With the escalating shift towards sustainable mobility, electric vehicles (EVs) have surged past being merely a novel concept to becoming a mainstream automotive choice. Today, electrification is transforming the auto industry, driving the most distinguished automakers to design and engineer sophisticated EVs.
Among the plethora of exciting EVs hitting the streets, two juggernauts stand out, the Porsche Taycan and the Tesla Model S Plaid. In this article, we will delve into the minutiae of these compelling machines and determine their respective pros and cons.
The Porsche Taycan, a mesmerising blend of classic Porsche elements and electrifying innovation, has sparked curiosity among enthusiasts and casual drivers alike. It is Porsche's first foray into the realm of EVs and has made a striking entrance.
The Taycan's sleek silhouette and sculpted lines instantly evoke the brand's sporting pedigree. Its high-performance electric drivetrain and meticulous German engineering blend power and precision.
On the other side of the ring, we have the Tesla Model S Plaid, a testament to the vision of Elon Musk's ground-breaking company. Tesla, the pioneer of electric mobility, has been constantly pushing the boundaries of what an EV can achieve, and the Model S Plaid is no exception.
This latest evolution of the Model S series showcases mind-boggling performance figures and an array of technological wizardry that encapsulates the essence of Tesla's relentless innovation.
In the dynamic world of EVs, the Porsche Taycan and the Tesla Model S Plaid have emerged as formidable rivals, each offering a distinct driving experience. The decision between these two is akin to choosing between two gourmet dishes, each with its unique allure.
Throughout this article, we will dissect their design, scrutinise their interiors, gauge their range capabilities and so much more to assist you in making an informed decision. The electrifying duel between these electric superpowers promises to be as riveting as the vehicles themselves.
The Tesla Model S Plaid and the Porsche Taycan exude different styles, reflecting their respective brand identities. The Model S Plaid, adorned in Tesla's signature minimalist design, emphasises a futuristic, aerodynamic aesthetic. It features a sleek profile with a panoramic sunroof and distinctive door handles that meld seamlessly into the car's body, maintaining aerodynamic efficiency.
On the other hand, the Porsche Taycan is more expressive and strongly resembles its combustion-engined counterparts, drawing inspiration from iconic models like the Porsche 911. The Taycan boasts a sculpted, muscular design with pronounced wheel arches and four-point LED headlights, a nod to Porsche's racing heritage. Yet, it is unmistakably a product of the electric age, lacking exhaust pipes and an illuminated logo at the rear.
While beauty lies in the eye of the beholder, both the Tesla Model S Plaid and Porsche Taycan manage to marry practicality with striking aesthetics. Your preference largely depends on whether you lean more towards Tesla's futuristic simplicity or Porsche's amalgamation of heritage and modernity.
Delving into the interiors, it becomes clear that the philosophy behind each car's exterior design extends within. The Model S Plaid's cabin is futuristic and almost spartan, featuring Tesla's hallmark 17-inch horizontal touchscreen and a minimalistic dashboard that reflects the company's 'less is more' ethos. A notable divergence from traditional car design is adopting a yoke-style steering wheel, replacing the conventional wheel.
By contrast, the Porsche Taycan's interior has a more traditional feel yet still exudes modern elegance. Multiple touchscreens – including an optional passenger display – and a multitude of tactile switches provide a more familiar environment for those transitioning from a combustion-engine vehicle.
The Taycan's interior feels more premium due to the extensive use of upscale materials and offers more customisation options than the Model S Plaid. Conversely, Tesla excels in terms of sheer technological wow factor and simplicity. Therefore, your choice between the two would hinge on whether you value opulent comfort and familiarity or an uncluttered, tech-forward environment.
Both the Porsche Taycan and Tesla Model S Plaid offer a blend of practicality and luxury, albeit in different measures. Regarding space, the Tesla Model S Plaid is the roomier of the two, offering more generous head and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The Tesla's 'skateboard' platform – with its flat floor and the battery pack located low down in the chassis – creates a spacious interior environment.
Moreover, the Model S Plaid has an advantage in cargo space, boasting a sizable rear trunk and an additional 'frunk' (front trunk) due to the absence of an engine. The five-seater configuration can be optionally extended to seven seats with rear-facing child seats.
