Base Spec Musts (UK)

[4sCT21]

Hi all.

I used to frequent here alot when I was planning a gen 1 purchase, but ultimately I cancelled my order. I essentially chickened out, as it was alot of money, for something that ultimately didn't have the range I needed.

With the change in battery tech / size, the base model now has the range I need (i believe) circa 290-300 motorway miles, year round (UK) with the performance plus battery.

Unfortunately prices have sky rocketed, especially through the salary sacrifice company my work use.

Recently I lost a very good friend and other friends are battling cancer and other issues (only in their 40's). Lifes short and I want a Porsche. Financially it's a terrible move, but I have a porsche shaped itch.

This would be a lease signed with my heart, rather than my head.

Im considering both the Taycan and Macan, with the latter working out considerably cheaper, with lots of boxes ticked.

I will finally test drive a Taycan, followed by a Macan for direct comparison.

The Macan spec i can go big, but the Taycan, I'd be having to spec wisely.

I purchased a 19 plate C63 in March of this year (which i love) and im in no rush to change, ideally delivery 12-18 months from now.

So spec.

My musts.

Plus battery
Adaptive cruise
Surround parking cam
Rear passenger air bags
Heated seats front and rear
Rear axle steer
Heated steering wheel

I know everyone says get Bose, so thats a possibility.

Interior, someone mentioned the base leather is better now vs previous gen? I dont want it to feel cheap, but extended leather is probably not doable. Is the racetex interior a better option for all round cabin feel?

I need to maximise range, so want the 19's, but both designs are... well. I don't really want to pay extra for wheels I don't like!

Colour, again happy to go base if I can utilise on spec instead.

I need to really stay sub 100k if at all possible, but might be able to sneak above.

Sorry for the long message!!

Cheers

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[SergeyIndy]

You are on the right track with your must haves and while you held out on the gen 1 the refresh model offers more value for what you are looking for and now includes air suspension as standard, more range with bigger batteries, and efficiency in drive and charging speed in lower temps in particular. You can only decide on Standard vs. Leather interior by looking at them side by side, but I do not think you will be happy with the Standard interior. Also, you may not need to spend on a bigger battery for a base spec given it is equivalent of a plus battery from the previous gen.

Please post your build code, so we can provide more feedback if you like.

 

[4sCT21]

You are on the right track with your must haves and while you held out on the gen 1 the refresh model offers more value for what you are looking for and now includes air suspension as standard, more range with bigger batteries, and efficiency in drive and charging speed in lower temps in particular. You can only decide on Standard vs. Leather interior by looking at them side by side, but I do not think you will be happy with the Standard interior. Also, you may not need to spend on a bigger battery for a base spec given it is equivalent of a plus battery from the previous gen.

Please post your build code, so we can provide more feedback if you like.

Thanks ?

I've just watched one of my go to YouTube channels for reviews and Thomas was driving a base with racetex seats etc and it seemed to have nice soft touch plastics on the dash etc

For me, I'd 100% regret not going for the plus battery. My commute is 270 (mainly motorway) miles and the bigger battery would allow me to do it without stopping to charge (i think).

I've sat in the new Macan, very impressed. My spec list would be HUUUUUGE ?

But I've wanted a Taycan since I saw the first press release pics.

 

[4sCT21]

Oh boy the black and bordeaux extended leather with bordeaux belts ?

 

[4sCT21]

Equally black race tex, with pepita and bordeaux belts gives GTS vibes and looks great.

 

[Grim]

My first CT4S had base leather and the car was still very special. I wouldn’t be surprised if it wore better than the smooth leather which feels a bit more fragile in comparison and shows up more damage with use.

The first car also had base stereo. Not really sure the Bose is much better and worth it if looking to save some £.

I would spend the £ on a 20in set of wheels otherwise you’ll regret it every time you look at the car. The 20s are more understated / more sophisticated in terms of looks and I think are less noisy than the 21s I now have. They’re also not very expensive.

I would also say that rear axle steering is not essential. Yes it will make manoeuvring slightly easier but again the car drives well enough without it and for me coming from an old school Defender it felt like the car turned on the spot.

I did consider the Macan as a replacement before getting the second CT4S and while the car looks nice the Taycan is that much more special.

