New owner questions….

[elricardo74]

Hello everyone,

For clarity, I don’t own a Taycan yet. I’m currently using a Tesla Model S as it supercharges for free and I commute a fair distance.

A few things I like about the Tesla is the over the air software updates, ability to tailor charging speed/rate at home and the intuitive touch screen/tech. Mine has also been extremely reliable and covered 165k miles without any major issues.

The Tesla app is also very useful for preheating/coolong, scheduling and managing charging and booking service.

I’m not suggesting the Model S competes dynamically, but as an owner how does it stack up against this stuff? I’m asking as I retire soon and the Taycan may well be my retirement gift to myself. I just want to know how flexible and seamless the car is to live with.

In anticipation

Rich

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[hifi239]

"over the air software updates" in theory yes, but major updates have required bringing the car to the dealer

"charging speed/rate at home" that would be more a function of the EVSE. On Level 2, the car will charge as fast as the EVSE provides.

"intuitive touch screen/tech" Taycan has beautiful, vehicle-rated OLED screens. Porsche solves alot with CarPlay. Porsche/VW are not known for awesome UI, but it works. Stuff you need to do while driving, like turn on the wipers, brights, etc are at least virtual switches and real stalks. There is a real gear selector. You cannot play video games on the Porsche PCM and use the steering wheel to control a go-kart. You cannot make fart sounds on external speakers. The Tesla UI is better, however, for many things that you might want that aren't real-time critical for driving.

"165k miles" that's great! original battery? Nobody knows yet for Porsche. I haven't seen what supplier the 2025 Taycan battery comes from. The Macan EV is now CATL.

"preheating/cooling" yes, takes a minute to figure out, but all that is there in the app and in-car PCM.

"scheduling and managing charging and booking service" you can book on line, but you can also call and talk to a real person! Porsche are concierge dealers and you should get much better service treatment (if parts are available!). My understanding is that Tesla service has some issues.

You didn't ask about Autopilot/FSD. For long highway drives, the Tesla is probably better on autopilot than the Taycan Innodrive. But I don't know for sure. Not at all talking about FSD here and not going there.

Porsche has blended braking with coast, not single-pedal driving. Both are good. Single-pedal is better for stop-and-go city driving. Porsche blended braking is better for spirited driving on curvy roads or highway.

The Taycan sedan has limited headroom / legroom in the back. Not good for four full-sized males going golfing, for example.

The 2025 Taycan is better in every way, I'm told (except mixed feelings about the facelift).

 

[4thPcar]

It's interesting because none of these were considerations for me when sizing up the Taycan. We have a Model 3 already, but for me it's the driving experience that mattered most. We charge each car in our garage overnight so the issues around charging are largely irrelevant to us. And other tech (like the touch screen) don't influence the driving experience either.

Tesla has an edge over Porsche in the areas that matter most to you. But having driven cars from both brands, I can validate Porsche's commitment to focus on the driving experience rather than the charging experience, and I'm glad they did.

 

[Watchesandburgers]

I upgraded from a 2013 Tesla Model S to a 2022 Taycan GTS in February. Here are my thoughts and comments on the transition.
* Charging - I, admittedly, do not have a long commute, so I charge almost exclusively at home. I have free Supercharging on the Tesla, but never really used it. Similarly with the free Electrify America sessions with the Porsche. It looks like the EA network is less-good compared to Tesla, but Porsche has signed on to the NACS standard, so charging at Tesla stations with an adapter is coming soon. WRT home charging, I purchased a Level II charger for the Porsche and it charges at a full 40 amps, which equates to about 30 minutes/hr. This is the same as full charge with the Tesla mobile connector. Oh, and configuring charge times for overnight lower rates - that's available in the Porsche too. No problem.
- Verdict: Tie (using home charging)

* Software - This was a bigger transition for me. I really enjoyed Tesla's software and the frequent updates made it fresh over time. I had no care/use for fart-mode, but other features like geo-location HomeLink and such was nice to get after purchase. With the Taycan, updates are near-zero. There's been one UI update since the early 2020 cars (color icons, other changes), but nothing I've seen in my short ownership experience. I've heard that major updates are done at service centers. The down side to this is that there's no way to request features for Porsche to implement. Walk-away-door-lock, for example... I'd love to see it, but have no way to suggest it to Porsche, nor do I think they'd listen. In short (say this in a German accent), "This is zee car. Like it or not."
- Verdict: Tesla (but you get used to it)