The Porsche Taycan, on the other hand, while spacious in its own right, offers marginally less room inside. It compensates with superior build quality and plush interiors and offers ample luggage space with a rear trunk and a small front trunk but falls short of the space provided by Tesla. The Taycan is available in a standard four-seater configuration, with an optional third seat for the rear.
As for infotainment, Tesla's offering is renowned for its comprehensive features and ease of use. Its large touchscreen integrates everything from navigation and climate control to streaming services. The Porsche Taycan, meanwhile, delivers many screens offering a myriad of controls, presenting a steeper learning curve but giving more tactile control options to the driver and passengers.
When it comes to performance, both vehicles are remarkable, albeit in slightly different ways. The Tesla Model S Plaid is an acceleration phenomenon, hitting 0-60 mph in just under 2 seconds, making it one of the fastest production cars in the world. This exhilarating speed, combined with an all-wheel-drive system and a low centre of gravity, offers an exciting driving experience. Its top speed is an impressive 200 mph.
The Porsche Taycan, while not as explosive off the mark as the Tesla – with a 0-60 mph time of around 2.6 seconds for the Taycan Turbo S – offers a driving experience more akin to a sports car. It boasts all-wheel drive, instantaneous power delivery and superb handling, lending it an engaging and lively feel on the road. Its top speed stands at 161 mph.
In conclusion, both cars offer exhilarating performance. Still, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference: the out-and-out acceleration of the Model S Plaid or the sporty, engaging handling of the Taycan Turbo S. Either way, both cars provide an exciting glimpse into the thrilling future of electric mobility.
The range is often one of the most critical considerations when opting for an electric vehicle. According to the EPA, Tesla's Model S Plaid offers a noteworthy estimated range of up to 396 miles on a full charge. This is backed by a substantial 100 kWh battery pack, making it one of the longest-range electric vehicles currently available.
In contrast, the Porsche Taycan, equipped with its 93.4 kWh battery pack, delivers a slightly more conservative range. The Taycan Turbo S, the top model in the lineup, offers an EPA-estimated range of up to 238 miles. However, it's worth noting that several tests have shown the Taycan often outperforms these estimates in real-world conditions.
Both Tesla and Porsche offer innovative fast-charging solutions. The Model S Plaid can replenish its battery using Tesla's proprietary Supercharger network, providing up to 200 miles of range in around 15 minutes with V3 Superchargers (up to 250 kW DC).
The Porsche Taycan, on the other hand, uses an 800-volt architecture, twice the voltage of most electric cars, allowing it to take advantage of high-power charging stations. At a 270 kW DC fast-charging station, the Taycan can charge from 10% to 80% in just over 20 minutes under optimal conditions. Please note that charging times may vary depending on factors, including battery temperature, charger availability and current battery state.
It's also crucial to be aware that frequent DC fast charging to 100% can degrade battery health over time. Thus, most manufacturers recommend charging between 10% to 80% for optimal battery longevity. Using an app like Bonnet can help you locate chargers that won’t cause damage to your battery, prolonging its life.
The Porsche Taycan and the Tesla Model S Plaid come with several trim options and price points in the UK market. At the lower end of the spectrum, the Porsche Taycan 4S starts at around £83,580, delivering a balanced blend of performance and efficiency. Moving up, the Taycan Turbo comes in at about £115,860, while the top-of-the-line Taycan Turbo S commands a price of approximately £138,830.
On the other hand, the Tesla Model S lineup in the UK begins with the Long Range model, which costs about £83,980. This model offers an impressive range and performance at a competitive price. The Model S Plaid, which boasts mind-blowing acceleration and performance, is priced at around £130,980.
Ultimately, each car will suit different drivers, depending on their preferences and what they want in an EV. The Tesla Model S Plaid is hard to beat if you're after performance and range. However, if you're interested in a driving experience that melds a traditional sports car feel with an electric performance, the Porsche Taycan could be worth the extra expense.
