More range, more toys: Porsche unveils updates for Taycan

When considering which electric cars on the market are the most successful, the likes of the Tesla Model 3 and Nissan Leaf are probable frontrunners given their popularity. However, one name that should also be in the mix is the Porsche Taycan.

Since its launch, the Taycan has been one of Porsche’s best sellers, often outselling the iconic 911 and even occasionally the Cayenne and Macan. And Porsche has just given the model its first mild update.

The changes aren’t anything too major, with the Taycan’s styling inside and out largely untouched. Its core powertrain remains the same, too, with power and torque unchanged across the range.

That said, there are some fairly significant mechanical changes added to 2022 models. Porsche claims that the new model will have improved range over standard, although it didn’t say exactly how much more range. For context, the Turbo S we tested last year had a range of 380km.

Porsche says its range improvements come via “extensive technological developments”. The biggest of these is the powertrain’s new ability to almost completely decouple the front motor in all-wheel drive models when the driver has either Normal or Range modes activated, thus making the powertrain’s operation more efficient.

It also now has the ability to shut off the rear-mounted electric motor when coasting or standing still, with Porsche further boasting that the model’s thermal management has also been refined for the new year. Full details on how much of an improvement these changes make to range figures is expected to be revealed next month.

The updated Taycan gets some new standard and optional kit, too. All models now get deep Android Auto integration, improved voice assistant, and changes to the satnav system that make it operate faster with a more straightforward menu layout. These changes dovetail with a “revamped” operating system.

Remote Park Assist has been added as an option, too, meaning owners who tick that box will be able to have their car park itself without a driver behind the steering wheel. This is thanks to a system that detects parking spots automatically and uses a series of ultrasonic sensors and cameras to perform the perfect park.

Other changes are few and far between. The other biggie Porsche has announced is a range of new standard colours, making for 17 standard options in total. On top of this, customers can also use Porsche’s Paint so Sample Plus system, enabling Porsche to effectively colour match any sample when building your car.