Ever since the Tesla Model 3 took the automotive industry by storm, the competition has been playing a constant game of catch-up in a scramble for a piece of the EV pie. Sure, the Porsche Taycan has been among the more successful competitors, but it’s been burdened by one issue: affordability.
At least until now. With the announcement of its entry-level Taycan, Porsche is taking on Tesla once and for all. Powered by a rear-mounted electric motor taken from the top-level model in the lineup, it’s available with a standard 79.2kWh battery good for 402hp, 254lb-ft of torque, and 199mi range or a 93.4kWh performance cell that increases things to 469hp, 263lb-ft of torque, and 227mi range. Regardless of which configuration you choose, Porsche claims a 0-60mph sprint of just 5.1 seconds and a top speed of 143mph. And when it comes to the rest of the car, you’ll find plenty of premium features, including Porsche’s Active Suspension Management system, six-piston front and rear brakes, as well as some 19″ Aero wheels. Top it off with the same tech-forward interior as the rest of the range, and you have a Taycan ready to give Musk a run for his money. It’s available from $79,900.