If you're exploring other alternatives within a similar or lower price range, the Audi e-tron GT or the Mercedes-Benz EQS could be viable options. The e-tron GT, starting at around £85,900, offers an engaging drive and premium feel similar to the Taycan, given that both cars are built on the same platform.
The EQS, priced from about £105,610, offers abundant luxury and tech, akin to the Tesla, but with the plush comfort that Mercedes-Benz is renowned for.
Ultimately, choosing between the Porsche Taycan and Tesla Model S Plaid comes down to very fine margins and relies heavily on the buyer's preferences and needs.
The Model S Plaid excels in sheer performance and range, with its breathtaking acceleration and impressive mileage, combined with a futuristic and minimalistic design both inside and out. It also offers competitive pricing and the advantage of being able to use Tesla's proprietary Supercharger network.
In contrast, the Porsche Taycan offers a compelling blend of sporty performance and premium feel, with a more conventional interior layout and high-quality materials that many drivers might prefer. While its range isn't as extensive as Tesla's, it charges remarkably fast and tends to exceed its range estimates in real-world conditions. Moreover, the Taycan carries the allure of the Porsche brand, known for its luxury and driving dynamics.
Both EVs are remarkable feats of automotive engineering and pioneers in ushering in a new era of electric mobility. However, if range and tech-centric design are your top priorities, the Tesla Model S Plaid could be your winner. Alternatively, if you value driving dynamics, build quality and brand heritage, the Porsche Taycan might edge ahead.
Stepping into the world of electric vehicles opens the door to an exciting new realm of technology, but it also comes with a unique set of challenges. One of the most unexpected issues with electric cars is finding places to charge them.
Each car has different charging capabilities, and each driver has a different budget. Every charging network provides different charging experiences at different prices, which means that without help, you can spend hours searching for the perfect charging station.
That's where Bonnet can help. Bonnet offers a solution by helping you locate nearby charging stations, checking their real-time availability and providing specifics about each charging experience, including prices, connector types and more.
With access to 17+ charging networks, Bonnet condenses what could have been multiple network-specific apps into one streamlined platform. Besides making finding and using charging stations easier, Bonnet also offers Bonnet Boosts, which can help you save up to 15% off charging within partner networks.
Bonnet wants to make charging easier for every EV driver. By downloading the Bonnet app, you can take the hassle out of charging your EV and focus on the joy of electric driving.
Yes, the Tesla Model S Plaid is faster than the Porsche Taycan in terms of acceleration. The Model S Plaid can go from 0 to 60 mph in just under 2 seconds, making it one of the fastest production cars in the world.
Yes, the Tesla Model S Plaid outpaces the Porsche Taycan in acceleration. However, the Porsche Taycan offers a dynamic, engaging driving experience that might appeal to driving enthusiasts.
This depends on what aspects you prioritise in a car. The Taycan offers superior build quality, a premium, traditional interior and engaging driving dynamics. However, the Model S Plaid offers superior acceleration, range and a tech-focused interior.
A few cars manage to go faster than Tesla Model S Plaid. These include the Pininfarina Battista, the Rimac Nevera and the Aspark Owl.
With the escalating shift towards sustainable mobility, electric vehicles (EVs) have surged past being merely a novel concept to becoming a mainstream automotive choice. Today, electrification is transforming the auto industry, driving the most distinguished automakers to design and engineer sophisticated EVs.
Among the plethora of exciting EVs hitting the streets, two juggernauts stand out, the Porsche Taycan and the Tesla Model S Plaid. In this article, we will delve into the minutiae of these compelling machines and determine their respective pros and cons.
The Porsche Taycan, a mesmerising blend of classic Porsche elements and electrifying innovation, has sparked curiosity among enthusiasts and casual drivers alike. It is Porsche's first foray into the realm of EVs and has made a striking entrance.
The Taycan's sleek silhouette and sculpted lines instantly evoke the brand's sporting pedigree. Its high-performance electric drivetrain and meticulous German engineering blend power and precision.
On the other side of the ring, we have the Tesla Model S Plaid, a testament to the vision of Elon Musk's ground-breaking company. Tesla, the pioneer of electric mobility, has been constantly pushing the boundaries of what an EV can achieve, and the Model S Plaid is no exception.
