About to order. Too Many options, looking for advice

[RainGuy]

I am transitioning from an 2013 Tesla Model S P85+.. I have built this spec out and reviewed and adjusted with my sales advisor. https://configurator.porsche.com/porsche-code/PSBJIZT6 Anyone care to take a look and give me some advice on what i might be missing out on or things i shouldn't bother with?

Sponsored

 

[Tooney]

Very nice spec.
Consider:
Porsche crest on front headrests.

2+1 back seats. Provides cushion across entire back seat instead of plastic divider in center of seat.

Compare what you get with the HD-Matrix headlight option for $1700 to the standard Matrix Headlight. Full LED matrix - individually operated 32,000 LEDs - is not available in US. I believe all the HD matrix option gives you in US is "four-point" look and the animation for greeting & goodbye.

 

[RainGuy]

Very nice spec.
Consider:
Porsche crest on front headrests.

2+1 back seats. Provides cushion across entire back seat instead of plastic divider in center of seat.

Compare what you get with the HD-Matrix headlight option for $1700 to the standard Matrix Headlight. Full LED matrix - individually operated 32,000 LEDs - is not available in US. I believe all the HD matrix option gives you in US is "four-point" look and the animation for greeting & goodbye.

Was on the fence about the crest...

For the lights. this is what it says on the build out and aligns with what sales rep mentioned when i asked about it. "Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS) Auto-high beams, Static cornering lights, 4-point appearance with low beam and high beam, Extension Leaving Home/Coming Home animation for greeting and goodbye with typical Porsche 4-points as wall animation" - The auto high beams are a nice touch on my other car as well as the corner lights and low beam high beam.... Feels impactful and i live in a modest to no street light area so felt this could be a plus for me.

As for the seats. interesting. i thought the 2 seats would be better than 2 + 1. Are you saying that the 2 seats are the same size as the 2 + 1 seats except now it extends the cushioning across that middle space? I thought seats might be a tad roomier. Is there still a fold down arm rest in the middle should passengers desire?

 

[Murph7355]

Seats are the same other than a cushion instead of a plastic tray, and an extra seatbelt.

 

[Tooney]

For the lights. this is what it says on the build out and aligns with what sales rep mentioned when i asked about it. "Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS) Auto-high beams, Static cornering lights, 4-point appearance with low beam and high beam, Extension Leaving Home/Coming Home animation for greeting and goodbye with typical Porsche 4-points as wall animation" - The auto high beams are a nice touch on my other car as well as the corner lights and low beam high beam.... Feels impactful and i live in a modest to no street light area so felt this could be a plus for me.

I believe - but am not sure - the standard matrix lights have PDLS, auto-high beams, and cornering lights. If I were buying now, I would get a definitive answer on this (not just verbal comment from sales rep). The description of the standard headlight is sketchy.

As to seats, I believe - but am not certain - that the 2 back seats are same width no matter whether you get 2 only, or 2+1. Sit in back seats of both types to check for yourself.
The 2 seats only has plastic between seats. Even if you only plan to have 1 or 2 people in back seat, my opinion is 2 + 1 is better, and well worth $480.

 

[Tooney]

Earlier forum thread asking about difference between standard matrix headlights and HD matrix headlights: https://www.taycanforum.com/forum/t...5-taycan-headlight-options.18825/#post-289634
Be aware that matrix headlight functions allowed in US are different than those permitted in many other countries.

 

[VONRichie]

Personally I’d put nicer wheels on, and the 18 way seats.

 

[SergeyIndy]

My feedback after looking at the spec:

Options already selected:

- Standard vs. HD lights: I agree with others that Standard light functionality description is very vague so your sales rep should be able to dig deeper into it to give you full functionality of the Standard Matrix vs. HD Matrix. For example, before there was Basic lights with static cornering, then PDLS that would have dynamic cornering, and PDLS+ would add Auto High Beam. Now, it is not clear at all. Also, remember that HD lights per my dealer are like $15k to replace if you ever have to do that out of warranty and the functionality that they are built for is not enabled in the US. Specifically, no Matrix functionality is enabled in the US and HD Matrix functions go beyond that, but none have any benefit since these functions are disabled.

