Porsche Taycan Turbo S: Specs, Price, 0-60 & Tesla Comparison

If you’ve been eyeing a Porsche Taycan Turbo S but the sticker price feels out of reach, here’s what most reviews don’t lead with: a used one can run $60,000 to $90,000 for a three-year-old model. Yes, the 952 hp super-sedan that embarrasses sports cars at stoplights has a depreciation curve steep enough to put it within budget.

Power: 952 hp · 0-100 km/h: 2.4 s · Top Speed: 260 km/h · Range: 290–560 km · Battery: 105 kWh

The specs below cover the 2020 Turbo S as tested, with notes on 2025–2026 refreshes where they matter.

How much horsepower is a Taycan Turbo S?

Porsche rates the Taycan Turbo S at 952 PS (roughly 938 hp) when Launch Control is engaged, with an overboost function pushing maximum output to 700 kW. That figure puts it among the most powerful EVs Porsche has ever built, and the two-speed transmission on the rear axle is something no Tesla offers. It splits power delivery across two gears: first for launch acceleration, second for highway punch.

Power output details

During Car and Driver’s instrumented testing, the 2020 Taycan Turbo S ran 0-100 km/h in 2.4 seconds and cleared the quarter-mile in 10.5 seconds at 130 mph. Those numbers came from a pre-refresh model — the 2025 and 2026 variants with updated battery management and thermal systems push into the mid-2-second range when optioned with Sport Chrono and the correct wheel/tire package. The 105 kWh Performance Battery Plus feeds dual motors, with the rear motor doing most of the work until you call up maximum boost.

Overboost performance

The overboost function is programmable through Porsche’s drive mode system. Sport Plus unlocks the full 700 kW for short bursts, managed by the car’s thermal conditioning system. Unlike a traditional turbocharger spool, the electric system delivers peak power nearly instantaneously — no lag, no hesitation. Real owners report that the sensation is closer to an amusement park ride than a car, largely because the two-speed gearbox masks the torque delivery in a way that feels unnatural until you’re used to it.

Porsche Taycan Turbo S specs

Beyond the headline horsepower figure, the Taycan Turbo S specs tell a story of trade-offs that any serious buyer needs to understand. Porsche engineered this car to prioritize driver engagement over maximum range — a philosophy that shows in every number.

Acceleration and top speed

The 2020 Taycan Turbo S tested 0-60 mph in 2.4 seconds with a top speed of 260 km/h (about 162 mph). Car and Driver’s test team noted the car hit 150 mph faster than the Tesla Model S Performance it compared against, though the Tesla won their overall comparison due to a $85,160 price difference. Quarter-mile performance: 10.5 seconds at 130 mph. The two-speed transmission is the key differentiator here — it lets the Taycan prioritize torque multiplication off the line, then shift into a taller ratio for high-speed stability.

Battery and range

The 105 kWh Performance Battery Plus is the same pack used across the Taycan lineup. Early 2020-2022 models carried EPA ranges of 192-240 miles depending on wheel size and driving style — numbers that look modest next to a Tesla Model S Long Range at 390-405 miles. The 2025 refresh pushed that figure to 270-320+ miles EPA, a meaningful improvement driven by software refinements and more efficient thermal management. Real-world range for pre-refresh models sits closer to 200-280 miles depending on climate, speed, and how often you use Launch Control.

Pricing overview

The 2020 Taycan Turbo S base price was $186,350, with the tested car ringing in at $205,180 with options. Current 2026 Taycan MSRP starts at $108,050 according to TrueCar. Used 3-4 year old Taycan models now run $60,000-$90,000 — a steep drop that opens the door for buyers who want Porsche performance without the new-car premium. Battery replacement out of warranty costs five figures for both cars, with Porsche’s repair bills generally running higher.

Is the Taycan Turbo S faster than Tesla?

The honest answer depends on which Tesla you’re measuring against and which metric matters most. In a straight line to 60 mph, the comparison is closer than the marketing suggests — and the Tesla Model S Plaid changes the math entirely.

Vs Tesla Model S

Car and Driver’s 2020 head-to-head test put the Taycan Turbo S at 2.4 seconds 0-60 mph versus the Model S Performance at 2.5 seconds — a difference so small it reads as a tie on the street. The Tesla Model S Performance produced 778 hp combined from its dual motors, while the Taycan Turbo S delivered 952 hp under overboost. Both cars run on all-season tires in factory trim, which limits traction. Where the Taycan pulls ahead is at higher speeds: the two-speed transmission lets it accelerate harder past 100 mph where the single-speed Tesla starts to run out of breath. The Model S Long Range 2021+ offers EPA range of 390-405 miles — more than double the Taycan’s 192-mile EPA figure for 2020 models. The newer 2025 Taycan refresh narrows that gap with 270-320+ miles EPA, but Tesla still leads in range efficiency.