This latest evolution of the Model S series showcases mind-boggling performance figures and an array of technological wizardry that encapsulates the essence of Tesla's relentless innovation.
In the dynamic world of EVs, the Porsche Taycan and the Tesla Model S Plaid have emerged as formidable rivals, each offering a distinct driving experience. The decision between these two is akin to choosing between two gourmet dishes, each with its unique allure.
Throughout this article, we will dissect their design, scrutinise their interiors, gauge their range capabilities and so much more to assist you in making an informed decision. The electrifying duel between these electric superpowers promises to be as riveting as the vehicles themselves.
The Tesla Model S Plaid and the Porsche Taycan exude different styles, reflecting their respective brand identities. The Model S Plaid, adorned in Tesla's signature minimalist design, emphasises a futuristic, aerodynamic aesthetic. It features a sleek profile with a panoramic sunroof and distinctive door handles that meld seamlessly into the car's body, maintaining aerodynamic efficiency.
On the other hand, the Porsche Taycan is more expressive and strongly resembles its combustion-engined counterparts, drawing inspiration from iconic models like the Porsche 911. The Taycan boasts a sculpted, muscular design with pronounced wheel arches and four-point LED headlights, a nod to Porsche's racing heritage. Yet, it is unmistakably a product of the electric age, lacking exhaust pipes and an illuminated logo at the rear.
While beauty lies in the eye of the beholder, both the Tesla Model S Plaid and Porsche Taycan manage to marry practicality with striking aesthetics. Your preference largely depends on whether you lean more towards Tesla's futuristic simplicity or Porsche's amalgamation of heritage and modernity.
Delving into the interiors, it becomes clear that the philosophy behind each car's exterior design extends within. The Model S Plaid's cabin is futuristic and almost spartan, featuring Tesla's hallmark 17-inch horizontal touchscreen and a minimalistic dashboard that reflects the company's 'less is more' ethos. A notable divergence from traditional car design is adopting a yoke-style steering wheel, replacing the conventional wheel.
By contrast, the Porsche Taycan's interior has a more traditional feel yet still exudes modern elegance. Multiple touchscreens – including an optional passenger display – and a multitude of tactile switches provide a more familiar environment for those transitioning from a combustion-engine vehicle.
The Taycan's interior feels more premium due to the extensive use of upscale materials and offers more customisation options than the Model S Plaid. Conversely, Tesla excels in terms of sheer technological wow factor and simplicity. Therefore, your choice between the two would hinge on whether you value opulent comfort and familiarity or an uncluttered, tech-forward environment.
Both the Porsche Taycan and Tesla Model S Plaid offer a blend of practicality and luxury, albeit in different measures. Regarding space, the Tesla Model S Plaid is the roomier of the two, offering more generous head and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The Tesla's 'skateboard' platform – with its flat floor and the battery pack located low down in the chassis – creates a spacious interior environment.
Moreover, the Model S Plaid has an advantage in cargo space, boasting a sizable rear trunk and an additional 'frunk' (front trunk) due to the absence of an engine. The five-seater configuration can be optionally extended to seven seats with rear-facing child seats.
The Porsche Taycan, on the other hand, while spacious in its own right, offers marginally less room inside. It compensates with superior build quality and plush interiors and offers ample luggage space with a rear trunk and a small front trunk but falls short of the space provided by Tesla. The Taycan is available in a standard four-seater configuration, with an optional third seat for the rear.
As for infotainment, Tesla's offering is renowned for its comprehensive features and ease of use. Its large touchscreen integrates everything from navigation and climate control to streaming services. The Porsche Taycan, meanwhile, delivers many screens offering a myriad of controls, presenting a steeper learning curve but giving more tactile control options to the driver and passengers.
When it comes to performance, both vehicles are remarkable, albeit in slightly different ways. The Tesla Model S Plaid is an acceleration phenomenon, hitting 0-60 mph in just under 2 seconds, making it one of the fastest production cars in the world. This exhilarating speed, combined with an all-wheel-drive system and a low centre of gravity, offers an exciting driving experience. Its top speed is an impressive 200 mph.
