I drove the Porsche Taycan. Why EVs have a place in the sports car world

An electric vehicle may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of sports cars, but Porsche is proving that the best luxury sports cars don't need a massive gas engine. The Taycan uses a battery and motor combo to deliver pure driving bliss thanks to a carefully designed body style.

I tested the 2025 Porsche Taycan for a week for USA TODAY Cars. I found it to be unbelievably powerful and more comfortable than I expected. Here's what it's like behind the wheel of Porsche's electric sports car.

Overview: What makes the 2025 Porsche Taycan stand out?

The Taycan stands out because it feels like a typical Porsche sports car even though it has an electric powertrain. Its exterior design and cabin are familiar and attractive to fans of the brand. The great difference between the Taycan and any other Porsche is the Taycan's instant torque, making it arguably more fun to drive than any gas Porsche.

Porsche's 2025 Taycan takes elements from the popular Porsche 911 and mixes sports car DNA with pure electric power to create driving excitement for motorists on the open road.

Performance, handling and efficiency: How does it drive?

The Porsche Taycan produces 402 horsepower and 302 pound-feet of torque. Though its battery makes it heavier than traditional Porsche sports cars, it still feels agile and lightweight on roads. Handling is responsive and precise during turns, which is exactly what drivers need from such a small and mighty vehicle.

Porsche's base model 2025 Taycan has around 240 miles of standard driving range, which is sufficient for most drivers. It's an absolute rocket, best enjoyed by drivers who have long stretches of highway in their commutes.

Interior, tech and comfort: What's it like inside?

The Taycan's interior was roomier than I expected for such a small car. Its cabin feels refined and uncluttered.

Porsche's electric sports car has a huge 16.8-inch curved digital instrument cluster that features a map view, driver assist view, and more easily accessible displays. The Taycan's seats are low to the ground, giving it the sports car feel that drivers expect from a Porsche.

I enjoyed standard tech and safety features like blind-spot monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, and the wireless device charging tray.

Cargo, space and practicality: Will it fit your lifestyle?

The Porsche Taycan is designed to seat four and has an optional fifth seat for the rear row. It is 195.4 inches long, 84.4 inches wide (with mirrors), and 54.3 inches tall.

Porsche's electric sports car has about 17.3 cubic feet of cargo space including "frunk" space. It isn't made for practicality, it's designed for driver enjoyment.

Pricing, value and competitors: Is it worth it?

The 2025 Porsche Taycan starts at $99,400. It comes in a whopping eight trims including the final Turbo GT model.

Porsche's electric sports car is pricey for the average driver, but the high price comes with performance that you can't find in most sports cars. Taycan rivals include the Lucid Air and Tesla Model S electric vehicles.

The Lucid Air is the cheapest of the trio and has the most driving range (512-mile maximum range). Tesla's Model S is the best option of the three for drivers looking for strong performance and value.

Porsche's electric luxury sports car beats the Lucid Air and Model S when it comes to build quality and track readiness.

Final verdict: Who should buy the Porsche Taycan?

Porsche's electric sports car is impressive, but it isn't for everyone. If you're looking for a grocery hauler or family vehicle, the Taycan and its rivals aren't the right segment for you to be shopping in. If you want a powerful sports car that's made for driving pleasure, it's a solid choice.

Porsche's electric car is built for driving enthusiasts who are willing to pay a premium for top-tier performance. It's the next generation of engineering for the iconic German luxury sports car brand that has built a legacy of motorsports excellence.

Charles Singh is an Autos Connect Reporter for The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network. Contact him at CSingh@Gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: I drove the Porsche Taycan. Why EVs have a place in the sports car world

Reporting by Charles Singh , USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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This story was originally published July 13, 2026 at 11:46 AM.