60mph, the sound is unbelievable. I've not seen anyone touch on this, but my goodness it's this alien, futuristic tone which simply has no comparison in the automotive world. It's addictive.
5.) The yoke is awful. It's bad. It's awkward, making tight maneuvers and three-point turns a nuisance. The turn signal buttons are just utterly rubbish, with even the lightest brush on them actuating them, and really - it's just a step-back, - a huge step back. Same goes for the changing from Park to D or R. I get that Elon wants this to all be automated so it won't even matter, but this is yet another case of getting ahead of of himself, and I sincerely hope this yoke thing goes away, and soon. It hasn't stopped me ordering a Plaid, but it's definitely something I'm going to have to learn to live with rather than be excited to experience. In my Model 3 Performance, I can switch from P to R or D or turn signal without even thinking. In the S? It takes thought, and ugh... it makes me pretty angry even thinking about it.
6.) The backup camera frame-rate: FINALLY we have a smooth backup camera. My Model 3 P with HW3 has had a janky backup camera frame rate since day 1, and with the new Model S we have a smooth frame rate. Everything is just much smoother on the display. Panning the map, loading apps, backup camera, FSD visualizations, - everything. Just night and day better than previous Teslas.
So there you go. The Plaid, as Elon mentioned at the delivery event, - crushes. But that yoke... good grief.
First, the Taycan Turbo S:
1.) It looks pretty great. Looks are subjective, but this is a good-looking car, minus the weird bit on the side that juts out and looks like two cars welded together at this location.
2.) It drives very well, - except.... there's no one-pedal driving which is a complete deal killer for me. Sitting in traffic in the Taycan Turbo S is way more work than it needs to be, requiring constant foot movement from brake to accelerator for no apparent reason other than Porsche's stubbornness. It's a much more jerky ride all the way around. It simply doesn't compare for ease of driving to even the cheapest Standard Range Model 3, and that's sad, because Porsche could easily patch this into a software update.
3.) Interior. Maybe about the same seating space as a Model 3, and what appears to be less trunk space. Peculiar for a car in the same size class as the Model S.
4.) It sounds really good. Especially from the outside as it pulls away, - a lovely sound from the future. And yes, leave the fake/synthesized sounds off when inside - it doesn't need it, - no idea why Porsche even has this option.
5.) Speaking of software updates, my buddy let me know that for larger updates it's required for the driver to bring the Taycan to the dealership to have this done, as there have been bricked cars. Not a good look.
6.) Far too many screens. Some may like the car for this - I do not.
7.) Still with the silly analog clock on the middle of the dash, reflecting onto the windshield at night. Come on, Porsche. Do better!
8.) Driving dynamics are great when not in traffic. I get that Porsche wants to cater to its existing fanbase, but there's no reason they couldn't have options for those of us who have moved on and recognize that one-pedal driving is just the BEST for daily driving, - something 99.9% of Taycan owners will be doing.
9.) Fantastic acceleration. But...
Model S Plaid:
1.) Absolutely destroys the Taycan Turbo S in terms of accelerative performance. The difference is NOT close, especially above 60mph, where the Plaid throws you into the back of the car under acceleration with ferocity, whereas the Turbo S is relegated to merely being fast. This is next-level stuff. For those not convinced the Plaid is worth the difference over the standard Long Range Model S, I'll say this: The Model 3 Performance features similar performance to the new Model S Long Range, though the Long Range S is a tad quicker to 60 and onward. The Plaid is miles quicker. It's a completely different class of vehicle. It's not comparable. Not in any way/shape/form.
2.) Interior space greater than the Taycan, though with my 6'5" frame in the driver's seat there's not much room behind me for an adult at all, which never comes as a surprise for me.
3.) Trunk space is glorious, - that hatch space just can't be beaten. I've missed that so much in my Model 3 Performance since this is my first non-hatch car in forever.
4.) The sound. When you punch it at 60mph, the sound is unbelievable. I've not seen anyone touch on this, but my goodness it's this alien, futuristic tone which simply has no comparison in the automotive world. It's addictive.
5.) The yoke is awful. It's bad. It's awkward, making tight maneuvers and three-point turns a nuisance. The turn signal buttons are just utterly rubbish, with even the lightest brush on them actuating them, and really - it's just a step-back, - a huge step back. Same goes for the changing from Park to D or R. I get that Elon wants this to all be automated so it won't even matter, but this is yet another case of getting ahead of of himself, and I sincerely hope this yoke thing goes away, and soon. It hasn't stopped me ordering a Plaid, but it's definitely something I'm going to have to learn to live with rather than be excited to experience. In my Model 3 Performance, I can switch from P to R or D or turn signal without even thinking. In the S? It takes thought, and ugh... it makes me pretty angry even thinking about it.
6.) The backup camera frame-rate: FINALLY we have a smooth backup camera. My Model 3 P with HW3 has had a janky backup camera frame rate since day 1, and with the new Model S we have a smooth frame rate. Everything is just much smoother on the display. Panning the map, loading apps, backup camera, FSD visualizations, - everything. Just night and day better than previous Teslas.
So there you go. The Plaid, as Elon mentioned at the delivery event, - crushes. But that yoke... good grief.