The Porsche Taycan, while not as explosive off the mark as the Tesla – with a 0-60 mph time of around 2.6 seconds for the Taycan Turbo S – offers a driving experience more akin to a sports car. It boasts all-wheel drive, instantaneous power delivery and superb handling, lending it an engaging and lively feel on the road. Its top speed stands at 161 mph.
In conclusion, both cars offer exhilarating performance. Still, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference: the out-and-out acceleration of the Model S Plaid or the sporty, engaging handling of the Taycan Turbo S. Either way, both cars provide an exciting glimpse into the thrilling future of electric mobility.
The range is often one of the most critical considerations when opting for an electric vehicle. According to the EPA, Tesla's Model S Plaid offers a noteworthy estimated range of up to 396 miles on a full charge. This is backed by a substantial 100 kWh battery pack, making it one of the longest-range electric vehicles currently available.
In contrast, the Porsche Taycan, equipped with its 93.4 kWh battery pack, delivers a slightly more conservative range. The Taycan Turbo S, the top model in the lineup, offers an EPA-estimated range of up to 238 miles. However, it's worth noting that several tests have shown the Taycan often outperforms these estimates in real-world conditions.
Both Tesla and Porsche offer innovative fast-charging solutions. The Model S Plaid can replenish its battery using Tesla's proprietary Supercharger network, providing up to 200 miles of range in around 15 minutes with V3 Superchargers (up to 250 kW DC).
The Porsche Taycan, on the other hand, uses an 800-volt architecture, twice the voltage of most electric cars, allowing it to take advantage of high-power charging stations. At a 270 kW DC fast-charging station, the Taycan can charge from 10% to 80% in just over 20 minutes under optimal conditions. Please note that charging times may vary depending on factors, including battery temperature, charger availability and current battery state.
It's also crucial to be aware that frequent DC fast charging to 100% can degrade battery health over time. Thus, most manufacturers recommend charging between 10% to 80% for optimal battery longevity. Using an app like Bonnet can help you locate chargers that won’t cause damage to your battery, prolonging its life.
The Porsche Taycan and the Tesla Model S Plaid come with several trim options and price points in the UK market. At the lower end of the spectrum, the Porsche Taycan 4S starts at around £83,580, delivering a balanced blend of performance and efficiency. Moving up, the Taycan Turbo comes in at about £115,860, while the top-of-the-line Taycan Turbo S commands a price of approximately £138,830.
On the other hand, the Tesla Model S lineup in the UK begins with the Long Range model, which costs about £83,980. This model offers an impressive range and performance at a competitive price. The Model S Plaid, which boasts mind-blowing acceleration and performance, is priced at around £130,980.
Ultimately, each car will suit different drivers, depending on their preferences and what they want in an EV. The Tesla Model S Plaid is hard to beat if you're after performance and range. However, if you're interested in a driving experience that melds a traditional sports car feel with an electric performance, the Porsche Taycan could be worth the extra expense.
If you're exploring other alternatives within a similar or lower price range, the Audi e-tron GT or the Mercedes-Benz EQS could be viable options. The e-tron GT, starting at around £85,900, offers an engaging drive and premium feel similar to the Taycan, given that both cars are built on the same platform.
The EQS, priced from about £105,610, offers abundant luxury and tech, akin to the Tesla, but with the plush comfort that Mercedes-Benz is renowned for.
Ultimately, choosing between the Porsche Taycan and Tesla Model S Plaid comes down to very fine margins and relies heavily on the buyer's preferences and needs.
The Model S Plaid excels in sheer performance and range, with its breathtaking acceleration and impressive mileage, combined with a futuristic and minimalistic design both inside and out. It also offers competitive pricing and the advantage of being able to use Tesla's proprietary Supercharger network.
In contrast, the Porsche Taycan offers a compelling blend of sporty performance and premium feel, with a more conventional interior layout and high-quality materials that many drivers might prefer. While its range isn't as extensive as Tesla's, it charges remarkably fast and tends to exceed its range estimates in real-world conditions. Moreover, the Taycan carries the allure of the Porsche brand, known for its luxury and driving dynamics.
