Advice for new Taycan 2025

[BullitX]

Hi everyone!

I've been reading posts on this forum for weeks, and I recently joined to make my first post. I need some advice, or just your two cents.

I currently drive a leased 2022 BMW 530e, fully loaded. Business has been good, and I'm about to take the plunge towards a Taycan. Initially, I looked at some CPO Taycan J1s since their prices have been dropping significantly. However, the more I learned about the new Taycan, the more I appreciated its advancements over its predecessor. Now, I'm certain I want the new Taycan.

This will be my first time owning a car (I've always leased before), so I specced one to the brim. I have a RWD Taycan with RAS and PTV+ in mind. I test-drove it and absolutely loved how it performed. Just as I thought I had finalized the specs, I started doubting if I should go for the 4S + Active Ride instead.

I'm curious about how different the Active Ride (and the 4S) would be compared to the RWD with the new air suspension. I want as much comfort as possible without breaking the bank. The 4S + Active Ride will cost around $28k more than my specced RWD, which would really stretch my budget, but it's doable.

Additionally, my 71-year-old father, who has stiff and painful joints, will be a frequent passenger. I wonder if the Active Ride's comfort access is better than the regular "Lift" mode on the RWD.

Is the Active Ride + 4S worth the extra $28k? I know it's subjective, but I would love to hear your thoughts!

P.S. Getting a CT is not an option.

Sponsored

 

[Redhot2474]

If you’re only concerned with the “drive quality” The delta is just to large in my opinion. If you have $ to burn sure, go for it - but it seems like what u initially drove struck a chord with you - save the extra $, invest it, go on a few vacations with it - just my 2 cents

 

[zoomzoom15]

I was in the same boat. I ended up spec'ing a 4S to the brim with active ride. It should be delivered by 9/19, so I can share my impressions then.

What sold me were these two videos.

- Comfort / eliminates bumps
- Drive / eliminates body roll

I've listened to a few reviews as well which described it essentially as a magic carpet ride. I am a little worried about potential repairs / breakdown of such a new and active system, but I couldn't resist such a cool new suspension technology.

 

[A.Mayor]

You seem like you really want it, go for it—you probably won’t regret the extra splurge!

The active ride comfort access is better than a regular lift but would not really matter for an elderly person with aching and stiff joints. Even low SUVs can be challenging for those with mobility issues.

 

[OzzieT]

@BullitX I moved from long term BMW ownership to the Taycan. The on board tech and some of the finer things will disappoint you. But it next generation to drive. So you have to be able to live with that trade off. As a car for your Dad, buy an X3, the Taycan is not an easy car to get in and out of.

 

[BullitX]

Thank you, everyone, for your responses!

@Redhot2474 :
Solid advice! The RWD felt sublime. I should test one with Active Ride, but the price difference is substantial. I could invest that difference into non-depreciating assets instead.

@zoomzoom15 :
I’m very curious about your impressions once your car is delivered. I’m also concerned about repair costs. Here, Porsche offers a 2-year warranty on new cars, which I can supplement with an additional 3 years. That’s my plan, so I expect any Active Ride breakdowns would be covered by the warranty, right? That would offer some peace of mind. I plan to keep the car for at least 5 years.

@A.Mayor :
I’m very tempted! Do you know where I can find more documentation on the actual height difference? I found information on the normal air suspension modes and their corresponding height differences, but I’m curious about how much more the Active Ride would raise the vehicle compared to the Lift Mode on the base air suspension. It could make a significant difference in the ease of getting in, even though it would still be lower than an SUV (But maybe closer to the height of my 5 series?).

@OzzieT :
Thank you for your reaction! What do you mean exactly with:

on board tech and some of the finer things will disappoint you

Can you give me an example?

 

[Perry]

Active Ride easy entry is quite different from lift mode. Lift can somewhat be used for this purpose, but it isn’t really designed for it.

Most obvious, it’s much faster. Lift will take several seconds to reach full height while Active Ride is effectively instant. It also activates automatically the moment you open a door, rather than having to be activated manually like with lift (it can be set to a location, however).

 

[BigBob]

I can't help on the active ride type questions. My one thought was you should consider getting the 4S with fewer options rather than a fully loaded RWD to bring the costs closer together. Depreciation on these things is murderous right now and you'll get doubly murdered on options.

