2023 Porsche Taycan vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS: Which Should You Buy?
The Porsche Taycan was launched three years ago and since then its success has been undeniable. Porsche has sold more than 100,000 Taycans worldwide since its introduction, confirming that there is a market for luxury electric sedans that goes beyond the Tesla Model S.
The popularity of the Porsche Taycan has prompted other luxury brands such as Mercedes-Benz to develop their own premium electric sedan. The Mercedes-Benz EQS was introduced in April 2021, and today it’s not only the Taycan and Model S, but also the new BMW i7, the Lucid Air and with an ever-increasing segment that includes Porsche’s twin-car e-tron GT at Audi. faces .
Two different flagship luxury electric cars
We can immediately say that these are two different luxury electric sedans. Both are infused with the personality and DNA of their founders. The Porsche Taycan replicates traditional Porsche performance in electric car form, while the Mercedes-Benz EQS is designed to be the S-Class of Mercedes Benz electric cars. In other words, the 2023 Porsche Taycan is like a 911 with trunk, while the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS is the perfect representation of Mercedes-Benz elegance, luxury and refinement.
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Looking at these two premium EVs, I can’t help but think that buyers who love one will hate the other. They have very different personalities on the road. However, the Taycan and EQS require roughly the same (well-stocked) wallet and both offer a very interesting driving experience. If you’re not particularly a Porsche or Mercedes-Benz fan and want to go electric in your next luxury sedan, you may be wondering which EV to buy between the 2023 Porsche Taycan and the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS.
The goal here is to compare the 2023 Porsche Taycan and the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS and determine which is better in key areas for buyers of premium electric sedans.
2022 Mercedes Benz EQS First Drive: Front Door Access
For the purposes of this comparison, I used ratings from driving the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS multiple times over the past year in various settings. I’ve also had the opportunity to review the Porsche Taycan in base, Cross Turismo, 4S, Turbo S and GTS versions over the past 18 months. Putting all these ratings together, here’s how each model compares.
If you want performance, buy a Porsche Taycan
The Porsche Taycan just drives like a Porsche. As mentioned earlier, the Taycan reminds the driver of the Porsche 911 in handling and cornering. Driving the Porsche Taycan GTS this summer, I was once again reminded of how exceptionally balanced, predictable and stable the electric Porsche is on a twisty road. The steering responds instantly and the Taycan stays poised even in the tightest corners without any body movement.
In terms of straight-line acceleration, the entry-level 469-horsepower Porsche Taycan 4 Cross Turismo is the only model that feels slower than the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS. has an engine. the powertrain produces 516 horsepower and 631 lb-ft of torque, which can hit 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds. For now, the EQS is only offered in one trim in Canada, while the Porsche Taycan is offered in 4S, GTS, Turbo and other trims in typical Porsche fashion. Turbo S. All the previously mentioned models are faster than the EQS, with 0-100km/h times ranging from 4.0 seconds to 2.8 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz EQS is surprisingly sporty and doesn’t shy away from corners. Given the size of Mercedes-Benz’s flagship electric sedan, its agility is surprising. But the Porsche Taycan is nothing short of the most maneuverable electric car on the market today. When it comes to pure performance, it beats the Mercedes-Benz EQS on every level.
If you want comfort, buy the Mercedes-Benz EQS
On the other hand, the EQS beats the Taycan when it comes to comfort. The suspension is supple and does a better job of isolating the driver and passengers from road imperfections. Whether you’re driving in the city or on the highway, you definitely feel like you’re in the S-Class. Four-wheel steering, which gives the EQS a smaller turning radius than the C-Class in tight spaces, makes the big electric Mercedes-Benz more comfortable to drive around town. Taycan does not have the same smoothness, bumps are more noticeable, and the cabin is not so quiet.
If you want a luxurious interior, buy the Mercedes-Benz EQS
The Mercedes-Benz EQS has a stunning interior that contrasts with the more subdued Porsche Taycan. The 56-inch HYPERSCREEN screen EQS is the centerpiece of the cabin, but the various trims that make up the interior, as well as the overall feel of the space, help create a luxurious environment. The EQS simply has a more welcoming cabin than the Taycan. The infotainment system is easier to use in the EQS, the screens are bigger and the graphics are nicer, and while it’s not a big deal, the ambient lighting inside the EQS makes for a really special experience at night. You can choose options to change colors or auto-change as you drive, and LED strips run not only between the dash and doors, but also around the seats.
If you want space, buy a Mercedes-Benz EQS
In general, the cabin of the EQS is more spacious and hospitable for both passengers and luggage than the Taycan. The rear seats, although not as generous as in the S-Class, are more suitable for more regular use than the Taycan.
For example, the EQS can easily accommodate a forward-facing child seat, while the Taycan will force the driver or passenger to move the seat forward into an almost awkward position. Plus, there’s more space behind the EQS. Even compared to the Taycan Sport Turismo or Cross Turismo, which offer more rear space, the EQS is the clear winner if you plan to use the rear seats regularly. If you have young children who no longer need a child seat, the Taycan is fine, but your children will be more comfortable in the EQS.
If you want autonomy, buy the Mercedes-Benz EQS
Mercedes-Benz EQS is equipped with a battery with a capacity of 107.8 kWh, which provides a range of 547 km. The Porsche Taycan, on the other hand, has received significant battery updates over the past year, which has increased the range to between 330 and 395 kilometers, depending on the model, with the GTS taking the lead.
The Taycan’s range figures are wrong, as Porsche’s electric car has consistently beaten range estimates since its launch, and even in my GTS test I was able to cover more than 450 kilometers. Even in the Taycan 4S, you can expect to cover between 375km and 400km without pushing yourself too hard.
Again, the EQS range is pretty close to the figure shown. You are guaranteed to get close to 500 km if you don’t step on the gas at every turn or traffic light.
If you want a quick charge, buy a Porsche Taycan
The Mercedes-Benz EQS may offer more range, but the Porsche Taycan has a more advanced electrical architecture that lets you charge up to 270kW, while the EQS tops out at 200kW. This means that if the conditions are right, you can charge from 5% to 80% in just 22.5 minutes in the Porsche, while the EQS will charge from 10% to 80% in 37 minutes.
The Taycan has an 11kW on-board charger, which can be upgraded to 22kW for faster charging at home, while the EQS has a maximum output of 9.6kW. On my charger at home, I found the Taycan charged about an hour faster than the EQS, all other things being equal.
The result
The 2023 Porsche Taycan focuses on performance, handling, and quick acceleration, and as a result, it offers its owners an uncompromising Porsche experience enhanced by an electric powertrain. The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS, on the other hand, focuses on reaching the highest level of Mercedes-Benz luxury, comfort and elegance, while offering an impressive range. Both excel in different fields and exceed expectations in their own right. The EQS is the more comfortable and spacious of the two, while the Taycan gives you the most fun behind the wheel. It is faster both when accelerating and when charging. When it comes to range, the EQS has the edge, although the Taycan’s faster recharge times narrow the distance gap between the two significantly.
In short, two good options, but if comfort and space are priorities, go for the EQS. If driving pleasure, agility, performance and fast charging are your main criteria, the Taycan is for you.
