EV upgrades :)
It’s been a while since I wrote comparison of ID.4 and Q4. A lot has happened since then. Both Audi and Volkswagen went through series of software updates, and I’ve learned a thing or two. Audi Connect is now a much better service than it was. It works 99%+ of the time, and functionality wise it’s on pair if not better than the one from Volkswagen. Quality and ride comfort have stood the test of time and everything is still great. I can honestly say that both cars have become better than they were couple of years ago. To the point that Audi has finally proven it’s value. It still isn’t to the level of older Audis, but that’s a different story. However, an interesting thing happened…
There was an opportunity to acquire a car that I only could have dreamed about. A car that I have considered the best car overall for few years now. Local Porsche dealer had an almost perfect specification of a used, certified pre-owned (CPO) Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo. It’s one of the most beautiful cars on the road and one of the most driver focused cars. I took it for a ride and, my gosh, that was it. I’m typically a rational human being, but after driving this car I just had to have it. I know it makes no sense. I know it has even less range than Q4, but that driving sensation of 570HP in launch control, the way it sticks to the road in corners, it was just almost perfect. Also, it’s Cross Turismo, so it has decent room for 2 kids in the back and it’s not afraid of getting off the road. So, we decided to sell the ID.4, keep the Q4 and add the Taycan to the mix. Well, ‘we’. Clearly, there was never going to be negotiation around this purchase.
This is 2022 Taycan, and as such, on paper it doesn’t have an impressive range. In real life, it’s better than on paper, by 20-30%. Regardless, it’s irrelevant. This thing charges so fast that I’m now achieving same travel time between two 450km apart points, which are of my interest, as I did with ICE car 5 years ago. I can go for one day trips to Šibenik or Split without a problem. Kids love it too, because it has an awesome panoramic glass roof, but also because it’s fast, very fast. It’s a bit more cramped than in Q4, but nobody really complains. It’s super smooth for driving. I’ve had it for 8 months now and I took it to Istria few times, Dalmatia few times, Czechia, Germany few times, Austria few times… When I can, I take it to windy roads of Medvednica mountain. Odometer just keeps pilling up kilometers.
There’s a recent statement by Joe Rogan circling around that only Tesla’s have regenerative braking. In the same breath he also said that, despite being a great car, Taycan doesn’t regen… That’s simply not true. Joe, you are wrong. Taycan, and pretty much every EV, does regenerate energy on braking. Some use one pedal driving, some use two pedals, but they all brake by inducing the electrical energy to slow down the wheels. Actual physical braking happens only in last few meters. And on that note, I find it more engaging to drive Taycan with two pedals; one for braking and one for acceleration (like any other non-EV car). At the same time I drive Q4 with one pedal (B mode), and use brakes only to stop from 3km/h to 0. I can’t explain why, maybe it’s the pedal, maybe it’s about the throwing the weight around the corners more precisely with braking pedal, I just don’t know. Anyway, one pedal driving is not energy efficient as coasting, but I get why people like it. It just doesn’t make sense on a car like this.
Car comes with intelligent route planner (schedules stops and adjusts to your driving), plug&charge, DC/DC inverter for legacy chargers (400V), LIDAR, front booth, heads up display, support for Home Energy Management System… I’ve connected the Porsche Mobile Charger Connect with evcc. Beautiful! When I drive, I turn off the heads up display, line centering and line keep assist. All those systems are just in the way of the driving pleasure.
Does it depreciate? Of course, it’s a luxury item, depreciation comes by default. I don’t care. I spent money on all kinds of things. Other than my family, rarely anything brings so much joy and satisfaction as this car.
Is it perfect? Far from it! Cabin storage space is sparse. Giant touchscreen in the middle is a waste of space. And that’s about it. I don’t care about the software. I really don’t. CarPlay connects and I can control my garage door and gates. That and in-car navigation, including the route planner, is all I use. The two speed gearbox is noticeable, but that kick when it changes gears gives it a character. It’s 22kW onboard charger died on me already once. It was replaced under the warranty. Funny story… I was given a BMW 530d as a loaner while Taycan was serviced. Talking about stepping back in time. That BMW was so sluggish, so noisy, so… Not a Porsche. Even Q4 is so much better car than that BMW.
If you have an opportunity to drive one of these, don’t let it go by. If you dislike EVs, this is the car that will change your mind. Sure, there are many EVs that will change your mind. I can’t wait to test drive 718 EV!
Oh, and funny story for the end… We sold the ID.4 to my sister. She is happy with it and that even made our father to look in the EV direction. He found a sweet deal on a used Mercedes EQE SUV. You can read more about that experience over here. It’s ridiculous what majestic cars are available for a fraction of the price. Keep doubting EVs people, that just leaves more luxury and performance for a bargain to us, stupid EV drivers.
