The 2021 Porsche Taycan 4S: An Electric Marvel That’s Not Afraid to Have Fun

If you've ever daydreamed about zooming down a winding road in a sleek, expensive sports car, the 2021 Porsche Taycan 4S should be front and center in those thoughts. The Taycan 4S is not just a car; it's an electrified slice of German engineering that can out-accelerate the competition, outperform your expectations, and make you feel like a superhero every time you press the accelerator (or "power" button if we’re being all technical).

We all know that electric vehicles (EVs) have been slowly making their way into the world of automotive enthusiasts, but there has always been that pesky question lingering: “Can an EV be fun?” Well, Porsche did what Porsche does best – they obliterated that doubt and created a car that makes you forget it’s even electric in the first place. This is no golf cart, my friends. This is a Porsche. And it’s here to kick gas – quite literally, even though, you know, it doesn’t actually use gas. But you get the idea.

Let’s dive into the details of this electrifying (pun very much intended) masterpiece, and we’ll even sprinkle in a few laughs along the way. Because what's a high-performance vehicle without a bit of humor, right?

A Quick History Lesson (Because We're All Nerds)

Before we delve into the electric goodness of the Taycan 4S, let’s back up a bit. Porsche has been synonymous with performance for decades. Whether it’s the iconic Porsche 911 or the avant-garde Porsche 918 Spyder, Porsche has earned its place in the hearts of car enthusiasts around the globe. But, as the world goes green (in the car world, this means EVs), Porsche realized something: They needed an electric car that was as fast and thrilling as any of their gas-powered siblings. Cue the Taycan.

The Taycan made its debut in 2019, and it didn’t take long for car lovers to realize that Porsche wasn’t just dipping its toes into the EV world—they were diving in headfirst. The Taycan is part of Porsche’s mission to reinvent what an electric car can be. Fast, furious, and fabulously fun. And if you happen to have a heavy foot and a need for speed, the Taycan 4S is exactly the model you should be looking at.

Let’s Talk About That Powertrain (and What Happens When You Hit the Pedal)

Alright, here we go. The heart and soul of any Porsche is its engine (or in the case of the Taycan, its electric motors). The 2021 Taycan 4S isn’t just any EV; it’s a powerhouse that’ll make you reconsider your life choices while it obliterates the road ahead.

Under the hood, the Taycan 4S houses two electric motors, one on each axle, meaning it’s an all-wheel-drive car. Don’t worry, you won’t be getting stuck on that mountain pass when the snow falls or when you decide to take a spontaneous detour into the nearest dirt road (for the record, please don’t do that, it’s a sports sedan, not an off-roading beast). This all-wheel drive system isn’t just practical for bad weather; it allows the Taycan 4S to do something it’s very good at: launching with a vicious amount of force.

The 2021 Taycan 4S produces 562 horsepower in its standard trim, with the ability to boost that to an eye-popping 590 hp with the optional Performance Battery Plus. Let’s put this into perspective: it can go from 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 3.8 seconds. Yes, you read that correctly. 3.8 seconds. Just long enough for your brain to say, “Whoa, wait, is this legal?”

And that’s not all, folks. The Taycan 4S’s dual-motor setup offers a mind-melting 633 lb-ft of torque, which means that the moment you hit the accelerator, your face is going to be plastered against the headrest as if someone decided to press the fast-forward button on your life. And, because it’s electric, the torque is available right now, all the time, instantly. So, when you’re on a quiet street corner, ready to leave that other car in the dust, you just press down, and BOOM—you're gone before they can even wonder if they should challenge you.

Range Anxiety? Not Here, My Friend.

Let’s address the elephant in the room: range anxiety. It's that moment when you're driving an EV and you start to panic about how much juice you’ve got left. Will you make it to your destination? Is the charging station far away? Will you have to walk home in shame, wondering why you ever thought an EV could be fun?

Not with the Taycan 4S. Porsche understands that you want an electric car that can keep up with your lifestyle. The 2021 Taycan 4S is equipped with a 79.2 kWh battery in the standard trim, and if you opt for the Performance Battery Plus (which, let’s face it, why wouldn’t you?), you’ll get an even larger 93.4 kWh battery. So, how does that translate in terms of range? The Taycan 4S can go up to 227 miles on a full charge (WLTP). And while we’re being realistic here, you probably won’t ever push it to that limit because let’s be honest—you’ll be too busy laughing at the other cars you leave behind in your rearview mirror.

