We love our '23 EQS 580 SUV and we are thinking about another EV and I am considering:

1) EQS 580 Sedan

2) AMG EQS 53

3) Porsche Taycan (low mile certified less than $90k)

We love the EQS SUV so much I'd love to try the sedan just for something that handles a bit better and I actually like the look of the sedan esp. in red or Manufaktur Selenite Gray with a little tint on the windows.

I've heard great things about the Taycan too, esp. the handling and I think the looks of the Taycan is hard to beat. But, I've heard the range is kinda lacking.

Thoughts please? Especially from owners of both EQS Sedan and Taycan!

 

Thinking about the same trade. Here is where I am parked. I really like the Taycan because of the handling and looks and size (don't want as big of a car as the EQS) but would be afraid to own it out of warranty. I would trust owning an EQS Mercedes more. On range the Taycan's do better than their posted numbers but probably the same could be said for the EQS. A while back I drove a Taycan, Lucid Air and 2024 EQS 450 4matic. The EQS was the Goldilocks car except for how big it is.

 

If you are looking at the Taycan, absolutely avoid 2020. The best option is a 2025 with the performance range battery. Also the Touriso is a lot better so try to find one of those. It’s a good car, but you will have more bugs in the tech than the EQS. It’s also pretty cramped inside. Fun to drive though.

 

I forgot to mention - try to find a Taycan Turbo. Huge difference and totally worth it.

 

We love our EQS SUV and will keep it. The EQS Sedan or Taycan would be additional to the EQS SUV.

 

I like the Taycans and almost leased one, but I went with a used EQS 580 instead and I'm very happy I made that decision. Someone else took the depreciation hit (he was a rich doctor so he can afford it) and I reap the benefits. The car is a Pinnacle with every possible option available. Got it for $51k! I was looking at a north of $100k Taycan and it was honestly a lot slower than the 580 (sedan), the ride wasn't as good, and the electronics and ADAS pale in comparison to the EQS of course. But Porsche is coming on strong here. I'm waiting for and expecting great things coming from them including a new electric 718 Boxter and the Cayenne of course. And... well... the Taycan looks amazing, especially the 2025+ models.

 

You should look at Lucid too.

 

I was ON THE LINE buying a Lucid. Amazing car with terrible electronics. But an AMAZING CAR. In the end I couldn't do it because both my wife and young daughter got a little car sick in that one. They didn't in the EQS.

Someday I am going to buy one when they have depreciated more and I can just get one for fun for maybe $20k.

But I am also looking for a 911 991.2 or so... I am going to run out of room!

 

I think the lucid looks very nice, but I simply fear the long-term prospects of them staying in business.

 

Yeah - that's a concern. However that was also a concern for Tesla and the Lucid is a MUCH better car.

I actually invested in about a Lucid Air GT worth of LCID. I just sold a little Apple and nVidia to buy LCID. Completely speculative play, but I was so impressed with the car. Given their partnerships with SAPIF, Uber, and Nuro, I have some hope they will pull through. I don't think SAPIF is going to allow them to fail.

But who knows?

 

I have one main concern about the Taycan. I had my paperwork done to buy a CPO Taycan GTS last year. It was awesome. Then I made the mistake of hanging out in a Taycan forum and reading about all the tribulations of an owner having a 3.33mm ding in "just the right spot" of the battery tray, and his insurance balking at the $72,000 replacement cost of the battery. I think it all eventually got worked out, but my concerns were around:
1 - The Taycan is very very low to the ground (that's why is handles so darn well)
2 - If a Porsche dealer determines that your battery is damaged, they will not let you have the car back. It's a safety issue (which makes sense - they don't want the liability)
3 - If took somewhere around 90+ days to resolve the situation. After much back and forth and complaining with Porsche North America, the battery replacement cost was dropped to something like $42k and it still took a few weeks to get the battery to the dealer.
4 - The dealer only covered a loaner for something like the first 30 days

Note that the battery tray has supposedly been improved for the 2nd gen Taycan's, but this is why the wife and I narrowed things down to the Rivian R1S and the EQS SUV. If Rivian hadn't treated us so very very poorly during the buying experience, y'all would be having much happier lives not having to listen to me ramble over here.

