CT 4 or CT 4S

[Chas1]

Considering changing to a Gen 2 Taycan and switching from a ST to a CT 4 or CT 4S. My thoughts are that as our rough country roads are akin to tracks in the UK these days means I would often be much more comfortable with a CT with extra ride height. Is there really much advantage to the CT4S? Also my current is blessed with RAS which I think is great but is it really such an advantage?
Any thoughts would be appreciated.

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[JohnPM]

Having gone from gen 1 CT4 w/o RWS to gen 2 CT4S with RWS I think the RWS is a big plus, feels much more nimble and the reduced turning circle is helpful. Assuming you are looking at S/H you'll probably find 4S tends to have more options, better chance of finding RWS on a 4S. The HD matrix headlamps are great if you can find those. Range likely to be a bit better on the CT 4 though.

 

[Chas1]

Having gone from gen 1 CT4 w/o RWS to gen 2 CT4S with RWS I think the RWS is a big plus, feels much more nimble and the reduced turning circle is helpful. Assuming you are looking at S/H you'll probably find 4S tends to have more options, better chance of finding RWS on a 4S. The HD matrix headlamps are great if you can find those. Range likely to be a bit better on the CT 4 though.

Having gone from gen 1 CT4 w/o RWS to gen 2 CT4S with RWS I think the RWS is a big plus, feels much more nimble and the reduced turning circle is helpful. Assuming you are looking at S/H you'll probably find 4S tends to have more options, better chance of finding RWS on a 4S. The HD matrix headlamps are great if you can find those. Range likely to be a bit better on the CT 4 though.

That confirms my suspicions re RAS and I’m keen to get that again. I’m surprised it’s not more often specified vs all the other gimmicky items. I am looking at next to new ex demo Taycans. Range isn’t too important but a friend of mine has a CT4S and without being too careful gets 320 miles in winter but that’s a fair amount of city driving.

 

[f1eng]

I went for the CT because of the extra wheel travel since it will have better ride in extremis but I haven't actually driven a non-CT on the appalling roads here. My CT4S has superb ride, it is the first thing I noticed.
Since I got mine over 2 years ago I have had 2 Taycan CT loan cars, the first was a CT4S like mine but without the chassis upgrades (I specced PDCC, torque vectoring and rear wheel steer) and it handled less well than mine by a bigger margin than I expected.
The second was a j1.2 CT4 and I was surprised to actually notice a difference in power. The ride was good but it was cold and on summer tyres, ironically my car with winter tyres went in when the weather got coldest, so I didn't push the handling.

 

[Speuk]

I went the other way fron gen 1 4S CT to Gen 2 4S ST both without RWS. Range is a great improvement. I've been getting between 280 and 310 miles since the end over November, mainly motorway driving. I bought a 2 month old 74 plate ex demo with 880 miles and £36k off new price. There should be some good deals on 25 plate cars in the next couple of months

 

[warnergb7]

I have the gen 2 CT4S and love it. Has RAS and the cornering and parking is great. We test drove a CT4 but several months before I finally took delivery and I think the 4S has a noticeable power improvement. But as I live in London there are times I wonder what the point is. The CT4 still felt very quick and sub 5s acceleration is still pretty rapid. But the 4S is something else when you do finally get chance to use it. Have been away for the weekend and had the chance to drive on some country roads and A roads with roundabouts and 60 limits and it’s just fantastic to drive.

I think you’d be very happy with either is the short answer. Obviously the 4S is faster but the 4 is no slouch.

I got mine new from dealer stock. List was £127k, I got it for £103k.

 

[W1NGE]

Considering changing to a Gen 2 Taycan and switching from a ST to a CT 4 or CT 4S. My thoughts are that as our rough country roads are akin to tracks in the UK these days means I would often be much more comfortable with a CT with extra ride height. Is there really much advantage to the CT4S? Also my current is blessed with RAS which I think is great but is it really such an advantage?
Any thoughts would be appreciated.

I would stick with the ST personally as I can't abide the plastic trim. I also don't think that the additional 20mm ride height is that material.

How much power do you need - 4S is now the same power as the outgoing GTS and possibly the 4 is the same as the original 4S? Arguably the 4 is more than adequate.

RAS for me has gone from a must have to desirable but PTV might be the priority. If budget no issue then PAR, RAS and PTV please!

 

[Crazymind]

In terms of look I think the ST is a cracking car.
Depending on use the added 20mm makes the difference. Mine is a family car, lots of school running nursery. The Ct is a long car, often kerbs are protruding too much and the lower ST would catch the lower front splitter. It’s a more active car life with kids and sometime we visit animals at the farm. Extra height is welcome. Gravel mode also exceptional when driving unpaved roads and the plastic clattering repairs the body from stones and from people parking and smashing their doors into my car…
If I had no family I would pick the ST.

 

[f1eng]

I would stick with the ST personally as I can't abide the plastic trim. I also don't think that the additional 20mm ride height is that material.

I dislike the plastic wheelarch trims too, some people remove it, but the extra 15mm of bump travel will be better on poor surfaces, basic chassis engineering.

