PORSCHE TAYCAN: ELECTRIC SHOCK

As you accelerate from a complete standstill to 100km/h in a mere 3.2 seconds (remember, this is a 2,380kg family saloon), that mixture of grip and immense torque literally pushes your face back into your skull which is accompanied by a strange pressure in the area behind your eyebrows. It’s a bizarre feeling and one I’ve certainly never felt before, despite driving a slightly faster accelerating car.

Back in 2014 we tested a Porsche 911 Turbo for Car & Driver Middle East magazine and with launch control engaged, we managed a 2.8 second 0-100km/h time. However, the feeling of acceleration was different in the 911. Sure, it took your breath away and your abdominals crunched up, and it felt exhilarating, but with the Taycan, acceleration is instant and brutal; there are no turbos to spool up, no powerband where the engine performs at its peak – the Taycan is always at its peak and only runs out of legs at 260 km/h.

So the Porsche Taycan Turbo equals the Pagani Huayra, the Koenigsegg Agera and the Lamborghini Huracan in acceleration, but it can also rival (if not beat) Rolls-Royce and Bentley in the refinement stakes. As the Taycan is fully electric, it’s also whisper quiet and smooth. Press the start button next to the steering wheel and the dash lights up with the gauges and nothing else – no noise, no vibrations. Engage drive on the gear selector and you’re away, whooshing around in complete silence and total luxury, especially so in the Taycan’s ‘Normal’ drive mode, as the chassis is set to comfort with one of the softest rides of any luxury car: it’s almost bouncy (for a Porsche) but even in comfort it will still out-accelerate most supercars.

Sport and Sport Plus are your next selectable options, and we already know what happens when you select Sport Plus and the Taycan’s Launch Control setting. Stiffer suspension accompanies the Sport modes, however, Normal is so fast and effortless, we would just leave it in that.

For those wanting a bit of noise, there is an optional Porsche Electric Sport Sound system, which when switched on, makes a subtle noise similar to that of a classic Hollywood flying saucer. Also, the Taycan’ lack of engine noise enhances the Bose sound system, giving the Porsche’s occupants a true concert experience. Considering its ultra high performance, the Taycan’s interior feels light and roomy, with plenty of head and legroom in the back for six-footers. It’s a big car, so long journeys (depending on range) aren’t a problem and wafting about in complete silence is about as relaxing you can get.

With normal usage you will find yourself charging the Taycan about once a week – the same really, as filling up your petrol-powered car. Swapping between driving modes alters the battery life with Normal being optimum for range. Take it easy and you’ll cover up to 450km on a single charge, plenty for a road trip, and if you do need a top-up at a petrol station, you just plug it in and wander off for a coffee for 20 minutes. Owners can use the standard house/villa power supply for the overnight charge, or opt for the Porsche charging station with its futuristic looks.

So this is the Porsche Taycan Turbo, a silent, roomy, four-door luxury car that can keep up with the cream of the supercar crop. Acceleration is instant and brutal and nothing like a conventional internal combustion engine. The Turbo’s 0-100 km/h time of 3.2 seconds is mind-blowing and if you think that’s impressive, it isn’t even the fastest Tacan; that honour goes to the Turbo S, which does the 0-100km/h sprint in an incredible 2.8 seconds. An F1 car does it in approximately 2.6 seconds…