If you want to read the gory Taycan details, you can spend over an hour reading through this:
https://www.taycanforum.com/forum/th...indiana.20407/

Here's the 3.33mm ding that ruined the battery pack:

 

Yes there are a multitude of tales that would frighten you away from owning a Taycan. Like $18K damage from hitting a ground hog.

 

They are backed by Saudi oil money. You don't need to worry about them going away any time soon.

 

@sarends , this thread is my exact dilemma. And let me tell you, the journey to the test drive today was an adventure in itself.

It started innocently enough, with a pilgrimage to my favorite pastry shop in Cincinnati. After that, I headed out for the test drives, and about a third of the way there, the heavens opened up. I'm talking a torrential downpour, terrible visibility. In the span of just 10 minutes, I drove past four separate fender benders on the interstate.

As if that wasn't enough, a little later I was gaggled as I saw four wild turkeys running through the weeds off the shoulder. I was just praying one of them didn't take a wrong turn at Albuquerque and completely ruin my day—and my front end.

After that odyssey, I was ready for some serious analysis. My "contrary evidence foundational method"—where I go in specifically to challenge my own biases and put the prevailing assumptions to the test—proved to not fail me today. Because at the end of the day, all of the research, opinions, reviews, and colorful commentary won't—and shouldn't—supersede that real-world, in-person experience of the cars.

I finally made it to Porsche and test-drove the 2025 Taycan 4S and the new 2025 all-electric Macan 4 back-to-back, using my '24 EQS as the benchmark. My experience was... definitive. And surprising.

The 2025 Taycan 4S: The Heartbreaker

I'll be honest, I walked in fully expecting—no, more accurately, I was really hoping—to fall even more in love with the Taycan. And I really wanted to love this car. The looks are just killer.

First, let's clear up a misconception from this thread: the Taycan is not cramped. I was shocked. I had massive amounts of headroom, far more than I have in the EQS sedan. Once you're in, the visibility is fantastic, and the interior is a beautifully focused cockpit. Yes, ingress/egress is awkward for some—you are very low to the ground—but it's not bad at all once you're seated.

And the performance? It's a missile. Monstrous, immediate torque. "Wicked quick" doesn't do it justice.

But here is the deal-breaker. And for me, it's a heartbreaker:

The ride quality.

I know, it's a Porsche. It's supposed to be firm. And it handles those imperfections with incredible composure. But you feel them. You feel every single one.

Coming from the "magic carpet" of the EQS, the Taycan’s ride was the key killer. It’s a relentless, high-definition feed of the road surface. In some ways, it's not a fair comparison because the Taycan does so many other things DAMN well. But I know myself, and that ride is a compromise I'm not willing to make for a daily driver.

The 2025 Macan 4 Electric: The Show-Stealer

I've written here before that I'm not an SUV fan. I only drove the all-electric Macan 4 because it was there, and my "contrary evidence" method demanded I test my own bias.

...and it completely stole the show.

The Macan 4 gave me 90% of that "Porsche quick and agile" feeling, but with a much more comfortable and composed ride. It's the perfect sweet spot.

But the looks... damn. In person, in all-jet-black with the carbon fiber inlayed wheels, it's a different animal. It's aggressive, tight, and muscular in a way the photos just don't capture. The entire experience was far better than I ever expected.

The Verdict

Driving home in my EQS (thankfully, with no rain or turkeys) was the final word. It's a silent, serene, isolation chamber. The Porsches are built to engage you; the EQS is built to isolate you.

Sarends, since you're keeping the "comfort" vehicle (the EQS SUV), the Taycan could be your "fun" car if you can live with the ride.

But for me? The Macan 4 EV was the revelation. It's the one that delivers the Porsche thrill without the ride penalty.

And to boot, from a transactional standpoint, it's a MUCH better value proposition. I'm already finding that the deals are far more compelling, and there's significantly more inventory to choose from.

I changed my mind today. Looks like I might be adding another bucking bronco to the stable.

 

Sarends, this thread is my exact dilemma. And let me tell you, the journey to the test drive today was an adventure in itself.

It started innocently enough, with a pilgrimage to my favorite pastry shop in Cincinnati. After that, I headed out for the test drives, and about a third of the way there, the heavens opened up. I'm talking a torrential downpour, terrible visibility. In the span of just 10 minutes, I drove past four separate fender benders on the interstate.

