As the Porsche Taycan approaches the first anniversary since its launch, the German automaker has announced some new features coming for the 2021 model year refresh.
While there will be some minor performance improvements, like lowering the 0-200km/h time by 0.2 seconds to 9.6 seconds, and a new quarter-mile time of 10.7 seconds, the other improvements will focus on things like a new head-up display (HUD) and features available through subscriptions.
Head-up Display
Starting in October, the Taycan will be available with an optional HUD that projects driving information onto the windshield, directly in the driver’s view. There will be three sections displayed, one of which can be customized by the owner to display calls, voice control commands, navigation, the power meter, and other user-defined views as pre-sets.
Smartlift
This new function will come standard on the Taycan in conjunction with adapative air suspension. When enabled, the car will automatically adjust the suspension in certain recurring conditions, like when approaching speed bumps or raised driveways. The feature will also adjust the height of the vehicle when driving on the highway to achieve the best possible efficiency while maintaining driver comfort.
Functions on Demand (FoD)
This is where it gets interesting, as Porsche is introducing a way for owners to purchase convenience and driver-assist features, either as a one-time purchase or monthly subscription. If the monthly subscription is selected, owners will get a free 3-month trial of the function to decide if they want to keep it.
Some of the functions available through FoD include Porsche Intelligent Range Manager (PIRM), Power Steering Plus, Active Lane Keep Assist and Porsche InnoDrive. This follows BMW who recently announced a similar monthly subscription model for convenience features.
Once purchased, the new functions will be delivered through an over-the-air (OTA) software update without the need to visit a Porsche dealership.
No details on North American pricing were made available, but Active Lane Keep Assist and Innodrive (similar to Autopilot) will be available in Europe for €19.50 ($31 CAD) per month, or €808.10 ($1,266 CAD) to purchase outright.
Plug & Charge
Taking a page out of Tesla’s handbook, Porsche is simplifying the charging process by introducing Plug & Charge. Now Taycan drivers will just have to plug in the charging cable at select charging stations, and charging will begin without the need for an app or card. Payments will also be automatically processed.
In Canada and the US, the feature will be available at select Electrify Canada and Electrify America charging stations in early 2021. The feature is already available at Ionity charging stations in select European countries.
New Colours
If the existing colour options weren’t enough for you, Porsche is introducing the following new colours for 2021.
- Mahogany Metallic
- Frozenberry Metallic
- Cherry Metallic
- Coffee Beige Metallic
- Chalk
- Neptune Blue
- Ice Grey Metallic
The 2021 Porsche Taycan will be available to order in Canada and the US from mid-September, and be at Porsche Centres from mid-October.