And let’s not forget the charging times. The Taycan 4S can charge from 5% to 80% in about 22.5 minutes if you have access to a fast charger. That’s less time than it takes to have an awkward conversation with your neighbor about your garage full of Porsche-related memorabilia. So, unless you're planning on cross-country road trips through remote areas without chargers (we’re looking at you, extreme adventurers), you’re good to go.

Handling That Will Make You Forget You’re in a Sedan

Okay, we know what you're thinking: "Sure, it’s fast, but how does it handle?" The answer? Like a dream. This car isn’t just about raw power; it’s about balance, precision, and a feeling that you’re gliding over the road. That’s Porsche’s magic.

The Taycan 4S comes equipped with the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), which is essentially a fancy way of saying that this car will absorb bumps, imperfections, and pot holes in the road with grace. Every curve you take feels like you're taking part in a well-choreographed dance rather than trying to survive a routine drive. The car is agile, planted, and composed no matter the road surface, which is more than we can say for some people in their 20s trying to hold a conversation while looking at their phone.

And here’s the kicker: Porsche’s Torque Vectoring Plus system. This system automatically adjusts the distribution of torque between the front and rear axles for maximum grip and control. In simpler terms, the Taycan 4S isn’t just fast—it’s smart. It’ll read the road and adjust itself accordingly, so you can maintain that stupid grin on your face when you hug every corner like it’s your best friend.

The Tech That Makes You Feel Like a Spy

Let’s take a moment to talk about the tech inside the Taycan 4S because, in true Porsche fashion, they didn't just focus on making the car fast and beautiful—they made it technologically advanced. It’s like Porsche made the car, and then said, “Oh, we should probably throw in some futuristic gadgets for good measure.”

The Taycan 4S features a stunningly minimalistic, yet high-tech interior. There’s a 10.9-inch infotainment screen that’s as responsive as your phone but way cooler. You’ll have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, which means you can stream music, get directions, and even send texts while pretending you're James Bond on a mission. Because let's be real: If you’re driving a Taycan, you’re basically a spy already.

But wait, there's more! The car has a 16.8-inch curved display for the driver’s side, meaning you'll be able to see everything clearly, even when you’re going way too fast to care about your surroundings. And, for those who love tactile controls, Porsche has included a few physical buttons for things like the drive modes (because some things should never be sacrificed to touchscreens).

The Sound (Or, Lack Thereof)

You’re probably wondering, “What about the exhaust note?” Well, we’ll let you in on a little secret: there is no traditional exhaust note. That’s right. The Taycan 4S is near-silent when driving around town. If you’re one of those people who likes to hear the roar of an engine, this might take some getting used to. But don’t worry—Porsche has created an artificial sound system that simulates a futuristic "whoosh" as you zoom down the road. It’s almost like you’re in a science fiction movie, but without the weird plot twists.

And trust us, you won’t miss the sound of a traditional engine. Not when you're laying down rubber at every green light with the speed of a jet.

The Wheels: A Perfect Pairing for Performance

Let’s start with the wheels because, let’s face it, they make the car look cool. And when you're driving a Porsche, looking cool is practically a requirement. The Taycan 4S rolls on some seriously stylish 20-inch wheels up front and 21-inch wheels in the rear. These aren’t just any wheels; they’re precision-engineered pieces of art designed to balance aesthetics and performance. The staggered size (with the rear wheels being larger than the front) isn’t just for show, folks—it plays a crucial role in optimizing traction and handling.

These wheels are made from lightweight, high-performance alloys that help to reduce overall weight, which is essential when it comes to maximizing the car’s agility and efficiency. A lighter wheel means less weight to move around, which translates into better acceleration, cornering, and overall handling. And let’s be real, if you’re driving a car that can go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds, you want those wheels to be up to the task.

And those wheels aren’t just about looking sharp; they’re wrapped in tires that complement the Taycan’s high-performance nature. Porsche’s engineers selected tires that offer an optimal balance of grip and comfort, ensuring that you can take on those tight corners without worrying about your tires screaming in protest. Whether you’re doing a casual cruise or pushing the car to its limits on the track, these wheels and tires have your back.

But here’s the best part: The wheels of the Taycan 4S are designed to help with efficiency, too. Porsche has gone to great lengths to reduce rolling resistance while still delivering a ride that feels as planted as a professional wrestler at the top of their game. So, when you’re out on the highway, cruising in "eco" mode and feeling smug about your range, remember—those wheels are silently working to help you save a few more miles. It’s like your tires are secretly helping you become a more responsible driver while you’re out there having fun.