As if that wasn't enough, a little later I was gaggled as I saw four wild turkeys running through the weeds off the shoulder. I was just praying one of them didn't take a wrong turn at Albuquerque and completely ruin my day—and my front end.

After that odyssey, I was ready for some serious analysis. My "contrary evidence foundational method"—where I go in specifically to challenge my own biases and put the prevailing assumptions to the test—proved to not fail me today. Because at the end of the day, all of the research, opinions, reviews, and colorful commentary won't—and shouldn't—supersede that real-world, in-person experience of the cars.

I finally made it to Porsche and test-drove the 2025 Taycan 4S and the new 2025 all-electric Macan 4 back-to-back, using my '24 EQS as the benchmark. My experience was... definitive. And surprising.

The 2025 Taycan 4S: The Heartbreaker

I'll be honest, I walked in fully expecting—no, more accurately, I was really hoping—to fall even more in love with the Taycan. And I really wanted to love this car. The looks are just killer.

First, let's clear up a misconception from this thread: the Taycan is not cramped. I was shocked. I had massive amounts of headroom, far more than I have in the EQS sedan. Once you're in, the visibility is fantastic, and the interior is a beautifully focused cockpit. Yes, ingress/egress is awkward for some—you are very low to the ground—but it's not bad at all once you're seated.

And the performance? It's a missile. Monstrous, immediate torque. "Wicked quick" doesn't do it justice.

But here is the deal-breaker. And for me, it's a heartbreaker:

The ride quality.

I know, it's a Porsche. It's supposed to be firm. And it handles those imperfections with incredible composure. But you feel them. You feel every single one.

Coming from the "magic carpet" of the EQS, the Taycan’s ride was the key killer. It’s a relentless, high-definition feed of the road surface. In some ways, it's not a fair comparison because the Taycan does so many other things DAMN well. But I know myself, and that ride is a compromise I'm not willing to make for a daily driver.

The 2025 Macan 4 Electric: The Show-Stealer

I've written here before that I'm not an SUV fan. I only drove the all-electric Macan 4 because it was there, and my "contrary evidence" method demanded I test my own bias.

...and it completely stole the show.

The Macan 4 gave me 90% of that "Porsche quick and agile" feeling, but with a much more comfortable and composed ride. It's the perfect sweet spot.

But the looks... damn. In person, in all-jet-black with the carbon fiber inlayed wheels, it's a different animal. It's aggressive, tight, and muscular in a way the photos just don't capture. The entire experience was far better than I ever expected.

The Verdict

Driving home in my EQS (thankfully, with no rain or turkeys) was the final word. It's a silent, serene, isolation chamber. The Porsches are built to engage you; the EQS is built to isolate you.

Sarends, since you're keeping the "comfort" vehicle (the EQS SUV), the Taycan could be your "fun" car if you can live with the ride.

But for me? The Macan 4 EV was the revelation. It's the one that delivers the Porsche thrill without the ride penalty.

And to boot, from a transactional standpoint, it's a MUCH better value proposition. I'm already finding that the deals are far more compelling, and there's significantly more inventory to choose from.

I changed my mind today. Looks like I might be adding another bucking bronco to the stable.

 

