2021 Porsche Taycan vs. Tesla Model S: Head-to-Head Comparison

When it comes to luxury-class electric vehicles (EV), the Porsche Taycan and Tesla Model S are exceptional sedans with extraordinary design aesthetics, powerhouse performance, and luxurious interior amenities. But which one is right for you? Let’s compare the two so you can see how they differ.

For the purpose of this review, we’ll compare the 2021 Porsche Taycan Turbo S, beginning at $185,000 MSRP, with the 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid Plus trim, beginning at $139,990 MSRP.

If you’d like to further explore the all-electric 2021 Porsche Taycan and take it for a test drive, contact the team at Beverly Hills Porsche at (888) 245-9042 or send us a message. For more information on the Taycan, visit our model review page.

2021 Porsche Taycan driving on the highway

2021 Porsche Taycan vs. Tesla Model S Performance

Each model leverages intelligent thinking and delivers a racing-like experience marked by exceptional performance and responsive handling. Recently, the 2021 Taycan Turbo S set a Guinness World Records™ indoor land speed record. And Tesla debuted its tri-motor engine for the 2021 Model S Plaid and Plaid Plus trims.

View the accompanying table to review key specs.

2021 Porsche Taycan
Turbo S
Model 2021 Tesla Model S
Plaid Plus
AC Performance Synchronous Motor (560kW) with Performance Battery Plus (93.4kWH) Engine Tri-motor with torque vectoring
Two-speed automatic
on rear axle
Transmission One-speed automatic/
direct drive
AWD Drive Type AWD
750/560 kW with Overboost Power with Launch Control Horsepower 1,020
774 lb.-ft. with Launch Control Torque 713 lb.-ft.
201 miles/278 with Performance Battery Plus Driving Range 390 miles
161 MPH Top Speed 200 MPH

2021 Porsche Taycan interior

2021 Porsche Taycan Interior

2021 Porsche Taycan vs. Tesla Model S Interior

Enjoy the beauty of performance inside the 2021 Taycan Turbo S, with its sleek interior and dashboard display, plus upscale standard and available features, such as: 

  • Fixed panoramic roof in glass
  • Thermally and noise insulated glass
  • Leather-free Race Tex or leather seating 
  • Adaptive,18-way sport seats plus with memory package
  • Deviated seat centers and stitching
  • Wood, carbon fiber, or aluminum details

The Tesla Model S introduced several interior design changes in 2021, such as a modern yoke-style steering wheel and updated display.

2021 Porsche Taycan vs. Tesla Model S Exterior

The sloping roof and flyline, vertical air intakes near the front wheels, adaptive rear spoiler, and underbody paneling on the 2021 Porsche Taycan are some of the aerodynamically optimized details that add function to elegant form. Choose between two roof options, too ― a panoramic fixed glass roof or a lightweight aluminum contoured roof. Aluminum can also be found in the hood, front fenders, tailgate, doors, and side sections. Other features you’ll find on the 2021 Taycan Turbo S include:

  • 21-in. Mission E design wheels with spokes in high-gloss black
  • Four-point LED daytime running lights
  • LED headlights with matrix design and Porsche dynamic light system plus
  • Available automatic height-adjusting suspension

The sleek hatchback design of the 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid boasts a redesigned hood and front grille to further enhance the vehicle’s aerodynamics. The Model S features a wide body design to enhance speed and efficiency. Chrome details around the windows have been replaced in 2021 with black detailing for a more distinctive look. Other details include 19-inch or 21-inch alloy performance wheels.

2021 Porsche Taycan Exterior charging outside

2021 Porsche Taycan Exterior

2021 Porsche Taycan vs. Tesla Model S Technology Features

The 2021 Taycan Turbo S comes equipped with Porsche Communication Management and online navigation, Porsche Connect, Porsche Vehicle Tracking System, Bose® surround sound system with 14 speakers, and SiriusXM® Satellite Radio.

You can upgrade your 2021 Taycan with a Burmester® 3D high-end surround sound system to experience your favorite music, podcasts, or sporting events on another level. If you want more convenience, add the passenger display feature and let your partner assist you with directions or other information your vehicle delivers.

The 2021 Tesla Model S features a 17-inch cinematic center display, rear seat in-car gaming console, multi-device Bluetooth®, wireless, and USB-C charging, and a 22-speaker audio system with active noise cancellation.

2021 Porsche Taycan vs. Tesla Model S Safety Features

The 2021 Taycan Turbo S comes equipped with warn and brake assist, lane keep assist with traffic sign recognition, ParkAssist, and cruise control. Among the advanced driver assistance features you can equip your Taycan Turbo S with are a head-up display, night vision assist, lane change assist, surround view, adaptive cruise control, and active parking support.

In 2021, Tesla equipped its vehicles with new active safety features and advanced tech like automatic emergency braking, auto lane change, and autopark. An autopilot feature lets your vehicle steer, brake, and accelerate while you actively supervise, and an autopilot navigation feature provides guidance as you enter and exit highway ramps.

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