From Taycan Turbo to Tesla Model S...

[Brandinimo]

Hey folks...

I'm looking for some opinions from you folks. I hesitate to post this as I know folks have strong opinions on Tesla, Elon etc. Be gentle

Earlier this year I was considering a Tesla Model S or a Taycan. I ultimately chose a used, 2020 Taycan Turbo. It's well optioned, has InnoDrive, full Olea leather, Sport Chrono, full PPF etc.

I've had the car for about a year - and some of the wrinkles of the vehicle are grating on me. Some issues I'm facing:

1.) Interior space is very limited. For a car with the same dimensions as a Mazda CX-9, that weighs as much as our GMC Yukon...it's surprisingly cramped. This isn't an issue on it's own...but leads to a couple of my other frustrations...

2.) We have two young children, both requiring rear facing car seats. I can't fit two rear facing car seats in the back seat. I can fit one behind the passenger seat, but one won't fit behind me. Additionally, nobody over about 5'5 can sit in the passenger seat due to how far up the seat has to be to fit the rear facing car seat. It's also really cramped to get my son in/out of the seat.

3.) I can barely fit the stroller in the trunk. It's deep but very low in terms of height. It usually requires me to disconnect and try to origami the thing in the car 3 or 4 times before it fits.

4.) My golf clubs hardly fit in the trunk without folding a seat down.

5.) The B-pillar encroaches so far into the driver door opening that getting in and out is pretty awkward (I'm tall, 6'4").

6.) Current battery recall on 2020-2024 Taycans. Porsche is monitoring the battery health OTA and will let owners know if they need to bring their cars in for cell replacement. Not confidence inspiring.


7.) I'm in outside sales, and I've had a couple awkward moments pulling up in a $160k car to a prospects business. Just more flashy than is ideal.

8.) I've learned I really like solid tech - and it's clear that Tesla brings that to the table.

I've test driven a 2023 Model S before. I liked it a lot - but ultimately chose the Taycan for fun factor and prestige. What I've learned is that the car isn't quite as practical as I thought - and it seems to priortize some of the things that aren't critical to me (driving dynamics, speed) and leave behind some things that are (space, technology).

All that said - I'm a little nervous I might take for granted some of the refinement and luxury of the Taycan.

Anyone have any thoughts or opinions on going from a Porsche to a Tesla?

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[Fantasmos]

It seems you should switch to Sport Turismo / Cross Turismo. Tesla S has more storage and practicality. Handling is terrible, brakes are terrible, suspension is terrible, materials used are way cheaper than ones in the Taycan, the car is ugly as hell(personal opinion) and they all look the same and are super common. Tesla app is way better. In Europe there isn't much of a difference in the charging network, since you're in the US that should be a + for Tesla too(based on what I read on the forum) I guess.

 

[JasMK]

I'll be as gentle as I can... seems that you bought the car you wanted, not the car you needed?

I'm guessing a family SUV will tick a lot more of those boxes and overcome the wrinkles you're struggling with?

If it were me I would explore other German brands rather than Tesla, BMW iX maybe, super solid (build and tech), well built and would present well at a sales visit, plus the family would appreciate it more.

But you wouldn't be making a big mistake with the Model S, if you like beige.

 

[tigerbalm]

and it seems to priortize some of the things that aren't critical to me (driving dynamics, speed) and leave behind some things that are (space, technology).

Yeah, if you don't value driving dynamics – you're missing Porsche's entire focus and thing. Even the software related to chassis (suspension, rear-wheel steering, PDCC, steering wheel feel) is second to none.

 

[Aliatar]

Hi, I am in the exact opposite situation to you. I own a 2020 Tesla Model S and I am about to go for a 2025 Taycan 4. Things that nag me about the Model S and make me want to change:

1. Charging Speed. My Model S has a max charging speed of 140kwh. I understand new ones go up to 250kwh. Still less than the 320kwh for a new Taycan, but ok. My experience is that I am lucky to get a supercharger charging at 140kwh and when I get it it lasts very little. Getting the car to 100% on a supercharger? Forget it.
2. Range. On highways I typically drive at 140km/h (87m/h). That means my real range is about 60% of the stated range on the Tesla. Right now it gives me 542km on a full charge, so about 325km (200 miles).
3. End of line. This is my second Model S. Bought the first one in 2013. Then it was almost future technology. Now it is basically been equaled by everyone else. Some stuff Tesla has is still better, namely the software, but it lacks very basic things, like active matix led lighs, 360 parking cameras, real axle steering... Plus, it looks like there is no focus from Tesla on it. The company, if you can at all consider it focus, is on Model 3/Y, Model 2, and the the bizarre projects (self-drive cars, robots...). Not much improvement happening in the Model S line in the foreseable future.
4. No Carplay, only Tesla software.