Sarends, this thread is my exact dilemma. And let me tell you, the journey to the test drive today was an adventure in itself. It started innocently enough, with a pilgrimage to my favorite pastry shop in Cincinnati. After that, I headed out for the test drives, and about a third of the way there, the heavens opened up. I'm talking a torrential downpour, terrible visibility. In the span of just 10 minutes, I drove past four separate fender benders on the interstate. As if that wasn't enough, a little later I was gaggled as I saw four wild turkeys running through the weeds off the shoulder. I was just praying one of them didn't take a wrong turn at Albuquerque and completely ruin my day—and my front end. After that odyssey, I was ready for some serious analysis. My "contrary evidence foundational method"—where I go in specifically to challenge my own biases and put the prevailing assumptions to the test—proved to not fail me today. Because at the end of the day, all of the research, opinions, reviews, and colorful commentary won't—and shouldn't—supersede that real-world, in-person experience of the cars. I finally made it to Porsche and test-drove the 2025 Taycan 4S and the new 2025 all-electric Macan 4 back-to-back, using my '24 EQS as the benchmark. My experience was... definitive. And surprising. The 2025 Taycan 4S: The Heartbreaker I'll be honest, I walked in fully expecting—no, more accurately, I was really hoping—to fall even more in love with the Taycan. And I really wanted to love this car. The looks are just sensational. First, let's clear up a misconception from this thread: the Taycan is not cramped. I was shocked. I had massive amounts of headroom, far more than I have in the EQS sedan. Once you're in, the visibility is fantastic, and the interior is a beautifully focused cockpit. Yes, ingress/egress is awkward for some—you are very low to the ground—but it's not bad at all once you're seated. And the performance? It's a missile. Monstrous, immediate torque. "Wicked quick" doesn't do it justice. But here is the deal-breaker. And for me, it's a heartbreaker: The ride quality. I know, it's a Porsche. It's supposed to be firm. And it handles those imperfections with incredible composure. But you feel them. You feel every single one. Coming from the "magic carpet" of the EQS, the Taycan’s ride was the key fatal flaw. It’s a relentless, high-definition feed of the road surface. In some ways, it's not a fair comparison because the Taycan does so many other things DAMN well. But I know myself, and that ride is a compromise I'm not willing to make for a daily driver. The 2025 Macan 4 Electric: The Show-Stealer I've written here before that I'm not an SUV fan. I only drove the all-electric Macan 4 because it was there, and my "contrary evidence" method demanded I test my own bias. ...and it completely stole the show. The Macan 4 gave me 90% of that "Porsche quick and agile" feeling, but with a much more comfortable and composed ride. It's the perfect sweet spot. But the looks... damn. In person, in all-jet-black with the carbon fiber inlayed wheels, it's a different animal. It's aggressive, tight, and muscular in a way the photos just don't capture. The entire experience was far better than I ever expected. The Verdict Driving home in my EQS (thankfully, with no rain or turkeys) was the final word. It's a silent, serene, isolation chamber. The Porsches are built to engage you; the EQS is built to isolate you. Sarends, since you're keeping the "comfort" vehicle (the EQS SUV), the Taycan could be your "fun" car if you can live with the ride. But for me? The Macan 4 EV was the revelation. It's the one that delivers the Porsche thrill without the ride penalty. And to boot, from a transactional standpoint, it's a MUCH better value proposition. I'm already finding that the deals are far more compelling, and there's significantly more inventory to choose from. I changed my mind today. Looks like I might be adding another bucking bronco to the stable.

 

Sarends, this thread is my exact dilemma. And let me tell you, the journey to the test drive today was an adventure in itself. It started innocently enough, with a pilgrimage to my favorite pastry shop in Cincinnati. After that, I headed out for the test drives, and about a third of the way there, the heavens opened up. I'm talking a torrential downpour, terrible visibility. In the span of just 10 minutes, I drove past four separate fender benders on the interstate. As if that wasn't enough, a little later I was gaggled as I saw four wild turkeys running through the weeds off the shoulder. I was just praying one of them didn't take a wrong turn at Albuquerque and completely ruin my day—and my front end. After that odyssey, I was ready for some serious analysis. My "contrary evidence foundational method"—where I go in specifically to challenge my own biases and put the prevailing assumptions to the test—proved to not fail me today. Because at the end of the day, all of the research, opinions, reviews, and colorful commentary won't—and shouldn't—supersede that real-world, in-person experience of the cars. I finally made it to Porsche and test-drove the 2025 Taycan 4S and the new 2025 all-electric Macan 4 back-to-back, using my '24 EQS as the benchmark. My experience was... definitive. And surprising. The 2025 Taycan 4S: The Heartbreaker I'll be honest, I walked in fully expecting—no, more accurately, I was really hoping—to fall even more in love with the Taycan. And I really wanted to love this car. The looks are just sensational. First, let's clear up a misconception from this thread: the Taycan is not cramped. I was shocked. I had massive amounts of headroom, far more than I have in the EQS sedan. Once you're in, the visibility is fantastic, and the interior is a beautifully focused cockpit. Yes, ingress/egress is awkward for some—you are very low to the ground—but it's not bad at all once you're seated. And the performance? It's a missile. Monstrous, immediate torque. "Wicked quick" doesn't do it justice. But here is the deal-breaker. And for me, it's a heartbreaker: The ride quality. I know, it's a Porsche. It's supposed to be firm. And it handles those imperfections with incredible composure. But you feel them. You feel every single one. Coming from the "magic carpet" of the EQS, the Taycan’s ride was the key fatal flaw. It’s a relentless, high-definition feed of the road surface. In some ways, it's not a fair comparison because the Taycan does so many other things INCREDIBLY well. But I know myself, and that ride is a compromise I'm not willing to make for a daily driver. The 2025 Macan 4 Electric: The Show-Stealer I've written here before that I'm not an SUV fan. I only drove the all-electric Macan 4 because it was there, and my "contrary evidence" method demanded I test my own bias. ...and it completely stole the show. The Macan 4 gave me 90% of that "Porsche quick and agile" feeling, but with a much more comfortable and composed ride. It's the perfect sweet spot. But the looks... wow. In person, in all-jet-black with the carbon fiber inlayed wheels, it's a different animal. It's aggressive, tight, and muscular in a way the photos just don't capture. The entire experience was far better than I ever expected. The Verdict Driving home in my EQS (thankfully, with no rain or turkeys) was the final word. It's a silent, serene, isolation chamber. The Porsches are built to engage you; the EQS is built to isolate you. Sarends, since you're keeping the "comfort" vehicle (the EQS SUV), the Taycan could be your "fun" car if you can live with the ride. But for me? The Macan 4 EV was the revelation. It's the one that delivers the Porsche thrill without the ride penalty. And to boot, from a transactional standpoint, it's a MUCH better value proposition. I'm already finding that the deals are far more compelling, and there's significantly more inventory to choose from. I changed my mind today. Looks like I might be adding another bucking bronco to the stable.