Performance benchmarks

CleanTechnica’s analysis of Tesla Model S Plaid versus Taycan Turbo S matchups showed the Plaid winning in every drag race despite being heavier on paper. The Plaid’s 1,020 hp output and sub-2-second 0-60 time (Tesla claims approximately 2 seconds) give it a decisive acceleration edge. The Taycan counters with superior handling feel, brake pedal response, and the kind of steering feedback that Tesla has never prioritized. The Model S weighs nearly 250 pounds less than the Taycan despite having a larger battery, a weight distribution advantage that shows on twisty roads.

The Tesla Model S excels in city driving with one-pedal operation

For daily driving, the Model S has practical advantages: the single-pedal regenerative braking system is smoother than the Taycan’s setup, and the Supercharger network gives Tesla owners confidence on road trips that Porsche’s charging infrastructure still can’t match. The Taycan charges up to 320 kW on newer models versus the Model S at 250 kW — a technical win that matters most on shorter stops where you can take advantage of peak charging speeds.

Why are used taycans so cheap?

Used Porsche Taycan prices sit in the $60,000-$90,000 range for 3-4 year old models — a steep fall from new that reflects both luxury depreciation and the EV market’s evolving perceptions. Understanding why helps you decide whether the discount is a opportunity or a warning sign.

Market depreciation factors

The Taycan Turbo S dropped roughly $100,000 from its $186,350 base price in five years — a depreciation curve steeper than most Porsche models. Several forces drive this: the 2025 refresh improved range and software, making early models feel dated faster; Porsche’s luxury brand premium holds less strongly in the used EV market than in combustion cars; and the Taycan’s software quirks (12V system issues, charging quirks) create buyer hesitation that dealers can’t easily overcome with price adjustments alone.

Used pricing trends

The 2025 refresh introduced a more capable battery management system and standard Android Automotive OS with over-the-air updates — features missing from 2020-2024 models. That tech gap widened the spread between new and used prices. Buyers shopping used Taycans can find well-optioned Turbo S models below $90,000 that were selling above $200,000 three years ago. TrueCar’s comparison data shows 2026 Taycan MSRP at $108,050, but the real-world used market tells a different story: a $110,000 discount on a 2021 Turbo S is plausible if the car has high mileage and missing options.

What are the common Taycan problems?

Reliability data for the Taycan is still building — there are far fewer examples with 100,000+ miles than comparable Tesla Model S cars. What we know from forums, owner reports, and repair shop data points to a different failure profile than Tesla: mostly software, rarely drivetrain.

Battery and charging issues

Recharged’s used car guide identifies software glitches and 12V electrical system failures as the most common Taycan complaints. The 12V battery in early models drains faster than expected when the car sits idle for days, occasionally leaving owners stranded with a car that won’t wake up. Charging quirks include intermittent failures at third-party DC fast chargers that the car resolves after a software reset. Porsche addressed most of these in the 2025 refresh with a more robust 12V management system. Battery degradation on high-mileage Taycans appears minimal compared to early Model S examples, likely because Porsche’s thermal management strategy is more conservative than Tesla’s aggressive charge-to-100-percent practice.

Known fixes

Porsche’s warranty covers software-related issues for four years/unlimited miles, and the extended warranty options are competitive with BMW and Mercedes for EV coverage. Owners report that the two-speed transmission is generally reliable, with most mechanical issues traced to software calibration rather than hardware failure. Battery pack replacement out of warranty costs significantly more than Tesla’s equivalent service, according to Recharged’s repair cost analysis — a hidden expense that factors into total cost of ownership calculations.

Here is how the two cars stack up across the specs that matter most.

The pattern: Tesla leads on range and price; Porsche leads on charging speed and driving dynamics. Neither car is universally better — the choice hinges on whether you prioritize efficiency or engagement.

“Tesla wins this one largely on price, but the Model S’s virtues stand on their own, too.”

— Car and Driver (Automotive Reviewers)

“Porsche creates the Porsche of EVs, applies Porsche pricing.”

— Car and Driver (Test Editors)

“The Model S is a great looking car. The Taycan is in a different category of style and design.”

— Taycan Forum User (Taycan Owner) via Taycan Forum

The comparison between these two cars ultimately comes down to what you value most. The Tesla Model S Long Range offers nearly double the range at a significantly lower price point, plus the practical advantage of Supercharger access that makes road trips straightforward. For buyers prioritizing everyday practicality and cost-per-mile, the Model S is the rational choice. But if driving feel, interior quality, and the experience of piloting 952 hp matter more than efficiency, the Taycan Turbo S rewards those willing to pay the premium — or patient enough to find the right used example. Performance-focused buyers watching the used market can find a $90,000 Turbo S with low miles that delivers 95 percent of the new-car experience at half the price.

Related reading: Used Porsche Taycan vs Tesla Model S · Used Porsche Taycan vs New Tesla Model S

The Taycan Turbo S’s edge over Tesla rivals shines through in specs-focused reviews like Zeitkurier Tesla matchup, mirroring our performance and pricing analysis.

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