There are too things that I love about it and that I know are going to be worse with a Taycan:

1. Trunk space
2. Very roomy back row
3. Three actual seats on the back row
4. Unlimited supercharger use (they don't offer this anymore)
5. Nice software, nice app, starting the car with the app without a key

My daughters are in their twenties now, so many of these things are less of an issue for me than they are for you.

 

[FlyingPoint]

It seems to me that you have thoughtfully expressed the attributes and deficiencies of the Taycan. Your personal preferences and perhaps more importantly your needs will move you to the right decision for this stage of life. I came real close to acquiring a 2024 MS when it was time to replace my MY21 RWD. In the end, I could not pull the trigger. The issue I could not get past is "one pedal" driving. Even though the MS was less than one half the price of the 4S, I could not do it.

 

[BjörnfromHamburg]

Been driving Model S for 4 years.
Can confirm all pros and cons so far.
The Taycan is much more a drivers car, giving me "emotions", no Tesla can.
A Model S feels a lot "cheaper" and "synthetic" than a Taycan.
The driving experience in a Model S is quite indirect in comparison.
Tesla never solved several issues like loosening door-panels or drive-shaft problems.
Nevertheless: a Model S is absolutely not a bad car.

Oh, and back-row may be spacious in a Model S, but leg-space "downwards" is quite limited due to the battery below.
Taycan left out a row of batteries for foot-space and stacked that under the seat instead. For adults that makes a big difference.

 

[4sCT21]

Having driven several electric cars now, owned one myself and my wife owns one, i love Porsche's approach to EV's. They drive like a normal car with the accelerator functioning not as an on / off switch, it's progressive, as are the brakes.

My daughter feels sick in my wife's car, totally different in the Taycan.

I personally wouldn't put Tesla and Porsche in the same bracket. One is a tech company that makes highly functional vehicles, the other is a sports car company with great heritage.

Tesla have improved and no doubt have their place on the road, but to me it feels like a large % of Tesla owners, are those that put technology and ease of use, over everything else.

The plaid models, who puts 1000bhp in a car with brakes that can't safely handle it?

They drive ok, but to me are just bland and ugly (model 3 / y and cyber). Each to their own and thats what makes car ownership interesting.

I like the model S, but I'd never own one unless it was a bargain second hand.

Good luck with your decision, you're clearly thinking it through

 

[amelen]

Can I throw another option into the ring? I switched from a Taycan Turbo to a G580 - yes I know it's completely different. Taycan was definitely sportier, but the extra space of the G580 (especially the easy-to-use trunk) has been super helpful for me. Check out:

 

[BjörnfromHamburg]

A G-class might not be helpful though in the point of having a "couple awkward moments pulling up to new customers"

 

[tayCanadian]

I'll be as gentle as I can... seems that you bought the car you wanted, not the car you needed?

I'm guessing a family SUV will tick a lot more of those boxes and overcome the wrinkles you're struggling with?

If it were me I would explore other German brands rather than Tesla, BMW iX maybe, super solid (build and tech), well built and would present well at a sales visit, plus the family would appreciate it more.

But you wouldn't be making a big mistake with the Model S, if you like beige.

Fully agree here. Sounds like you did not purchase the vehicle that your life requires.

I have 3 kids - twins who were 3 when I got my Taycan (and thus, their child seats were no longer rear facing) and another child who was 7 (in a booster).

When the twins needed rear facing seats, we had a Honda Odyssey. IMO, you need a minivan with multiple rear facing child seats (or a large SUV). Once they were able to be forward facing, I ditched the minivan and got a BMW X5, which is now my wife's vehicle.

Anytime we had to take the kids somewhere, we would take the minivan or now the X5.

I still have child seats in the Taycan, as I now drop the kids off to school, but even with them forward facing, I'd be lying if I said it wasn't a little tight (suffer for the Taycan, lol).

Do you always have your kids with you? If not, maybe purchase a used minivan or large SUV that you can use when you need to take the kids somewhere. And use the Taycan when you're without kids.

Or alternatively, I love my wife's BMW X5 and if you want to stay all electric, the IX is a really good option too.

Good luck.

