PORSCHE in Malaysia recently hosted the Taycan E-xperience drive that showcased the long-distance capabilities of its latest all-electric Taycan sports sedan as well as the convenience of the company’s strategic quick charging infrastructure tie-up with Shell Recharge.
The main essence of the drive which took members of the media from Kuala Lumpur to Kuantan that included a climb to a high-performance charging hub in Genting Highlands before making the return trip.
The purpose of the journey was to highlight the Taycan’s improved performance, extended range, and faster charging capability.
The new Taycan range is now available for order in Malaysia, starting from RM575,000.
The latest lineup comes with a more extensive list of standard features, including air suspension, power-folding mirrors with surround lighting, Porsche Intelligent Range Manager (PIRM), a redesigned cooling system for better battery thermal management, and electrically operated charging ports on both the driver and passenger sides.
Inside, the interior boasts of a new ambient lighting system, a cooled smartphone tray for wireless charging, and a standard Drive Mode Select switch.
Additional Malaysia-specific upgrades include 20-inch wheels, ParkAssist with Surround View, Advanced Climate Control, 14-way front comfort seats with memory, and a premium Bose Surround Sound System.
Aerodynamically optimised 20-inch wheels.
With such enhancements, the Taycan is committed to providing a more refined and enjoyable long-distance driving experience.
The refreshed design of the Taycan immediately caught the eye with its reshaped front intakes and detailed headlights that elevate its purist aesthetic, while the rear light strip now features an optional illuminated, 3D glass-look Porsche lettering.
The drive combined highways, scenic B-roads, and challenging hill climbs to put the Taycan’s improved performance to the test.
The entry-level Taycan now accelerates from 0 to 100kph in just 4.8 seconds (-0.6 second) and can travel up to 678km (+175km WLTP) while the Taycan 4S gets the deed done in 3.7 seconds (-0.3 second) with 642km (+132km) of range.
The Taycan Turbo, while able to sprint from 0 to 100kph in 2.7 seconds (-0.5 second) gets its range improved to 630km (+124km) with the range-topping Taycan Turbo S racing from standstill to 100km in 2.4 seconds (-0.4 second) with up to 630km (+163km) of range as well.
Equipped with the latest Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) that comes with a two-chamber air suspension system and dual-valve damper technology, the Taycan balanced precise handling with a surprisingly good amount of ride comfort.
The high-speed charger displaying the electricity bring dished out.
The Taycan’s 800V charging system allows for a quick 10% to 80% charge in just 18 minutes at fast DC charging stations.
The new high-voltage battery, featuring enhanced cell chemistry, not only extends the range but also supports higher recuperation power of up to 400kW.
On this journey, the upcoming Shell Recharge High-Performance Charging (HPC) station at Temerloh R&R, developed in collaboration with the company, was observed as a pivotal charging point for travellers heading in and out of the East Coast.
The 180kW fast chargers certainly added a great amount of convenience by reducing the amount of charge time which took about 15 minutes to get the battery from 69% up to 80%.
The second day of the drive saw the convoy ascend the winding route to Genting Highlands, where the Taycan could showcase its exceptional handling and powerful electric drivetrain that delivered nothing short of a composed yet exhilarating experience.
The DC charging gun plugged in.
Despite the sporty ride and handling, rear passengers still managed to enjoy the ascent in relative comfort thanks to the adaptive suspension, as the Porsche Electric Sport Sound added a dynamic auditory experience to the journey.
Upon reaching Resorts World Genting, the convoy charged at the Shell Recharge 360kW High-Performance Charging Hub after draining the battery significantly down to about 30% despite covering 200km that included the demanding hill-climb.
As the convoy descended from Genting Highlands, the Taycan’s improved recuperation system managed to recover some 3% of the battery’s State-of-Charge.
With a WLTP range of up to 678km, the new Taycan can undoubtedly provide owners with the confidence to embark on long stress-free journeys across Malaysia without making numerous stops to charge and further prolong the trip.
The all-electric Taycan still carries the traditional Porsche styling DNA.
The rear coupe-like styling gives the Taycan an athletic appearance.
Taking a break at Shell Recharge 360kW High-Performance Charging Hub in Genting Highlands.
The Taycan's centre display showing the state-of-charge level.