Both EVs are remarkable feats of automotive engineering and pioneers in ushering in a new era of electric mobility. However, if range and tech-centric design are your top priorities, the Tesla Model S Plaid could be your winner. Alternatively, if you value driving dynamics, build quality and brand heritage, the Porsche Taycan might edge ahead.
Stepping into the world of electric vehicles opens the door to an exciting new realm of technology, but it also comes with a unique set of challenges. One of the most unexpected issues with electric cars is finding places to charge them.
Each car has different charging capabilities, and each driver has a different budget. Every charging network provides different charging experiences at different prices, which means that without help, you can spend hours searching for the perfect charging station.
That's where Bonnet can help. Bonnet offers a solution by helping you locate nearby charging stations, checking their real-time availability and providing specifics about each charging experience, including prices, connector types and more.
With access to 17+ charging networks, Bonnet condenses what could have been multiple network-specific apps into one streamlined platform. Besides making finding and using charging stations easier, Bonnet also offers Bonnet Boosts, which can help you save up to 15% off charging within partner networks.
Bonnet wants to make charging easier for every EV driver. By downloading the Bonnet app, you can take the hassle out of charging your EV and focus on the joy of electric driving.
With the escalating shift towards sustainable mobility, electric vehicles (EVs) have surged past being merely a novel concept to becoming a mainstream automotive choice. Today, electrification is transforming the auto industry, driving the most distinguished automakers to design and engineer sophisticated EVs.
Among the plethora of exciting EVs hitting the streets, two juggernauts stand out, the Porsche Taycan and the Tesla Model S Plaid. In this article, we will delve into the minutiae of these compelling machines and determine their respective pros and cons.
The Porsche Taycan, a mesmerising blend of classic Porsche elements and electrifying innovation, has sparked curiosity among enthusiasts and casual drivers alike. It is Porsche's first foray into the realm of EVs and has made a striking entrance.
The Taycan's sleek silhouette and sculpted lines instantly evoke the brand's sporting pedigree. Its high-performance electric drivetrain and meticulous German engineering blend power and precision.
On the other side of the ring, we have the Tesla Model S Plaid, a testament to the vision of Elon Musk's ground-breaking company. Tesla, the pioneer of electric mobility, has been constantly pushing the boundaries of what an EV can achieve, and the Model S Plaid is no exception.
This latest evolution of the Model S series showcases mind-boggling performance figures and an array of technological wizardry that encapsulates the essence of Tesla's relentless innovation.
In the dynamic world of EVs, the Porsche Taycan and the Tesla Model S Plaid have emerged as formidable rivals, each offering a distinct driving experience. The decision between these two is akin to choosing between two gourmet dishes, each with its unique allure.
Throughout this article, we will dissect their design, scrutinise their interiors, gauge their range capabilities and so much more to assist you in making an informed decision. The electrifying duel between these electric superpowers promises to be as riveting as the vehicles themselves.
The Tesla Model S Plaid and the Porsche Taycan exude different styles, reflecting their respective brand identities. The Model S Plaid, adorned in Tesla's signature minimalist design, emphasises a futuristic, aerodynamic aesthetic. It features a sleek profile with a panoramic sunroof and distinctive door handles that meld seamlessly into the car's body, maintaining aerodynamic efficiency.
On the other hand, the Porsche Taycan is more expressive and strongly resembles its combustion-engined counterparts, drawing inspiration from iconic models like the Porsche 911. The Taycan boasts a sculpted, muscular design with pronounced wheel arches and four-point LED headlights, a nod to Porsche's racing heritage. Yet, it is unmistakably a product of the electric age, lacking exhaust pipes and an illuminated logo at the rear.
While beauty lies in the eye of the beholder, both the Tesla Model S Plaid and Porsche Taycan manage to marry practicality with striking aesthetics. Your preference largely depends on whether you lean more towards Tesla's futuristic simplicity or Porsche's amalgamation of heritage and modernity.
Delving into the interiors, it becomes clear that the philosophy behind each car's exterior design extends within. The Model S Plaid's cabin is futuristic and almost spartan, featuring Tesla's hallmark 17-inch horizontal touchscreen and a minimalistic dashboard that reflects the company's 'less is more' ethos. A notable divergence from traditional car design is adopting a yoke-style steering wheel, replacing the conventional wheel.
