One year in..... Taycan 4S

[WattTurbo]

I'm pretty sure it isn't a matrix-only feature since Porsche has stated that the matrix functionality isn't available in the US (all of the matrix LEDs work as a single unit). However, I haven't noticed any issues seeing signs at night and have noticed that the lights seem to function much better than any of my other vehicles. I'll pay more attention on my next night drive. Lights with PDLS+ do vary in angle and intensity depending on the situation.

This link talks about the street signs I am talking about. I am sure I can find some vids from my dash cam to show you as well.

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[ciaranob]

Completed my first year of ownership and travelled just over 10,000 Kms (low due to lockdowns last year in Sydney).
Overall my best car ever - fast, silent, comfortable and still a stunning car to look at with many admiring looks from passers-by.
Only issues have been recalls (2 so far), one early A/C failure and the well documented software glitches.
Based on my experience, some options I still pine for, others I would pass on next time - I had no choice as it was this stock car (who decides on the options these cars have? Porsche? The dealer?) or a (then) 6 month estimated wait (now >12 months).
I would strongly recommend at least a partial wrap. I do not drive on gravel/off road but picked up several stone chips on the front bumper and bonnet. One expensive repair later I had the wrap put on and since then have been able to rub these out easily as a result of the 'self-repair' nature of the film. As a bonus you cannot even tell it is there!

4S
I think still the sweet spot of the range if money is a factor. I have the security of 4 wheel drive plus very good performance with a very reasonable balance between handling and ride.

Colour
Very happy with Crayon/Chalk but not sure I would ever pay $5000 extra for this option. Having seen several of the colours, I think metallics suit the car better with solid colours making the car look a little 'flat'. Crayon picks out the standard Porsche lettering at the back - maybe a plus or a negative depending on your view.

Sports Design Package
Perhaps slightly more attractive now that this is linked to GTS model, but overall would likely not specify this option again. I do like the black gloss to highlights on the side skirts and rear valance, but this is a very expensive option at over $10000 in Australia.

21" Wheels
Was really worried these would make the ride harsh but infact has been fine. I have the Taycan Exclusive Design in glass black with brake calipers to match. Looks amazing. A shame the 19" and 20" wheels not the best to look at generally. If ordering now would go for the RS Spyders (in black, of course)!

Performance Battery Plus
I was really certain that I would need this, but after 1 year I have never needed the 'extra' range having not taken any long road trips. I think unless you are planning longer trips, or cannot charge at home, then this would be an option you can skip. There is a lot of talk about importance for re-sale and charging infrastructure (which is poor in Australia but likely better most other countries), so a very personal decision. I would likely specify again as you can never have too much range and I am hoping to make some longer trips this year.

Panoramic roof
Again, I thought I would really want this, but as I only sit in the driver seat most times I actually do not notice it. I had looked closely at another Taycan when buying that did not have the panoramic roof and honestly did not notice this from the inside until the salesman pointed this out! I actually think it makes more of a difference to the external appearance. Again, personal choice, but there are other options I would value more highly. If ordering again would specify this myself but would not be put off a stock car without this feature.

18 way seats
Really like these seats, together with the seat warming and cooling.

Passenger display and 4 zone climate
Have never used either.

HUD
Was not totally convinced until I used the sat-nav. made it much easier to follow directions with a skeleton road map and clear arrows showing you when and where to turn. A definite yes from me.

LED Matrix in Glacier Blue
Best headlights I have had on a car, but glacier blue such a minor cosmetic difference would not have paid extra for it myself. You can see it in certain lights but really subtle.

Full leather/2 tone Crayon/Chalk/Black
Really nice quality leather and looks beautiful with the Crayon/Chalk exterior and Sport Chrono clock in white. I was worried about marks as all my previous cars have had ultra-practical black leather, but infact has not been an issue.

Active Parking Support
Never used, but have liked the rear cross traffic alert - has helped me a few times now so would specify just for this feature.

Sport Chrono
Have fiddled with it a few times out of interest, but in all honesty I do not think needed.

What do I still want?

Burmester
I have Bose and whilst this is fine, would really like something more....

Sound insulated glass
I have had no issues with sunlight/heat, but would really have liked the extra sound insulation.

Homelink
I have to use 5 different remotes for various garages - would really love to have this feature (even if it only worked on a few of them - currently have three remotes stuck on with velcro and two in the arm rest storage area - not ideal).

On a practical level, an option for an even higher ride height adjustment would be helpful for me - at the moment I always scrap the bottom of the chin spoiler when entering two of the car parks I have to use even though I am going really slowly.

Interested in others thoughts?

100% on HUD - almost every negative comment you read on this feature is invariably from folk who don't have it and/or never had one !! My last 3 cars had it and a must for me.
Sport Chrono - super useful to me - being able to switch modes with a flick on the fly I find REALLY useful especially on long trips and if playing with Range vs other modes etc. - but perhaps a personal preference
Active Parking - I have full remote parking and never use it - when I was spec'ing my build it came with by default the tech pkg in the US and was actually added to my car w/o even asking when they upgraded that pkg! I needed the other tech stuff so got it regardless.
Sound Insulated Glass - magic - simply a must have in an EV imo.
PB+ - another must have for me for long trips and gen. peace of mind.
Pano Roof - agree entirely that the metal roof with matching sculpts looks very nice but this is the first pano roof I've ever owned and have to say really enjoy the extra lighted interior - just feels very open and after coming from a convertible M4 I guess it mattered more to me at the time I configured my build - def no regrets and very happy with it to date.

 

[gnop1950]

This link talks about the street signs I am talking about. I am sure I can find some vids from my dash cam to show you as well.

The functionality in that picture, blocking out the light from illuminating/blinding approaching cars, is not yet available in the US.

From the Porsche configurator:

All of the functions, in the USA, listed for the Matrix lights are also the same functions listed for the LED lights with PDLS+.

Note the note at the bottom about the Matrix lights operating as a single light source in the US market. The only real question is when Porsche will have DOT approved adaptive headlights and if, once approved, the software can be back ported to US cars that were purchased with the Matrix lights.

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