* Service - Scheduling service via the Tesla app was convenient. My Porsche dealership has an online scheduling portal. And service has been top-notch so far (had to get some recalls addressed after purchasing pre-owned). The service center is very nice, has way more snacks than Tesla.
- Verdict: Porsche

* Overall - This is obviously a different car than the Model S. The Porsche sacrifices rear seat space (still fits two adults, but barely), but the dynamic driving experience is WORLDS BETTER. The Taycan is just a better overall driver's car compared to the Model S. It's not just about straight-line speed. The Taycan feels much more solid in every way, and handling is literally on another level. For the UI, I basically switched to Apple CarPlay, which provides top-quality maps and the same basic music options with Apple Music ("Siri, play rock music..."). There are some areas where the Tesla software is better, but I've gotten used to the Taycan. Also, it took a short while to get used to NOT having one-pedal driving. I miss it, as the Taycan only allows a small bit of off-pedal regen (and you have to click a button to enable it every time).
- Verdict: Taycan BY FAR

Congratulations on your retirement. The Taycan is a GREAT gift. It's every bit a EV version of a 911. And with back seats and more storage! I suggest considering the 4S as your starting point as the base model isn't fast enough, IMO. And get all the options you think you like. They're plentiful and $$$, but some of the splurge items are pretty cool.

 

[elricardo74]

Guys, thank you so much for the replies. This is exactly what I wanted to hear. It summarizes roughly what I thought having skimmed other fora.

I guess I’m just a little nervous as I’m so used to the model S now, and was worried I’d find the cross over to Porsche tech to be either jarring or clunky.

I have say im looking forward to a more dynamic driving package, as I went from an F10 BMW M5 to the Tesla, and the difference was huge. The S turned me into a bit of a motorway cruiser, with adaptive cruise and autopilot.

I look forward to getting back to really enjoying driving rather than basic mile munching…!!

Thanks again for the info.

Last question, do Porsche charge for those dealer visits for software updates? Tesla over the air stuff is always free…

Re Tesla battery longevity. Yes, it’s covered 165k miles and the battery has degraded by about 12/13% but still has a RW range of 200mls from the 85kw battery.

 

[agility65]

I’m one month in from ending my Tesla beta testing program of over 10 years. Every time I get frustrated about the lack of SW tech in the Taycan, I fell better once I get behind the wheel. If you are unsure, do not take one for a test drive…

I miss a bunch of stuff but maybe adaptive cruise control and setting cruise control to 7MPH over when driving in speed traps are the most missed.

 

[LongLive959]

I’ve had my Taycan for about 3,000km now (came from a 2014 Model S). Had to YouTube how to set up charging profiles the way I wanted them. Yes, not as easy as Tesla….but a 3min YouTube video isn’t difficult either.

Scheduling service is better/worse. I’ve been trying to get a dashcam installed….one dealer is difficult to get in touch (service never seems to be by the phone and hasn’t responded to vm), while the S.A. I purchased from was easy to connect with, albeit much further away. That being said, one of the reasons I got frustrated with Tesla was constantly being redirected to the app for service, which often lacks context for complicated issues (like when my battery was failing).

the car itself is fantastic! I was nervous to leave the giant iPad in my Tesla…I really liked having the rear view camera and my map displayed at the same time while driving. But carplay works well. Other than the terrrrrrrible back up camera, the car is amazing. Go for a test drive and don’t look back!

 

[gtm]

Hello everyone,

For clarity, I don’t own a Taycan yet. I’m currently using a Tesla Model S as it supercharges for free and I commute a fair distance.

A few things I like about the Tesla is the over the air software updates, ability to tailor charging speed/rate at home and the intuitive touch screen/tech. Mine has also been extremely reliable and covered 165k miles without any major issues.

The Tesla app is also very useful for preheating/coolong, scheduling and managing charging and booking service.