By contrast, the Porsche Taycan's interior has a more traditional feel yet still exudes modern elegance. Multiple touchscreens – including an optional passenger display – and a multitude of tactile switches provide a more familiar environment for those transitioning from a combustion-engine vehicle.
The Taycan's interior feels more premium due to the extensive use of upscale materials and offers more customisation options than the Model S Plaid. Conversely, Tesla excels in terms of sheer technological wow factor and simplicity. Therefore, your choice between the two would hinge on whether you value opulent comfort and familiarity or an uncluttered, tech-forward environment.
Both the Porsche Taycan and Tesla Model S Plaid offer a blend of practicality and luxury, albeit in different measures. Regarding space, the Tesla Model S Plaid is the roomier of the two, offering more generous head and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The Tesla's 'skateboard' platform – with its flat floor and the battery pack located low down in the chassis – creates a spacious interior environment.
Moreover, the Model S Plaid has an advantage in cargo space, boasting a sizable rear trunk and an additional 'frunk' (front trunk) due to the absence of an engine. The five-seater configuration can be optionally extended to seven seats with rear-facing child seats.
The Porsche Taycan, on the other hand, while spacious in its own right, offers marginally less room inside. It compensates with superior build quality and plush interiors and offers ample luggage space with a rear trunk and a small front trunk but falls short of the space provided by Tesla. The Taycan is available in a standard four-seater configuration, with an optional third seat for the rear.
As for infotainment, Tesla's offering is renowned for its comprehensive features and ease of use. Its large touchscreen integrates everything from navigation and climate control to streaming services. The Porsche Taycan, meanwhile, delivers many screens offering a myriad of controls, presenting a steeper learning curve but giving more tactile control options to the driver and passengers.
When it comes to performance, both vehicles are remarkable, albeit in slightly different ways. The Tesla Model S Plaid is an acceleration phenomenon, hitting 0-60 mph in just under 2 seconds, making it one of the fastest production cars in the world. This exhilarating speed, combined with an all-wheel-drive system and a low centre of gravity, offers an exciting driving experience. Its top speed is an impressive 200 mph.
The Porsche Taycan, while not as explosive off the mark as the Tesla – with a 0-60 mph time of around 2.6 seconds for the Taycan Turbo S – offers a driving experience more akin to a sports car. It boasts all-wheel drive, instantaneous power delivery and superb handling, lending it an engaging and lively feel on the road. Its top speed stands at 161 mph.
In conclusion, both cars offer exhilarating performance. Still, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference: the out-and-out acceleration of the Model S Plaid or the sporty, engaging handling of the Taycan Turbo S. Either way, both cars provide an exciting glimpse into the thrilling future of electric mobility.
The range is often one of the most critical considerations when opting for an electric vehicle. According to the EPA, Tesla's Model S Plaid offers a noteworthy estimated range of up to 396 miles on a full charge. This is backed by a substantial 100 kWh battery pack, making it one of the longest-range electric vehicles currently available.
In contrast, the Porsche Taycan, equipped with its 93.4 kWh battery pack, delivers a slightly more conservative range. The Taycan Turbo S, the top model in the lineup, offers an EPA-estimated range of up to 238 miles. However, it's worth noting that several tests have shown the Taycan often outperforms these estimates in real-world conditions.
Both Tesla and Porsche offer innovative fast-charging solutions. The Model S Plaid can replenish its battery using Tesla's proprietary Supercharger network, providing up to 200 miles of range in around 15 minutes with V3 Superchargers (up to 250 kW DC).
The Porsche Taycan, on the other hand, uses an 800-volt architecture, twice the voltage of most electric cars, allowing it to take advantage of high-power charging stations. At a 270 kW DC fast-charging station, the Taycan can charge from 10% to 80% in just over 20 minutes under optimal conditions. Please note that charging times may vary depending on factors, including battery temperature, charger availability and current battery state.
It's also crucial to be aware that frequent DC fast charging to 100% can degrade battery health over time. Thus, most manufacturers recommend charging between 10% to 80% for optimal battery longevity. Using an app like Bonnet can help you locate chargers that won’t cause damage to your battery, prolonging its life.
