2027 Porsche Taycan Gets Simulated Shifts, Larger Standard Battery

Forget everything you thought you knew about electric cars – Porsche is now simulating a gearbox in the 2027 Taycan, and it's as befok as it sounds…or is it? Seriously, gears in an EV? Jislaaik. It feels like someone at Porsche HQ was having a particularly strong dop and thought, “What if…?” But beneath the head-scratching innovation lies a substantial update to Porsche’s all-electric flagship, and for South African petrolheads contemplating the switch, it’s worth a proper look. ## So, What's the Kak About These 'Simulated Shifts'? Okay, let's be real. Gears in an electric car feel…wrong. EVs are about instant torque, smooth acceleration. But Porsche is going ahead with ‘E-Shift’ mode, activated by the paddle shifters. Apparently, it simulates an eight-speed gearbox, complete with a virtual rev limiter and drag torque when changing gears. Porsche claims it’s programmed to feel “as authentic as possible.” Authentic? In an *electric* car? Look, I’m skeptical. This feels like a desperate attempt to give the Taycan a familiar feel for those of us still attached to the ritual of shifting. It’s a bit like Nando’s trying to sell you a peri-peri milkshake – some things just aren’t meant to be. But, and this is a big but, Porsche isn’t messing around. They’ve paired this with an updated Porsche Electric Sport Sound feature, which adapts to your driving. More on that madness later. ## Bigger Battery = More Range? Let's Talk Kilowatts Now *this* is something we can get behind. The 2027 Taycan ditches the smaller battery option entirely, going all-in on the Performance Battery Plus. This means every Taycan now gets a 97.0 kilowatt-hours usable capacity battery, a bump up from the previous 83.7 kWh. That’s a significant increase, bru. What does that mean for a road trip from Joburg to Durban? Well, we'll have to wait for real-world testing, but a bigger battery generally translates to more range. More range means less range anxiety, which, let’s be honest, is a real thing when you're navigating the potholes of the N3. ## The Sound of Silence…Or Not? Porsche's EV Soundscape This is where things get truly bizarre. Porsche is fiddling with the sound of its electric motors, offering a “more comprehensive EV sound experience.” They’re actually tuning the sound *depending on which Taycan you own*. So, even when you drop US$114,250 on an electric Porsche, you might still pay a premium for the best-sounding model? This is peak Porsche, honestly. I get the idea – EVs are quiet, and some people miss the roar of an engine. But artificially creating a soundscape feels…disingenuous. It’s like putting fake wood grain on a plastic dashboard. Just embrace the silence, Porsche! ## Tech Upgrades: Finally, Some Befok Infotainment? Thankfully, Porsche hasn’t forgotten about the tech inside. The 2027 Taycan gets Porsche’s new Digital Interaction system, offering over-the-air (OTA) updates and better integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Finally! No more kak software glitches. And, hallelujah, they’ve added a magnet to the wireless phone charger – think Apple’s MagSafe. It can now charge up to 1.5 times faster. Small detail, maybe, but incredibly frustrating when your phone keeps sliding off the charger mid-Sandton traffic. ## The Price is Right…Or Wrong? How Much Will This Cost in SA? Let’s talk money. The base price of the 2027 Taycan jumps to US$114,250, up from US$108,050 for the 2026 model. That’s a US$6,200 increase. Now, translating that into Rand is a bit tricky, considering import duties, taxes, and the ever-fluctuating exchange rate. But expect a significant price hike. Considering the current exchange rate (around R18.50 to the dollar as of today), that US$6,200 increase alone translates to roughly R114,700. So, you're looking at a hefty premium for the 2027 model. The bigger battery and new features come at a cost. You could buy a pretty decent used 911 for that kind of money. ## Is the 2027 Taycan Worth the Upgrade? Here’s the deal. The 2027 Porsche Taycan is a fascinating, if slightly perplexing, machine. The bigger battery is a definite win, and the tech upgrades are welcome. But the simulated shifting? It feels like a gimmick. A well-executed gimmick, perhaps, but a gimmick nonetheless. If you’re already in the Porsche ecosystem and are looking to upgrade, the 2027 Taycan is worth considering, *especially* if range is a concern. But for first-time buyers, the price hike is substantial. You’re paying a premium for a feature – the simulated gears – that many will likely never use. Ultimately, the 2027 Taycan is a befok blend of innovation and…well, a bit of head-scratching. It’s a Porsche, so it’s undoubtedly a capable machine. But is it worth the extra dosh? That depends on how much you value virtual gears and a customized EV soundscape. Now, if you're thinking of going electric, but the Taycan's price tag gives you heartburn, are there other EV options in South Africa that offer a better bang for your buck? Click here to find out.