I also appreciate not needing to raise the car for speed bumps, so that is a material difference.

The biggest gain in looks though is that the 21" Cross Turismo wheels are by FAR the best looking wheels available on a Taycan.

 

[Chas1]

In terms of look I think the ST is a cracking car.
Depending on use the added 20mm makes the difference. Mine is a family car, lots of school running nursery. The Ct is a long car, often kerbs are protruding too much and the lower ST would catch the lower front splitter. It’s a more active car life with kids and sometime we visit animals at the farm. Extra height is welcome. Gravel mode also exceptional when driving unpaved roads and the plastic clattering repairs the body from stones and from people parking and smashing their doors into my car…
If I had no family I would pick the ST.

Great points and I’m often lugging stuff around and driving down farm tracks or dodgy country lanes and find myself tip toeing into rutted passing places wondering if I’m going to whack the underside. 20mm plus gravel mode would be welcome and I agree that the ST is the better looking car but the CT is still a pretty car. Many like the cross over look of the CT and it’s the ultimate multi purpose wagon albeit a pricey one. Just a question of whether I prefer looks over a marginally more practical car. Maybe the CT4S with the acceleration of an old school 911 turbo is a good blend of practicality and outrageous performance?

 

[Pete85]

How much power do you need - 4S is now the same power as the outgoing GTS and possibly the 4 is the same as the original 4S? Arguably the 4 is more than adequate.

The new 4 is nowhere near the old 4S in power. Just had one as a loaner and the power deficit is remarkable. I am not saying it would be enough for many.

 

[M3Compact]

I'm a new member with very little Taycan experience, but FWIW, I find the RWS on my J1 CT 4S a godsend, when manoeuvring around the snaking reverse into its garage.
The turning circle is staggering for such a long car.?

I'm reasonably used to driving cars with decent performance; the CT 4S isn't a slouch and it certainly packs a decent instant punch, but it doesn't blow me away above 50 MPH.

Obviously the 2025 CT 4S will have more grunt than my MY23 and the newer CT 4 will have more than the earlier CT 4; I really think I'd feel disappointed with my car, if it had any less.

 

[Crazymind]

Acceleration and pure power to me are not the most impressive quality of the CT! I am used to fast acceleration, motorbikes, Go Kart, Catheram, Lotus, and my V8 Maserati.
It’s the blend of sport and speed available with no drama. The effortless acceleration with a quarter of the pedal, when BMW drivers think I am racing them at the light. I am not, I am just moving forward at 1/4 of the power reserve.
It’s also impressive how it moves around corners and despite the heavy weight she can take a little bit of abuse without giving up.
I am also an off-roader enthusiast, loving to throw my Defender in mud and snow.
This made me appreciate the incredible traction abilities of the CT, when in gravel mode it does act like a G wagon with 3 diff locked. On an Incline, with icy surface and compacted snow none of the wheels even tried to skid ( snow tyres on). One wheel on tarmac and 3 on ice, no hesitation to move forward and even on ice will surprise you! However in this case the weight is a real limit…

 

[Chas1]

Acceleration and pure power to me are not the most impressive quality of the CT! I am used to fast acceleration, motorbikes, Go Kart, Catheram, Lotus, and my V8 Maserati.
It’s the blend of sport and speed available with no drama. The effortless acceleration with a quarter of the pedal, when BMW drivers think I am racing them at the light. I am not, I am just moving forward at 1/4 of the power reserve.
It’s also impressive how it moves around corners and despite the heavy weight she can take a little bit of abuse without giving up.
I am also an off-roader enthusiast, loving to throw my Defender in mud and snow.
This made me appreciate the incredible traction abilities of the CT, when in gravel mode it does act like a G wagon with 3 diff locked. On an Incline, with icy surface and compacted snow none of the wheels even tried to skid ( snow tyres on). One wheel on tarmac and 3 on ice, no hesitation to move forward and even on ice will surprise you! However in this case the weight is a real limit…

Just great to know, visiting Eastern Europe this definitely a plus, thanks.

 

[Chas1]

Acceleration and pure power to me are not the most impressive quality of the CT! I am used to fast acceleration, motorbikes, Go Kart, Catheram, Lotus, and my V8 Maserati.
It’s the blend of sport and speed available with no drama. The effortless acceleration with a quarter of the pedal, when BMW drivers think I am racing them at the light. I am not, I am just moving forward at 1/4 of the power reserve.
It’s also impressive how it moves around corners and despite the heavy weight she can take a little bit of abuse without giving up.
I am also an off-roader enthusiast, loving to throw my Defender in mud and snow.
This made me appreciate the incredible traction abilities of the CT, when in gravel mode it does act like a G wagon with 3 diff locked. On an Incline, with icy surface and compacted snow none of the wheels even tried to skid ( snow tyres on). One wheel on tarmac and 3 on ice, no hesitation to move forward and even on ice will surprise you! However in this case the weight is a real limit…

Ok thank you to the forum for helping me with the decision making process. I’m happy with my initial thoughts to go with a CT (despite the ST being sexy looking car) and with the devil on my shoulder a 4S ! Thanks to all.

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