THE FACTS The Rivals

PORSCHE TAYCAN RWD

TESTED

93.4kWh gross (83.7kWh net) lithium-ion battery, twospeed transmission, rear-wheel drive

PRICE/ON SALE from £70,690 (£91,936 as tested)/now

POWER/TORQUE 469bhp/263lb ft maximum; 375bhp continuous power

TOP SPEED 143mph

ACCELERATION 0-62mph in 5.4sec

RANGE

301 miles (WLTP)

CO2 EMISSIONS zero at tailpipe, well-towheels emissions 40.3g/km

EFFICIENCY 3.6 miles per kWh

VED zero rated

VERDICT

This large, handsome saloon has decent rather than superlative performance and well-honed major controls. Rear-wheel drive frees the front tyres to simply steer and the chassis balance is the best in the class. Options quickly bump up the price, but even with a few well-chosen extras the base Taycan leads its field.

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Tesla Model S, from £83,980

This dual-motor, longrange model has a range of 412 miles, with 0-60mph in 3.1sec. So-so build quality and looking a bit dated, but it’s flexible and fast.

Polestar 2, from £49,900

Excellent value, offering a range of 292 miles and genuinely different looks, with 127mph and 0-62mph in 4.7sec. Certainly worth a long, hard look if you are considering the Porsche.

Jaguar i-Pace, from £63,495

Good looking, comfortable, with a brilliantly-honed ride and handling balance. With 394bhp/513lb ft it has a top speed of 124mph and 0-62mph in 4.8sec.