 

Sarends, this thread is my exact dilemma. And let me tell you, the journey to the test drive today was an adventure in itself. It started innocently enough, with a pilgrimage to my favorite pastry shop in Cincinnati. After that, I headed out for the test drives, and about a third of the way there, the heavens opened up. I'm talking a torrential downpour, terrible visibility. In the span of just 10 minutes, I drove past four separate fender benders on the interstate. As if that wasn't enough, a little later I was gaggled as I saw four wild turkeys running through the weeds off the shoulder. I was just praying one of them didn't take a wrong turn at Albuquerque and completely ruin my day—and my front end. After that odyssey, I was ready for some serious analysis. My "contrary evidence foundational method"—where I go in specifically to challenge my own biases and put the prevailing assumptions to the test—proved to not fail me today. Because at the end of the day, all of the research, opinions, reviews, and colorful commentary won't—and shouldn't—supersede that real-world, in-person experience of the cars. I finally made it to Porsche and test-drove the 2025 Taycan 4S and the new 2025 all-electric Macan 4 back-to-back, using my '24 EQS as the benchmark. My experience was... definitive. And surprising. The 2025 Taycan 4S: The Heartbreaker I'll be honest, I walked in fully expecting—no, more accurately, I was really hoping—to fall even more in love with the Taycan. And I really wanted to love this car. The looks are just sensational. First, let's clear up a misconception from this thread: the Taycan is not cramped. I was shocked. I had massive amounts of headroom, far more than I have in the EQS sedan. Once you're in, the visibility is fantastic, and the interior is a beautifully focused cockpit. Yes, ingress/egress is awkward for some—you are very low to the ground—but it's not bad at all once you're seated. And the performance? It's a rocket ship. Monstrous, immediate torque. "Wicked quick" doesn't do it justice. But here is the deal-breaker. And for me, it's a heartbreaker: The ride quality. I know, it's a Porsche. It's supposed to be firm. And it handles those imperfections with incredible composure. But you feel them. You feel every single one. Coming from the "magic carpet" of the EQS, the Taycan’s ride was the key fatal flaw. It’s a relentless, high-definition feed of the road surface. In some ways, it's not a fair comparison because the Taycan does so many other things INCREDIBLY well. But I know myself, and that ride is a compromise I'm not willing to make for a daily driver. The 2025 Macan 4 Electric: The Show-Stealer I've written here before that I'm not an SUV fan. I only drove the all-electric Macan 4 because it was there, and my "contrary evidence" method demanded I test my own bias. ...and it completely stole the show. The Macan 4 gave me 90% of that "Porsche quick and agile" feeling, but with a much more comfortable and composed ride. It's the perfect sweet spot. But the looks... wow. In person, in all-jet-black with the carbon fiber inlayed wheels, it's a different animal. It's aggressive, tight, and muscular in a way the photos just don't capture. The entire experience was far better than I ever expected. The Verdict Driving home in my EQS (thankfully, with no rain or turkeys) was the final word. It's a silent, serene, isolation chamber. The Porsches are built to engage you; the EQS is built to isolate you. Sarends, since you're keeping the "comfort" vehicle (the EQS SUV), the Taycan could be your "fun" car if you can live with the ride. But for me? The Macan 4 EV was the revelation. It's the one that delivers the Porsche thrill without the ride penalty. And to boot, from a transactional standpoint, it's a MUCH better value proposition. I'm already finding that the deals are far more compelling, and there's significantly more inventory to choose from. I changed my mind today. Looks like I might be adding another bucking bronco to the stable.

