For more than a century, Porsche has produced some of the most desirable luxury vehicles on the planet. In 2019, it released the Taycan, its first fully electric vehicle (EV). It combined cutting-edge eco-engineering with the comfort features and performance Porsche is famous for. It provided genuine competition for the Tesla Model S, which changed the game in 2012 with its incredible range and performance. If you're wondering how these models stand up against each other, our Porsche Taycan vs. Tesla Model S buyers guide can help you make the right decision for your lifestyle.
Powertrains and Their Specs
Recent battery and motor improvements give the Taycan impressive performance numbers. The base model features a lighter, more efficient rear-mounted electric motor, while higher trims receive a pair of electric motors. The standard battery pack is now 83.6 kWh, but you can upgrade to the Performance battery for 97.0 kWh. Starting from the 402-horsepower base model and right up until the 777-horsepower Turbo GT, each trim builds on the last, giving you a range of power options to choose from.
The standard Model S features a pair of electric motors, while the performance-focused Model S Plaid gets three. The base model's two engines combine for 670 horsepower, outpacing many of the Taycan's base models. However, the top-end trims are very similar, with the Model S Plaid's 1,020 horsepower only slightly better than the Turbo GT.
Acceleration
The 2025 Porsche Taycan Turbo GT is the first vehicle tested by Car and Driver to reach 60 mph in less than two seconds — without the weight-saving Weissach package. While Tesla claimed its 2021 Model S Plaid reached 60 mph in just 1.98 seconds, that was with a specially prepared drag strip and a 15-minute long cooling/conditioning process. In real-world conditions, Car and Driver found the 2020 Plaid took 2.1 seconds to reach 60 mph. With no real changes between that model and the current year's, we can expect similar performance in 2025.
Electric Range and Charging
For 2025, the Taycan received a larger battery to increase its electric range. Car and Driver expects range estimates will be between 250 and 325 miles, which falls short of the Tesla Model S's reported numbers. The EPA estimates the standard Model S has a 410-mile range, while the Plaid's range stands at 368 miles. However, these numbers don't tell the whole story. Consumer Reports said the Tesla Model S could only travel 366 miles during its highway testing. That's only slightly better than the Porsche Taycan with the Performance battery, which drove 364 miles during range tests.
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The Taycan's superior battery architecture helps it hit a class-best charging rate of 270 kW, which is 20 kW more than the Tesla Model S. That means that with a DC charger, you can take the Taycan from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes. Charging the Tesla Model S in the same conditions will take around 30 minutes. The Porsche can also hold a higher wattage until later in the charging cycle, so it'll still charge faster even on home systems with lower wattage.
Cabin Comfort and Features
Both brands deliver the level of luxury you'd expect at this price point. However, without any major changes since the fourth generation's introduction in 2021, the Model S appears dated by comparison. While both vehicles have large infotainment screens, the Tesla doesn't include Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. These features are commonly available in even basic vehicles, so their absence here is glaring.
After-Market Support
Tesla changed the game when it decided to ditch dealerships and sell directly to customers. However, the Model S and Taycan are both premium vehicles that deserve the luxurious experience that upscale dealerships can provide. At Livermore Porsche, we're well-equipped to support customers like you before, during, and after your purchase, and we're dedicated to giving you the best experience possible.
In Reputation.com's 2025 study of auto brands, Tesla ranked last in the luxury brand category, largely due to its unwillingness to respond to customers, long service wait times, and poor-quality repairs. In contrast, Porsche and its network of dealers claimed first place in J.D. Power's 2025 Customer Service Index study. It outscored competitors in every category, including service facilities, service quality, and vehicle pickup.
Porsche vs. Tesla: The Verdict
The Tesla Model S made a splash in 2012, with twice the electric range of its competitors, but the brand has rested on its laurels in recent years. That's given esteemed automakers such as Porsche a chance to catch up. While the EPA's range estimates still have the Tesla ahead of the Porsche, real-world testing shows very little difference between the two. The Taycan also offers superior performance in real-world conditions, lightning-fast charging, and the kind of support that can only come from a dealership. With Porche's commitment to constant development and refinement, the 2025 Taycan has the edge.
Test-Drive the 2025 Porsche Taycan at Porsche Livermore
The best way to appreciate all that the 2025 Porsche Taycan has to offer is to get behind the wheel. Contact our team at Porsche Livermore to schedule a dedicated sales appointment. We can answer all your questions about this impressive EV and organize your test-drive. Ask us about our competitive finance deals and protection services that can provide extra peace of mind when you drive away in your new Taycan.
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Model Comparison