2020 Porsche Taycan 4S EPA Driving Range Estimates Are Likely Conservative

The cheapest Taycan EV was expected to deliver a little more range. It still might.

The 2021 Porsche Taycan 4S has proven to be a serious Tesla competitor. Although it's slightly less powerful than other Taycans, the 4S is much more affordable, lining it up better with the Model S, and still quite fun to drive. Now, we're learning a few more details about the least-expensive Porsche EV that arrives in U.S. dealerships today. The 4S gets an EPA-estimated range of 203 miles, a number that we suspect is too low, based on our previous experience with the Taycan.

Keep in mind that this rating applies only to 4S models with the upgraded Performance Battery Plus. Going by the EPA numbers, these 4S models achieve more range than the Turbo and Turbo S, rated at 201 miles and 192 miles, respectively. That said, those less-efficient Taycans strongly out-perform their EPA numbers outside of a lab. In our real-world range test of the Taycan Turbo S, we achieved 254 miles between charges.

The initial batch of 4S models arriving in dealerships have the Performance Battery Plus specification. Base models with the standard battery will arrive in the U.S. at a later date (and likely receive a different EPA range figure). A $6,580 option, the Performance Battery Plus trades the standard 79-kWh battery pack for a 93-kWh unit. Instead of making 429 horsepower (or 522 with launch control overboost), these upgraded models deliver 482 horsepower (or 563 with overboost). The 4S models available now also come with the fixed glass panoramic roof and an upgraded mobile charging cable.

There is yet another indication that the 4S's real-world driving range will likely be higher than the EPA estimate. Porsche commissioned third-party range testing from AMCI, and the results are pretty strong. The independent firm is estimating 290 miles for the 4S Performance Battery Plus in Range mode—certainly possible from the least-powerful, lowest-power-draw Taycan with the same size battery as the juice-thirstiest Turbo S we tested (which, remember, turned in 254 miles in our hands).

To those wondering how a Taycan 4S launch works in today's environment, Porsche has an answer: It is allowing customers to receive their new Taycans via contactless home delivery. As you'd expect, the Taycan 4S isn't cheap. You'll pay at least $114,340 for models with the upgraded battery. If you're waiting on the standard battery, you'll still be paying six figures.