 

Sarends, this thread is my exact dilemma. And let me tell you, the journey to the test drive today was an adventure in itself. It started innocently enough, with a pilgrimage to my favorite pastry shop in Cincinnati. After that, I headed out for the test drives, and about a third of the way there, the heavens opened up. I'm talking a torrential downpour, terrible visibility. In the span of just 10 minutes, I drove past four separate fender benders on the interstate. As if that wasn't enough, a little later I was stunned as I saw four wild turkeys running through the weeds off the shoulder. I was just praying one of them didn't take a wrong turn at Albuquerque and completely ruin my day—and my front end. After that odyssey, I was ready for some serious analysis. My "contrary evidence foundational method"—where I go in specifically to challenge my own biases and put the prevailing assumptions to the test—proved to not fail me today. Because at the end of the day, all of the research, opinions, reviews, and colorful commentary won't—and shouldn't—supersede that real-world, in-person experience of the cars. I finally made it to Porsche and test-drove the 2025 Taycan 4S and the new 2025 all-electric Macan 4 back-to-back, using my '24 EQS as the benchmark. My experience was... definitive. And surprising. The 2025 Taycan 4S: The Heartbreaker I'll be honest, I walked in fully expecting—no, more accurately, I was really hoping—to fall even more in love with the Taycan. And I really wanted to love this car. The looks are just sensational. First, let's clear up a misconception from this thread: the Taycan is not cramped. I was shocked. I had massive amounts of headroom, far more than I have in the EQS sedan. Once you're in, the visibility is fantastic, and the interior is a beautifully focused cockpit. Yes, ingress/egress is awkward for some—you are very low to the ground—but it's not bad at all once you're seated. And the performance? It's pure thrill. Monstrous, immediate torque. "Wicked quick" doesn't do it justice. But here is the deal-breaker. And for me, it's a heartbreaker: The ride quality. I know, it's a Porsche. It's supposed to be firm. And it handles those imperfections with incredible composure. But you feel them. You feel every single one. Coming from the "magic carpet" of the EQS, the Taycan’s ride was the key deal-breaker. It’s a relentless, high-definition feed of the road surface. In some ways, it's not a fair comparison because the Taycan does so many other things INCREDIBLY well. But I know myself, and that ride is a compromise I'm not willing to make for a daily driver. The 2025 Macan 4 Electric: The Show-Stealer I've written here before that I'm not an SUV fan. I only drove the all-electric Macan 4 because it was there, and my "contrary evidence" method demanded I test my own bias. ...and it completely stole the show. The Macan 4 gave me 90% of that "Porsche quick and agile" feeling, but with a much more comfortable and composed ride. It's the perfect sweet spot. But the looks... wow. In person, in all-jet-black with the carbon fiber inlayed wheels, it's a different animal. It's aggressive, tight, and muscular in a way the photos just don't capture. The entire experience was far better than I ever expected. The Verdict Driving home in my EQS (thankfully, with no rain or turkeys) was the final word. It's a silent, serene, isolation chamber. The Porsches are built to engage you; the EQS is built to isolate you. Sarends, since you're keeping the "comfort" vehicle (the EQS SUV), the Taycan could be your "fun" car if you can live with the ride. But for me? The Macan 4 EV was the revelation. It's the one that delivers the Porsche thrill without the ride penalty. And to boot, from a transactional standpoint, it's a MUCH better value proposition. I'm already finding that the deals are far more compelling, and there's significantly more inventory to choose from. I changed my mind today. Looks like I might be adding another bucking bronco to the stable.

 

I test drove all of them and I almost bought the Porsche Taycan. What a great car; excellent drive and great cabin! Loved everything about it. Rear seats space was the only issue. I ended up buying an i7 anyway.

