2021 Porsche Taycan: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The biggest change for the 2021 Porsche Taycan is the arrival of the Cross Turismo, a more versatile wagon-style body with extra ground clearance and cargo space. The range also grows with a rear-wheel-drive base sedan and receives several charging and software updates.

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About the 2021 Porsche Taycan

1st-generation Taycan (J1), second model year for the sedan and first year for the Cross Turismo body style.

Porsche positions the Taycan as an electric sports car first, not just a luxury EV. The core pitch is Porsche acceleration, sharp handling, and a driver-focused cabin, paired with everyday usability and very fast 800-volt charging. In sedan form it is a low, sleek four-door performance car; in Cross Turismo form it adds more cargo room and rough-road usefulness. The through-line is the same: a Taycan is meant to feel unmistakably like a Porsche even without a gasoline engine.

The 2021 Taycan range stretches from the simpler rear-wheel-drive base sedan to all-wheel-drive 4S, Turbo, and Turbo S models, while the Cross Turismo emphasizes everyday usefulness with a raised body and more cargo room. The 4S balances strong performance with daily comfort, while the Turbo S sits at the top with up to 750 hp under Launch Control and ceramic brakes.

What changed, by category

Powertrain

A new base Taycan sedan joins the range with one rear motor and a 79.2-kWh battery. The new Taycan 4 Cross Turismo uses two motors and all-wheel drive, while the U.S. 4S sedan makes the smaller 79.2-kWh battery its standard setup.

Styling

A double-bubble aluminum roof becomes standard across the 2021 Taycan range.

Tech

Plug & Charge is added to streamline compatible public charging. Function on Demand supports activation of certain software-based features after purchase, while the touchscreen system gains SiriusXM 360L, Apple Podcasts support, charger prioritization, and other updates.

Structural

The Cross Turismo joins as a new wagon-style Taycan body with more cargo space, a raised ride height, extra ground clearance, standard all-wheel drive, and a fixed panoramic glass roof.

2021 Porsche Taycan specs and features by trim

Feature	2021 Porsche Taycan40 in stock	2021 Porsche Taycan4S1 in stock	2021 Porsche TaycanBase0 in stock	2021 Porsche TaycanTurbo0 in stock	2021 Porsche TaycanTurbo S0 in stock
Engine	Dual AC Electric Motors	Dual AC Electric Motors	AC Electric Motor	Dual AC Electric Motors	Dual AC Electric Motors
Transmission	Single-Speed Front & Two-Speed Rear	Single-Speed Fixed Gear	Single-Speed Fixed Gear	Single-Speed Fixed Gear	Single-Speed Fixed Gear
Drivetrain	AWD	AWD	RWD	AWD	AWD
Fuel Type	Electric	Electric	Electric	Electric	Electric
Trunk/Cargo	15.8 cu-ft	14.3–15.8 cu-ft	14.3 cu-ft	14.3 cu-ft	14.3 cu-ft
Seats	4	4	4	4	4
Doors	4	4	4	4	4
Electric Range	202	199–202	200	202–212	201–202
MPGe Combined	76	75–79	79	72–73	70–73
Safety & Security
Adaptive Cruise Control
Alarm System
Blindspot Sensors
Lane Departure Warning
Active Lane Keep Assistance
Park Assist
Rear View Camera
360 Camera
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
LED Headlights
Panorama Moon Roof
Rear Spoiler
Roof Rails
Entertainment & Electronics
Navigation System
Premium Audio
Smartphone Interface
Subwoofer
Comfort & Convenience
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Heated Front Seats
Heated Rear Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Interior Ambient Lighting
Leather Seats
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
Proximity Keyless Entry
Push-Button Engine Start
Ventilated Front Seats

How the 2022 Porsche Taycan compares

The biggest 2022 Porsche Taycan change is a broad software update that improves phone integration, infotainment usability, and fast-charging preparation. It is not a redesign, but the GTS trim and Sport Turismo body style also join the lineup.

See the full 2022 changes

Frequently asked questions

What is the biggest change to the 2021 Porsche Taycan?

The biggest change is the introduction of the Taycan Cross Turismo. This wagon-style version adds more cargo space and ground clearance while retaining the Taycan’s electric performance and fast-charging system.

Did Porsche add a rear-wheel-drive Taycan for 2021?

Yes. Porsche added a base 2021 Taycan sedan with a single rear motor and a 79.2-kWh battery, giving the lineup a simpler rear-wheel-drive entry model.

How is the 2021 Taycan Cross Turismo different from the sedan?

The 2021 Cross Turismo has a wagon-style body with more cargo room, a higher ride height, and extra ground clearance. It also has standard all-wheel drive, adaptive air suspension, and a fixed panoramic glass roof.

What charging and software updates did the 2021 Porsche Taycan receive?

The 2021 Taycan adds Plug & Charge for simpler compatible public charging and Function on Demand for certain software-based features. Its touchscreen system also gains SiriusXM 360L, Apple Podcasts support, and charger prioritization.

2021 Porsche Taycan Reviews

What owners are saying about the 2021 Porsche Taycan.

4.2

2021 Porsche Taycan

(96 reviews)

5 stars (49)

4 stars (31)

3 stars (8)

2 stars (5)

1 star (3)

“for performance its the best car I have ever driven/had, for roominess and some of the features that a bigger luxury car has you will have to sacrifice, keeping in mind I had an S Class for the last 10 years and wanted the new EQS, but it was not out yet.”

PMPeter M.
2021 Porsche Taycan 4S

“The base Taycan model is superb. I highly recommend it. It's the rare EV that beats its EPA estimated range.”

GBGeorge B.
2021 Porsche Taycan Base

“This is a great vehicle and I love the way it drives. The best is the ability to charge the car and be environmental friendly. The car is family friendly for a small car as well.”

2021 Porsche Taycan 4S