Most ‘affordable’ Porsche Taycan hits U.S., is still way more expensive than a Tesla

The “budget” version of Porsche’s first all-electric vehicle is now available to buy in the U.S. But don’t get too giddy about the price. The Taycan 4S still starts at more than $103,000.

Porsche’s Taycan 4S is an alternative to the $185,000 top-of-the-line Turbo S and $150,000 Turbo, both of which became available in the U.S. in December. 

Porsche is offering contactless home delivery for 4S buyers in states where going to a dealership isn’t possible due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Officially, it has a range of 203 miles. But CNET’s Roadshow found that’s likely too conservative. When it tested the Taycan Turbo, which supposedly had a range of 201 miles, they went as far as 250 miles on a charge. 

That’s the range listed on Tesla’s “budget” Model 3 sedan, which starts at $39,990. Tesla’s more expensive Model S (starting at just under $80,000) has a nearly 400-mile range.

Even as the pandemic continues, the Tesla-Porsche rivalry rages on.