- Rear Seats Config: This is a matter of preference. I like the 2+2 for symmetry and sporty look since no one can really sit in the middle comfortably.

Options not selected:

- PSCB brakes: Expensive option for sure but no brake dust even though brakes are not used much.

- Rear Axle Steering: I consider this a must for a long car like Taycan. Since you already selected Sports Chrono and PTV+, one of the Packages adds Rear Axle Steering and makes it more cost effective in a package than stand alone.

- Standard Air Suspension: I understand that Active Ride is all that but revised Air Suspension may be a better choice for a 4S and have more natural driving feel, fewer components to break, and they are still tuning the software for the Active Ride endlessly as it appears, since it is totally new with so many parameters to get it just right.

One more...for you @RainGuy

- 4-way Climate: Recent discussion pointed out some limited functionality of the standard 2-way that resulted in regret not going for the 4-way climate. I would find out what the differences are and make an informed decision not to option 4-way.

Please repost the code as you make adjustments with rationale for the choices.
I am glad you are posting for review to the forum. Many did not and now regret their 2025 builds.

 

[BjörnfromHamburg]

You come from a Model S. I had one, too. As all Teslas, the turning circle is tractor-like.
I really enjoy the agility of my Taycan with rear-axle steering.
Would opt for that extra anytime again!

 

[Watchesandburgers]

I upgraded from a Model S as well. Here are my suggestions:
* Upgraded wheels make the car look much nicer. 21” RS Spyder design are my personal favorites.
* I prefer the leather seats, but that’s obv personal preference.
* I have the 2 rear seats and don’t need the 2+1 rear seats. Besides, only small children (or even smaller adults) would fit.
* Premium package is a must have.
* Also personal pref, but I’d remove the “electric” logo from the side.
* TRADE Active Ride for Rear Axle Steering. Rear Axle Steering is another must have for the Taycan. The difference between Model S and Taycan with RAS is night and day.
* PSCB (surface coated brakes) is a nice-to-have, and you’re spending $900 on the gloss black calipers already.…

For a 4S, removing Active Ride offsets all of the suggested additions (leather seats, rear axle steering, door puddle lights, etc.). It’s not my money, just my opinion.

 

[BjörnfromHamburg]

Yes: I had the "electric" on the doors, but had them removed. It looks "cleaner" and the panel is easier to keep clean.

 

[Ackson48]

I'm a big fan of rear wheel steering - driving cars back to back with and without, the difference is very noticeable. A car feels more planted and stable in high speed maneuvers and has a shorter turn circle at low speeds. Worth all the money.

 

[jonjon808]

So if the objective is to save money, not just what is nice to have. My choice of things to cut (bearing in mind I drive in the UK, so take everything I say loosely ):

- Oak Green looks amazing, but other colours are good too, and half the price. You only really look at the colour when you walk up (and look over your should of course as you walk away).
- Colour when caps. Small saving, but will add up
- Massage seats. I have 18-way sports and have driven 750 miles in a day and didn't pine for massage
- Premium Package. ACC, HUD, Soft close doors all a waste. pick the other options if you can individually.
- Model designation is black. Same as wheel caps in my view. I deleted it all together and feel is looks cleaner
- Porsche light strip. Easy $1450 saved for something you will never ever see.
- Innodrive. As with ACC, for me, this is a car to drive yourself, not have cameras/computers do it.
- Active Ride. Nobody ever felt that the air suspension system was crap in gen 1, so another one of the chop, if you are looking to save. Swap in rear axle steer, then with the PTV as well you'll have a very very nice handling Taycan.

I can't speak for your financial rationale, or what you really want in a car. $40k options gives you room to cut things and still have an amazing car to drive. I reckon my harsh list could save you maybe $17k, and you won't have a $17k worse car for it.

here endeth the sermon

 

[RacingDuck]

2+1 seats give the ability to fold down the middle piece alone to fit through long stuff.
That's the main reason I chose it. Not sure if that's different for US spec.

I personally find ACC to be very good for long rides when you're stuck in traffic, makes it much more relaxed than having to adjust endlessly on your own.

 

[D00notD00d]

Was on the fence about the crest...

Personally I don’t think paying for more Porsche badges is worth it. Everyone knows it’s a Porsche.

Sponsored