DRIVEN + VIDEO: Jay Leno Gets Wheel Time With The All-new Porsche Taycan Turbo S — What's His VERDICT?

Regardless of the Porsche Taycan's faults, one thing I can admit straight away is that it is a helluva car. It is a Porsche, after all.

My big problem with it is it just isn't as good of a package as the Model S. You can mention build quality and performance but, frankly, that doesn't matter with electric vehicles.

It comes down to: 1) Price; 2) Range; and, 3) How long it takes to "juice up." That's it.

From early accounts it seems one thing is certain with the Taycan. It has electrifying performance — see what I did there?

In this review with Jay Leno, he spends an awful lot of time going over the vehicle and driving it. Also making an appearance is a Porsche representative, and friend of AutoSpies, Calvin Kim. As Leno has driven just about everything under the sun, his opinion carries weight in my book.

To see what Leno thinks, scope out the clip below.

Agent00R - 2/12/2020 11:09:24 PM

-2 Boost

Maybe!

Or, maybe Porsche has botched the job entirely and they're not gonna move many.

We'll see soon!

SanJoseDriver - 2/12/2020 4:17:05 AM

+3 Boost

Leno owns a Model S and a Roadster 1.0, but I wouldn't be surprised if he buys a Taycan as well.

Performance results have been inconsistent, depending on the exact conditions either of them can be quicker at a variety of tests. I hate to say it, but it's too close to call on speed. Handling seems better on the Taycan, which makes sense given how much smaller it is physically.

I can't imagine it being worth double the cost of an S for all but the most hardcore Porsche enthusiasts or perhaps a collector that want's Porsche's first true EV. I'm pretty confident the Plaid Model S will destroy it across every metric later this year and still be cheaper (and seat 7), but we'll have to wait for the final product.

Also, if you really want to compare a car in the Taycan price range, check out Leno's ride in a Roadster 2.0 here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sw51nzQiWfw

pauerb - 2/12/2020 9:13:53 AM

+2 Boost

Car is beautiful but he didn't seem very excited by it.

Dutchman - 2/12/2020 9:57:12 AM

+2 Boost

You need to look at it from this angle. If you own a Model S then you already overpaid for a fully electric car. There are cheaper options. I have a friend who has two Model S sedans. He also has a Cayenne Turbo S. He loves the Tesla but he told me he ordered a Taycan Turbo S because the Tesla is dated in appearance and he doesn't believe the new model S will be drastically different than his 5 year old model S. He also loves the Porsche handling and interior. The final bit of insight he gave is that this Taycan isn't the last car he is ever going to buy. If the new Model S replacement looks new against the Taycan he will just buy a Tesla again.

SanJoseDriver - 2/12/2020 9:18:42 PM

+1 Boost

Damn, I want to be that guy. What the heck does he do for a living?

Agent00R - 2/12/2020 11:10:43 PM

0 Boost

Great insight, Dutch!

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 2/12/2020 10:31:06 AM

+1 Boost

It is an odd review indeed. As Jay points out there isn't a lot room in the backseat for a 4-door car. And it is smaller vehicle than a Panamera. And supposedly there will be a new BEV Panamera too. Strange. I thought the Taycan would replace it.

SanJoseDriver - 2/12/2020 9:20:48 PM

+2 Boost

Apparently the Macan, Boxter, Cayman, and Panamera are all going electric. Only the 911 and Cayenne will stick with ICE for the next gen.

dumpsty - 2/12/2020 10:38:39 AM

+3 Boost

It's just exciting to see how industry giants have taken the basic requirements for EV's are executed in a number various ways.

How these competing products are valued is largely subjective based on the customer's personal preferences.

focal - 2/12/2020 11:38:15 AM

+2 Boost

"1) Price; 2) Range; and, 3) How long it takes to "juice up." That's it."

Sounds like you are buying a commuter car. I'm in the dying minority that wants to drive a car for enjoyment. An electric car will be a secondary city car so range is less of an issue.

Agent00R - 2/12/2020 11:12:21 PM

-1 Boost

These are the top priorities for any buyer seeking out an EV at this point in time.

Of course there are folks willing to burn money at any cost but that's not a volume-moving segment.