 

[andyk278]

My 2022 Turbo S is on the way so I can't compare but I've been a long time Tesla fan, I've owned the Model 3, Y, and currently have an X. I've driven the S many times as a loaner and you already know the differences and others have stated it. At the end of the day, I think the S is a great car and the tech/software is amazing. If you are a techy person, I think you'll enjoy daily driving the S, but if you really value luxury and the driving experience, you'll feel like you're missing out.

 

[tomdfw1]

Hey folks...

I'm looking for some opinions from you folks. I hesitate to post this as I know folks have strong opinions on Tesla, Elon etc. Be gentle

Earlier this year I was considering a Tesla Model S or a Taycan. I ultimately chose a used, 2020 Taycan Turbo. It's well optioned, has InnoDrive, full Olea leather, Sport Chrono, full PPF etc.

I've had the car for about a year - and some of the wrinkles of the vehicle are grating on me. Some issues I'm facing:

1.) Interior space is very limited. For a car with the same dimensions as a Mazda CX-9, that weighs as much as our GMC Yukon...it's surprisingly cramped. This isn't an issue on it's own...but leads to a couple of my other frustrations...

2.) We have two young children, both requiring rear facing car seats. I can't fit two rear facing car seats in the back seat. I can fit one behind the passenger seat, but one won't fit behind me. Additionally, nobody over about 5'5 can sit in the passenger seat due to how far up the seat has to be to fit the rear facing car seat. It's also really cramped to get my son in/out of the seat.

3.) I can barely fit the stroller in the trunk. It's deep but very low in terms of height. It usually requires me to disconnect and try to origami the thing in the car 3 or 4 times before it fits.

4.) My golf clubs hardly fit in the trunk without folding a seat down.

5.) The B-pillar encroaches so far into the driver door opening that getting in and out is pretty awkward (I'm tall, 6'4").

6.) Current battery recall on 2020-2024 Taycans. Porsche is monitoring the battery health OTA and will let owners know if they need to bring their cars in for cell replacement. Not confidence inspiring.


7.) I'm in outside sales, and I've had a couple awkward moments pulling up in a $160k car to a prospects business. Just more flashy than is ideal.

8.) I've learned I really like solid tech - and it's clear that Tesla brings that to the table.

I've test driven a 2023 Model S before. I liked it a lot - but ultimately chose the Taycan for fun factor and prestige. What I've learned is that the car isn't quite as practical as I thought - and it seems to priortize some of the things that aren't critical to me (driving dynamics, speed) and leave behind some things that are (space, technology).

All that said - I'm a little nervous I might take for granted some of the refinement and luxury of the Taycan.

Anyone have any thoughts or opinions on going from a Porsche to a Tesla?

Sounds like the new Macan EV is the right car for you unless tech is a big issue for you.

I have a '22 loaded Taycan RWD and in outside tech sales also. I am int tech and Porsche's tech is TERRIBLE. I still have to reboot my PCM couple times a week. The voice recognition is unusably terrible...the nav system consistently takes me the wrong places and the driver assist charges annual subscription, even AFTER you bought the options to have them on car purchase. Plus all news Tesla cars will have FSD (full service driving) ready to go with rapid software updates. So many other cool things are integrated into the tech as well.

There are a couple new models coming out as well, that I believe will convince me to switch to a Tesla next year. See this:

 

[Watchesandburgers]

Hi all! Lots of good info here from this great forum.
* Porsche Taycan is a better driver's car. Tech is... meh.
* Tesla Model S is a great near-lux driving appliance. Tech is great. Driving experience is... meh.

Have you considered or driven a Lucid Air? I nearly purchased one before buying my Taycan. Loved the car. Good tech. Good driving dynamics. Excellent packaging (LOTS of space!). Pure and Touring models are competitively priced. My concern was related to the company making it, which is still an open question, though hopefully less so with the release of the Gravity SUV.

The Model S is a good car. But the interior is fake leather and it's very sterile / no emotion. You certainly won't get any embarrassing looks from potential clients as they are ubiquitous now.

 

[SergeyIndy]

Taycan space issues you are describing are well known and covered in about every review out there since it came out, or taking it for a test drive, so I am not sure why you decided to go with it, which clearly is not practical for what you are using it for. Then I am not sure, why your other choice is another sedan, that again is not ideal for what your needs are.

I agree with others, if you are set on EV and need space, then there are few options out there to choose from, Macan EV may not be the ideal one given a lot of issues with it at the moment as a launch vehicle, so the latest 2020-2024 HV battery monitoring is nothing compare to what's going on with Macan EV owners getting a Beta vehicle that is rushed out of the factory.

Give us some of your choices outside of the Model S as we have plenty of knowledge here to steer you in the right direction if you want to move from Taycan to something else.

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