I’m not suggesting the Model S competes dynamically, but as an owner how does it stack up against this stuff? I’m asking as I retire soon and the Taycan may well be my retirement gift to myself. I just want to know how flexible and seamless the car is to live with.

In anticipation

Rich

For cars that are very similar in major ways the differences in driving and living with them is vast. 4 doors, 4WD, BEV, 5,000 lbs, nearly identical exterior dimensions. I had a 2020 Model S Performance. Zero issues in 3.5 years. Time for something new and the Model S refresh just didn't do it for me. Only fan boys could tell the difference from the outside. Then there was the yoke, absence of steering column controls, not even a new paint color. The Taycan was the only other EV that fit what I was looking for. In general terms the Taycan is a better built automobile. The Tesla is a better EV/connected car. In no particular order some of the difference I've noticed.

• I miss the power of the Model S. My GTS is noticeably slower. Yeah, I'm talking straight line but merging and passing isn't the same in the GTS.
• The UI in my 2020 was several generations ahead of that in the 2023 Taycan. The Taycan has sub-menus of the sub-menus and it's easy to forget what is where. Forget changing something while driving. The Tesla's large center display made life easy. The Taycan's are just too small, the handwriting recognition section worthless. But the Taycan's are very configurable. The Taycan instrument cluster is a work of art.
• OTA updates are not a thing with the Porsche.
• Porsche will not connect to house WiFi. No cell coverage (like in my garage) and your app is worthless even from 3' away. Dumb. When the Porsche app can connect (cell and server issues are not unknown) it does most of what you would want it to do.
• Tesla basic autopilot is roughly equivalent to InnoDrive. Both decent on the highway with different strengths.
• The Taycan chassis and steering is an order of magnitude better than my Tesla, and my car was a good one. No rattles, Michelin PS4, air springs, very accurate but slightly numb steering feel. Taycan wins this category easily. A driver's car.
• Overall build quality is exceptional on the Taycan. But for the price there is a lot of plastic in my leather interior.
• For home charging there is no difference. Edited to delete my CCS charging comments as I just noticed you are in the UK. CCS is just no fun over here.
• Interior space is much better in the Tesla. Passenger and cargo. Selfish but I didn't buy the car to make the occasional back seat passenger comfortable. They will fit the Taycan. Cargo space is sufficient in the Taycan 99% of the time. Need more? Rent a truck for a day.
• The brakes are a great disappointment. Porsche says coasting is more efficient. Might be. Personally I miss one pedal driving. Porsche has one pedal blended braking that I hate. Inconsistent pedal height, inconsistent deceleration for a given pedal pressure, the transition from regenerative braking to mechanical happens at 3 mph and frequently (like almost every slow gradual stop) causes a loss of any braking that requires additional pedal travel. The dealer has looked at it once, done a software update and pronounced it to be operating normally. You get used to it and the problem does not seem to infect every car. But for a company that prides itself on their brakes to tell me that what I experience, which has generated multiple threads on this forum, which the tech acknowledged feeling, and for which there is a specific TSB, that they are "normal" is bullshit. Real sore spot.
• I never needed service on the Tesla so can't comment. Reports are not good. The one time my Taycan went in for a battery test/recall and to look at the brakes I was treated reasonably well and given a brand new Panamera to use. However the car sat untouched for two days as there are not enough techs trained to work on the Taycan.
• Anecdotal to some extent but Tesla seems to have their battery technology pretty well sorted out. 3.5% degradation on mine after 27,000 miles. Very few reports of problems on the newer cars. Taycan down 8.8% after 12,000 miles. A fair number of battery faults reported.

So I've possibly given a slightly negative slant to my answer. As much as I find aspects of the Porsche unforgivable (particularly for the price) I love this car. Someone described it as like piloting a hovercraft. A really good looking, solid, great handling smooth riding hovercraft. I'm retired and road trip relatively often. Charger problems? So it takes an extra 15 minutes or I have to use one of my backup choices. The brakes? So disappointing but I'm pretty sure Porsche will have a solution by the time I take it in next. If you want easy EV transportation at a very nice price stay with Tesla. Want to really enjoy driving the car - every time you get in it, no matter the destination and pay more than you should have to? Taycan. Even given the flaws I am signed up for a .2 Turbo allocation as soon as my dealer has one.