Brakes: Stopping Power Like You’ve Never Seen Before

Now, let’s talk about the other side of the equation: stopping. You might be thinking, “Okay, sure, acceleration is important, but how does the Taycan 4S stop?” Oh, my friend, it stops beautifully. And no, we’re not talking about a simple "good enough" braking system. We’re talking about a system that can bring this performance beast to a halt with such precision and force that you’ll wonder if you've just engaged some kind of high-tech parachute system.

The Taycan 4S comes with Porsche's incredible Porsche Surface Coated Brakes (PSCB) as standard. These are carbon-composite brakes with a tungsten-carbide coating. Yes, you read that correctly. The use of tungsten-carbide is not just a fun science fact—it’s a material known for its incredible hardness and wear-resistance. What does that mean for you? Well, it means that the brakes will last longer, handle heat more effectively, and perform like a pro every time you tap on the brake pedal.

These PSCB brakes offer a blend of efficiency and performance. When you’re out for a spirited drive, they provide a high level of stopping power that makes you feel confident when you’re entering sharp corners at high speeds. If you find yourself needing to slow down quickly, these brakes deliver with minimal fade, meaning you won’t feel like you’re driving a car with worn-out brake pads (looking at you, "average" sedans).

And if you’re really into high performance (as you should be), you can opt for the Carbon Ceramic Brakes (PCCB) package. These brakes are seriously over-engineered—just how we like them. Carbon-ceramic brakes are incredibly light, which helps reduce unsprung weight, further enhancing the Taycan’s handling. These brakes also resist brake fade at high temperatures, making them perfect for track days or the spirited canyon runs that will undoubtedly become part of your daily routine.

The stopping power of the Taycan 4S is so impressive that it makes you think about how easy it is to go from 60 mph to a complete stop. You’ll feel the pedal feedback and the sheer stopping power, and your brain will wonder how a car that’s this fast can also be so in control when it needs to be.

But it’s not all about raw performance. Porsche’s brake system has been designed to be a balance of performance and comfort. While they offer incredible stopping power, they also keep things quiet and composed during everyday driving. In other words, you won’t hear them squealing when you're cruising around town. So, whether you’re track-bound or just running errands, Porsche has ensured that your braking experience is as comfortable as it is thrilling.

Regenerative Braking: A Green Twist

Because the Taycan 4S is electric, we have to talk about regenerative braking, which is a key part of any electric vehicle’s braking system. Regenerative braking is like that one friend who always finds a way to help you out—except in this case, the Taycan 4S doesn’t just help you stop; it helps you recapture energy and feed it back into the battery.

When you lift off the accelerator pedal, the Taycan 4S uses regenerative braking to slow the car down and simultaneously charge the battery. It’s like getting a little bonus every time you ease off the pedal—kind of like finding a few extra bucks in your pocket when you least expect it. In fact, this system can be strong enough that you might find yourself barely using the brake pedal in normal driving conditions. It’s smooth, seamless, and adds a little more "cool factor" to your already-super-cool ride.

And don’t worry about it feeling like you’re driving a golf cart with an overly aggressive regenerative braking system. The Taycan’s regenerative braking is well-calibrated to feel natural, and when you do need to hit the brakes for real, the physical brakes take over with that superb Porsche feel. It’s a perfect harmony of electric innovation and high-performance engineering.

Pricing and Verdict: Is It Worth It?

The 2021 Porsche Taycan 4S starts at around AED 385,000. Is it worth it? Oh, you bet your turbocharged tailpipe it is. For that price, you’re getting a car that not only delivers blistering performance but also exceptional build quality, cutting-edge technology, and a driving experience that will make you feel like a rockstar (or a secret agent, or a superhero—take your pick). It’s a car that’s designed to thrill, and it does so in a way that will leave you smiling every time you get behind the wheel.

So, if you’ve got the funds, the passion, and the love for driving that only a true enthusiast would understand, the Taycan 4S is the electric car of your dreams. Just don’t forget to let us know how it feels to leave your gas-guzzling buddies eating your dust.

Conclusion:

The 2021 Porsche Taycan 4S is more than just a luxury sedan or an EV; it’s a statement. A statement that says, “I don’t need gasoline to go fast.” It’s a masterpiece of design and engineering that provides a thrilling driving experience, all while keeping your conscience clean (or at least cleaner than it would be if you were still driving around in that V8 that’s practically addicted to oil). Whether you're hunting down the ultimate lap times, cruising around town in style, or just enjoying a fun drive on a backroad, the Taycan 4S delivers it all. Fast, fun, and futuristic—this Porsche is a force to be reckoned with, and we couldn’t be more excited about it.

Now, excuse us while we go find a charging station.