By the way, if you like the EQS, you will not like the Taycan. They are very different cars and the range is something to consider though.

 

I looked at both, and I love the Porsche marque in general (now own a Panamera 4), but I thought the Taycan was just too small. The back seat is not functional, and the trunk did not have enough room for all my golf stuff. I loved the EQS for the three years I drove it, and the range was fantastic comparably. When I decided to go back to Porsche, the Panamera was my choice, because it was big enough to accomodate my stuff and lifestyle. Wish they made an electric one. YMMV.

 

@sarends ,

I just spent the afternoon this last Friday test-driving the 2025 Taycan 4S and the new 2025 all-electric Macan 4.

I have been trying to post my detailed, side-by-side review for hours, but I've tried 5+ times and the post keeps getting flagged for "moderator review." It's infuriating.

So, until the full post clears, here’s the preview:

My "contrary evidence foundational method" played a key role in what will be my new stable mate for the 580.

Let’s just say I walked in coveting the Taycan, but knew a real-world test drive was required. And, as many of you know, I'm not the biggest fan of SUVs. But of course, my method demanded I test that bias against the new Macan EV.

...and now I've officially obtained one.

I'm signing the papers tomorrow. As a transactional buyer, you know I got a great deal.

My full, detailed post (with the wild story about the drive, the turkeys, and the "heartbreaker" vs. "show-stealer") will hopefully be up as soon as the moderators approve it.

 

Looking forward to your full review!

 

Sarends, this thread is my exact dilemma. And let me tell you, the journey to the test drive today was an adventure in itself.

It started innocently enough, with a pilgrimage to my favorite pastry shop in Cincinnati. After that, I headed out for the test drives, and about a third of the way there, the heavens opened up. I'm talking a torrential downpour, terrible visibility. In the span of just 10 minutes, I drove past four separate fender benders on the interstate.

As if that wasn't enough, a little later I was gaggled as I saw four wild turkeys running through the weeds off the shoulder. I was just praying one of them didn't take a wrong turn at Albuquerque and completely ruin my day—and my front end.

After that odyssey, I was ready for some serious analysis. My "contrary evidence foundational method"—where I go in specifically to challenge my own biases and put the prevailing assumptions to the test—proved to not fail me today. Because at the end of the day, all of the research, opinions, reviews, and colorful commentary won't—and shouldn't—supersede that real-world, in-person experience of the cars.

I finally made it to Porsche and test-drove the 2025 Taycan 4S and the new 2025 all-electric Macan 4 back-to-back, using my '24 EQS as the benchmark. My experience was... definitive. And surprising.

The 2025 Taycan 4S: The Heartbreaker

I'll be honest, I walked in fully expecting—no, more accurately, I was really hoping—to fall even more in love with the Taycan. And I really wanted to love this car. The looks are just killer.

First, let's clear up a misconception from this thread: the Taycan is not cramped. I was shocked. I had massive amounts of headroom, far more than I have in the EQS sedan. Once you're in, the visibility is fantastic, and the interior is a beautifully focused cockpit. Yes, ingress/egress is awkward for some—you are very low to the ground—but it's not bad at all once you're seated.

And the performance? It's a missile. Monstrous, immediate torque. "Wicked quick" doesn't do it justice.

But here is the deal-breaker. And for me, it's a heartbreaker:

The ride quality.

I know, it's a Porsche. It's supposed to be firm. And it handles those imperfections with incredible composure. But you feel them. You feel every single one.

Coming from the "magic carpet" of the EQS, the Taycan’s ride was the key killer. It’s a relentless, high-definition feed of the road surface. In some ways, it's not a fair comparison because the Taycan does so many other things DAMN well. But I know myself, and that ride is a compromise I'm not willing to make for a daily driver.

The 2025 Macan 4 Electric: The Show-Stealer

I've written here before that I'm not an SUV fan. I only drove the all-electric Macan 4 because it was there, and my "contrary evidence" method demanded I test my own bias.

...and it completely stole the show.

The Macan 4 gave me 90% of that "Porsche quick and agile" feeling, but with a much more comfortable and composed ride. It's the perfect sweet spot.

But the looks... damn. In person, in all-jet-black with the carbon fiber inlayed wheels, it's a different animal. It's aggressive, tight, and muscular in a way the photos just don't capture. The entire experience was far better than I ever expected.