The Porsche Taycan and the Tesla Model S Plaid come with several trim options and price points in the UK market. At the lower end of the spectrum, the Porsche Taycan 4S starts at around £83,580, delivering a balanced blend of performance and efficiency. Moving up, the Taycan Turbo comes in at about £115,860, while the top-of-the-line Taycan Turbo S commands a price of approximately £138,830.
On the other hand, the Tesla Model S lineup in the UK begins with the Long Range model, which costs about £83,980. This model offers an impressive range and performance at a competitive price. The Model S Plaid, which boasts mind-blowing acceleration and performance, is priced at around £130,980.
Ultimately, each car will suit different drivers, depending on their preferences and what they want in an EV. The Tesla Model S Plaid is hard to beat if you're after performance and range. However, if you're interested in a driving experience that melds a traditional sports car feel with an electric performance, the Porsche Taycan could be worth the extra expense.
If you're exploring other alternatives within a similar or lower price range, the Audi e-tron GT or the Mercedes-Benz EQS could be viable options. The e-tron GT, starting at around £85,900, offers an engaging drive and premium feel similar to the Taycan, given that both cars are built on the same platform.
The EQS, priced from about £105,610, offers abundant luxury and tech, akin to the Tesla, but with the plush comfort that Mercedes-Benz is renowned for.
Ultimately, choosing between the Porsche Taycan and Tesla Model S Plaid comes down to very fine margins and relies heavily on the buyer's preferences and needs.
The Model S Plaid excels in sheer performance and range, with its breathtaking acceleration and impressive mileage, combined with a futuristic and minimalistic design both inside and out. It also offers competitive pricing and the advantage of being able to use Tesla's proprietary Supercharger network.
In contrast, the Porsche Taycan offers a compelling blend of sporty performance and premium feel, with a more conventional interior layout and high-quality materials that many drivers might prefer. While its range isn't as extensive as Tesla's, it charges remarkably fast and tends to exceed its range estimates in real-world conditions. Moreover, the Taycan carries the allure of the Porsche brand, known for its luxury and driving dynamics.
Both EVs are remarkable feats of automotive engineering and pioneers in ushering in a new era of electric mobility. However, if range and tech-centric design are your top priorities, the Tesla Model S Plaid could be your winner. Alternatively, if you value driving dynamics, build quality and brand heritage, the Porsche Taycan might edge ahead.
Stepping into the world of electric vehicles opens the door to an exciting new realm of technology, but it also comes with a unique set of challenges. One of the most unexpected issues with electric cars is finding places to charge them.
Each car has different charging capabilities, and each driver has a different budget. Every charging network provides different charging experiences at different prices, which means that without help, you can spend hours searching for the perfect charging station.
That's where Bonnet can help. Bonnet offers a solution by helping you locate nearby charging stations, checking their real-time availability and providing specifics about each charging experience, including prices, connector types and more.
With access to 17+ charging networks, Bonnet condenses what could have been multiple network-specific apps into one streamlined platform. Besides making finding and using charging stations easier, Bonnet also offers Bonnet Boosts, which can help you save up to 15% off charging within partner networks.
Bonnet wants to make charging easier for every EV driver. By downloading the Bonnet app, you can take the hassle out of charging your EV and focus on the joy of electric driving.
Yes, the Tesla Model S Plaid is faster than the Porsche Taycan in terms of acceleration. The Model S Plaid can go from 0 to 60 mph in just under 2 seconds, making it one of the fastest production cars in the world.
Yes, the Tesla Model S Plaid outpaces the Porsche Taycan in acceleration. However, the Porsche Taycan offers a dynamic, engaging driving experience that might appeal to driving enthusiasts.
This depends on what aspects you prioritise in a car. The Taycan offers superior build quality, a premium, traditional interior and engaging driving dynamics. However, the Model S Plaid offers superior acceleration, range and a tech-focused interior.
A few cars manage to go faster than Tesla Model S Plaid. These include the Pininfarina Battista, the Rimac Nevera and the Aspark Owl.