I realise you're not buying as an investment, but with hindsight (and a market that now has a lot of used cars) I'd buy a nearly new one - and get them to throw a long warranty in.

The 4S is quicker too!

 

[BullitX]

Active Ride easy entry is quite different from lift mode. Lift can somewhat be used for this purpose, but it isn’t really designed for it.

Most obvious, it’s much faster. Lift will take several seconds to reach full height while Active Ride is effectively instant. It also activates automatically the moment you open a door, rather than having to be activated manually like with lift (it can be set to a location, however).

Thank you for your reply! I wonder in what way the easy entry is different, besides the quick raise. I don't mind to wait a few seconds with Lift mode but is the PAR easy entry, higher than the height of Lift mode?

 

[BullitX]

I can't help on the active ride type questions. My one thought was you should consider getting the 4S with fewer options rather than a fully loaded RWD to bring the costs closer together. Depreciation on these things is murderous right now and you'll get doubly murdered on options.

I realise you're not buying as an investment, but with hindsight (and a market that now has a lot of used cars) I'd buy a nearly new one - and get them to throw a long warranty in.

The 4S is quicker too!

Thanks! You are right, they are not investments. I am fully aware of their depreciation. However, is it a safe assumption that the new Taycan could depreciate less quickly due to advancements in its charging, battery, and engine technology compared to its predecessor? Also, do you think a 4S would retain its value better than the RWD?

 

[BigBob]

Thanks! You are right, they are not investments. I am fully aware of their depreciation. However, is it a safe assumption that the new Taycan could depreciate less quickly due to advancements in its charging, battery, and engine technology compared to its predecessor? Also, do you think a 4S would retain its value better than the RWD?

I think the general consensus in most cars is highly specced 'lower' models depreciate faster than minimally specced 'higher' models. So i guess the 4S in those circumstances would fair a little better (percentage terms). How much - no idea!

Not sure if there are many face lift models in the secondary market, but i suspect there probably are, so technology between nearly new 4S and new RWD or 4S should be comparable. But certainly i think range is a valuable thing to have if not.

 

[Perry]

Thank you for your reply! I wonder in what way the easy entry is different, besides the quick raise. I don't mind to wait a few seconds with Lift mode but is the PAR easy entry, higher than the height of Lift mode?

I don’t think it raises the car any higher than lift mode, but I’ll have to check. Either way, it’s still a pretty low car even when lifted.

Like I mentioned, the only way to activate lift mode is from inside the car. Thus, it can technically be used to help passengers get into the car, but it won’t be very helpful for the driver.

You can of course make sure to always lift the car before exiting, but spontaneously that sounds very cumbersome to me. At some point I would start to question whether a Macan would be a better fit.

 

[BullitX]

I think the general consensus in most cars is highly specced 'lower' models depreciate faster than minimally specced 'higher' models. So i guess the 4S in those circumstances would fair a little better (percentage terms). How much - no idea!

Not sure if there are many face lift models in the secondary market, but i suspect there probably are, so technology between nearly new 4S and new RWD or 4S should be comparable. But certainly i think range is a valuable thing to have if not.

Yes, the range and charging speeds are a big plus for me. The range on the previous model is actually insufficient; it won’t (or barely) make the round trip from my home to my client.

 

[BullitX]

I don’t think it raises the car any higher than lift mode, but I’ll have to check. Either way, it’s still a pretty low car even when lifted.

Like I mentioned, the only way to activate lift mode is from inside the car. Thus, it can technically be used to help passengers get into the car, but it won’t be very helpful for the driver.

You can of course make sure to always lift the car before exiting, but spontaneously that sounds very cumbersome to me. At some point I would start to question whether a Macan would be a better fit.

If you could check the height, that would be great! Considering my father will be a passenger most of the time and it takes him a while to walk to the car, I will have plenty of time to get in, lift the car, and start the climate control before he gets in. The quick raising isn’t a significant benefit in my case, but the actual height is more important.

Additionally, my dad could preset a dedicated seat memory position that makes it easier for him to get out, for example, a more forward and higher position. I understand it will still be a low car, which isn’t an issue for me, but making it easier for my father would be a bonus. Of course, the ride comfort with Active Ride is also important.

 

[Johan Meert]

Lift mode gives you +20mm.
Active ride easy entry gives you +55mm

Sponsored