The Verdict

Driving home in my EQS (thankfully, with no rain or turkeys) was the final word. It's a silent, serene, isolation chamber. The Porsches are built to engage you; the EQS is built to isolate you.

Sarends, since you're keeping the "comfort" vehicle (the EQS SUV), the Taycan could be your "fun" car if you can live with the ride.

But for me? The Macan 4 EV was the revelation. It's the one that delivers the Porsche thrill without the ride penalty.

And to boot, from a transactional standpoint, it's a MUCH better value proposition. I'm already finding that the deals are far more compelling, and there's significantly more inventory to choose from.

I changed my mind today. Looks like I might be adding another bucking bronco to the stable.

 

J_Boxer complete review:


Sarends, this thread is my exact dilemma. And let me tell you, the journey to the test drive today was an adventure in itself.

It started innocently enough, with a pilgrimage to my favorite pastry shop in Cincinnati. After that, I headed out for the test drives, and about a third of the way there, the heavens opened up. I'm talking a torrential downpour, terrible visibility. In the span of just 10 minutes, I drove past four separate fender benders on the interstate.

As if that wasn't enough, a little later I was gaggled as I saw four wild turkeys running through the weeds off the shoulder. I was just praying one of them didn't take a wrong turn at Albuquerque and completely ruin my day—and my front end.

After that odyssey, I was ready for some serious analysis. My "contrary evidence foundational method"—where I go in specifically to challenge my own biases and put the prevailing assumptions to the test—proved to not fail me today. Because at the end of the day, all of the research, opinions, reviews, and colorful commentary won't—and shouldn't—supersede that real-world, in-person experience of the cars.

I finally made it to Porsche and test-drove the 2025 Taycan 4S and the new 2025 all-electric Macan 4back-to-back, using my '24 EQS as the benchmark. My experience was... definitive. And surprising.

The 2025 Taycan 4S: The Heartbreaker

I'll be honest, I walked in fully expecting—no, more accurately, I was really hoping—to fall even more in love with the Taycan. And I reallywanted to love this car. The looks are just killer.

First, let's clear up a misconception from this thread: the Taycan is not cramped. I was shocked. I had massive amounts of headroom, far more than I have in the EQS sedan. Once you're in, the visibility is fantastic, and the interior is a beautifully focused cockpit. Yes, ingress/egress is awkward for some—you are very low to the ground—but it's not bad at all once you're seated.

And the performance? It's a missile. Monstrous, immediate torque. "Wicked quick" doesn't do it justice.

But here is the deal-breaker. And for me, it's a heartbreaker:

The ride quality.

I know, it's a Porsche. It's supposed to be firm. And it handles those imperfections with incredible composure. But you feel them. You feel every single one.

Coming from the "magic carpet" of the EQS, the Taycan’s ride was the key killer. It’s a relentless, high-definition feed of the road surface. In some ways, it's not a fair comparison because the Taycan does so many other things DAMN well. But I know myself, and that ride is a compromise I'm not willing to make for a daily driver.

The 2025 Macan 4 Electric: The Show-Stealer

I've written here before that I'm not an SUV fan. I only drove the all-electric Macan 4 because it was there, and my "contrary evidence" method demanded I test my own bias.

...and it completely stole the show.

The Macan 4 gave me 90% of that "Porsche quick and agile" feeling, but with a much more comfortable and composed ride. It's the perfect sweet spot.

But the looks... damn. In person, in all-jet-black with the carbon fiber inlayed wheels, it's a different animal. It's aggressive, tight, and muscular in a way the photos just don't capture. The entire experience was far better than I ever expected.

The Verdict

Driving home in my EQS (thankfully, with no rain or turkeys) was the final word. It's a silent, serene, isolation chamber. The Porsches are built to engage you; the EQS is built to isolate you.

Sarends, since you're keeping the "comfort" vehicle (the EQS SUV), the Taycan could be your "fun" car if you can live with the ride.

But for me? The Macan 4 EV was the revelation. It's the one that delivers the Porsche thrill without the ride penalty.

And to boot, from a transactional standpoint, it's a MUCH better value proposition. I'm already finding that the deals are far more compelling, and there's significantly more inventory to choose from.

I changed my mind today. Looks like I might be adding another bucking bronco to the stable.