 

[4sCT21]

My first CT4S had base leather and the car was still very special. I wouldn’t be surprised if it wore better than the smooth leather which feels a bit more fragile in comparison and shows up more damage with use.

The first car also had base stereo. Not really sure the Bose is much better and worth it if looking to save some £.

I would spend the £ on a 20in set of wheels otherwise you’ll regret it every time you look at the car. The 20s are more understated / more sophisticated in terms of looks and I think are less noisy than the 21s I now have. They’re also not very expensive.

I would also say that rear axle steering is not essential. Yes it will make manoeuvring slightly easier but again the car drives well enough without it and for me coming from an old school Defender it felt like the car turned on the spot.

I did consider the Macan as a replacement before getting the second CT4S and while the car looks nice the Taycan is that much more special.

I've essentially accepted ill have to upgrade to 20" wheels. Carwow got 360+ on those wheels, so it will be fine.

Given on a lease I can't put on aftermarkets or modify the standard ones, I just have to suck up the cost.

The carpark at work is tight, so rear steer might help there I'm thinking.

Been warned off the pan roof, which was a must for me before.

 

[4sCT21]

Definitely warming to the racetex seats. Should be warm in winter and cooler in summer I guess.

 

[bn8959]

I wouldn’t necessarily be put off the glass roof. Makes a big difference to the lightness of the cabin. Cracks would generally be covered by warranty or insurance. Bear in mind that forums don’t fairly represent the failure rates. Having said that, mine did crack - but all replaced under warranty with no issues.

 

[W1NGE]

Thanks ?

I've just watched one of my go to YouTube channels for reviews and Thomas was driving a base with racetex seats etc and it seemed to have nice soft touch plastics on the dash etc

For me, I'd 100% regret not going for the plus battery. My commute is 270 (mainly motorway) miles and the bigger battery would allow me to do it without stopping to charge (i think).

I've sat in the new Macan, very impressed. My spec list would be HUUUUUGE ?

But I've wanted a Taycan since I saw the first press release pics.

Range in winter takes a hefty hit remember.

You will need to charge at least once on that commute.

WLTP range is lab based and not close to real life.

 

[4sCT21]

I wouldn’t necessarily be put off the glass roof. Makes a big difference to the lightness of the cabin. Cracks would generally be covered by warranty or insurance. Bear in mind that forums don’t fairly represent the failure rates. Having said that, mine did crack - but all replaced under warranty with no issues.

My friend has a Turbo S and he says his cars always cold, so he wouldn't spec again.

My work deal includes insurance, maintenance, tyres etc circa £1450 net based on 4 years 15k miles.

For me personally, that represents alot of money, so I've got to spec it right, or indeed go for the Macan for considerably less (and wish I'd bought Taycan ?)

Its alot more expensive than the gen 1 was. A mixture of depreciation and price increases i guess.

 

[4sCT21]

Range in winter takes a hefty hit remember.

You will need to charge at least once on that commute.

WLTP range is lab based and not close to real life.

Looks like 360-370 motorway in ok weather (though it was horrible for carwow) given 2 youtube tests. Allowing for 20% reduction, i should still be not far off.

Carwow didn't even have it in range mode.

 

[Dabz]

I won’t get involved in the spec discussion as there have been enough great replies already. What I would say is that you’re doing the right thing. You only live once, and it seems like you have had some heartache close to home recently. I love my Taycan and it makes me happy every single time I walk up to it, drive it, wash it, sit in it. You won’t (and shouldn’t) regret treating yourself

 

[4sCT21]

I won’t get involved in the spec discussion as there have been enough great replies already. What I would say is that you’re doing the right thing. You only live once, and it seems like you have had some heartache close to home recently. I love my Taycan and it makes me happy every single time I walk up to it, drive it, wash it, sit in it. You won’t (and shouldn’t) regret treating yourself

Thank you. Love that you feel that way about yours.

I treated myself to the C63 and its cracking, feels weird planning for it's successor after such a short time, but a porsche order will take 6 months or so (for me).

 

[4sCT21]

To clarify, it's 270 miles return total and I can charge at home.

Apologies if that wasn't clear.

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