 

[YWGT3]

Updates at the dealership and OTA have been free, thus far.

 

[elricardo74]

I’m blown away by the depth & detail in these responses. Thank you for being so generous with your time.

I retire in 5-years, perhaps less, either way my model S will have a lot of miles on it by then. As such, its value will be minimal so I may just keep it and run both. If the Taycan stirs the soul as described I may offload the Tesla to my kids so they can benefit from the free supercharging.

I’m keen to get back to wanting to drive for driving’s sake, and the Taycan would seem a very solid contender.
Battery degradation aside…

8% over 20k miles is a concern, but most ev’s shed range early then the curve flattens.

 

[W1NGE]

Guys, thank you so much for the replies. This is exactly what I wanted to hear. It summarizes roughly what I thought having skimmed other fora.

I guess I’m just a little nervous as I’m so used to the model S now, and was worried I’d find the cross over to Porsche tech to be either jarring or clunky.

I have say im looking forward to a more dynamic driving package, as I went from an F10 BMW M5 to the Tesla, and the difference was huge. The S turned me into a bit of a motorway cruiser, with adaptive cruise and autopilot.

I look forward to getting back to really enjoying driving rather than basic mile munching…!!

Thanks again for the info.

Last question, do Porsche charge for those dealer visits for software updates? Tesla over the air stuff is always free…

Re Tesla battery longevity. Yes, it’s covered 165k miles and the battery has degraded by about 12/13% but still has a RW range of 200mls from the 85kw battery.

Not sure if your question was answered.

Software updates are free. Few and far between and 99% NAV map related and so nothing remarkable.

Porsche Connect services are subscription based and free for first 3 years from new.

 

[Watchesandburgers]

...

Last question, do Porsche charge for those dealer visits for software updates? Tesla over the air stuff is always free…

Re Tesla battery longevity. Yes, it’s covered 165k miles and the battery has degraded by about 12/13% but still has a RW range of 200mls from the 85kw battery.

Mine still has factory warranty left, so no charge for updates.

 

[Cincy2]

Very helpful thread for me. I'm on my 3rd Model S and am contemplating a change to the 2025 Taycan. I am moving in a different direction because straight line speed (1020 HP) has lost its lustre for me. The Model S handling is very bad. I have high expectations for a Taycan Turbo.

 

[elricardo74]

My previous car was a BMW M5 and it was good for 0-60 in 4 seconds. I found that to be insane, then had a model 3 performance for a while which was closer to 3 seconds. Both are nice party pieces but little more. Model S’ handle like a barge and the body roll and suspension don’t inspire you to throw it about, so you become (as above) a more sedate mile muncher.

I think I’ll wait for the 2025 facelift, as I like the flush headlight cluster lens a little more than the current recessed version.

I’ll keep the S as free charging just never gets boring!! ??

 

[Torv]

Hello everyone,

For clarity, I don’t own a Taycan yet. I’m currently using a Tesla Model S as it supercharges for free and I commute a fair distance.

A few things I like about the Tesla is the over the air software updates, ability to tailor charging speed/rate at home and the intuitive touch screen/tech. Mine has also been extremely reliable and covered 165k miles without any major issues.

The Tesla app is also very useful for preheating/coolong, scheduling and managing charging and booking service.

I’m not suggesting the Model S competes dynamically, but as an owner how does it stack up against this stuff? I’m asking as I retire soon and the Taycan may well be my retirement gift to myself. I just want to know how flexible and seamless the car is to live with.

In anticipation

Rich

I traded my Model S for a Taycan 4S and I couldn't be happier.

Outside of true OTA software updates and Tesla’s Supercharger network, there's nothing that the Tesla has over the Taycan. Fit and finish are orders of magnitude better. Handling is incomparable. Driving comfort is superior and I'll wager even the range is better than your Tesla.

As for the Porsche app, you can do most of the same things as the Tesla app.

I don't miss my Model S one bit. The Taycan is a more visceral automobile that will give you joy and happiness. The Model S is like driving under full anesthesia — its boring and mind-numbing.

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