Porsche gives Taycan virtual gears
COASTAL roads give the 2027 Porsche Taycan a fitting backdrop as Porsche adds E-Shift with virtual gears to sharpen the electric driving feel.
Daily TribuneCOASTAL roads give the 2027 Porsche Taycan a fitting backdrop as Porsche adds E-Shift with virtual gears to sharpen the electric driving feel.
PHOTOGRAPH courtesy of Porsche
Porsche is adding a system that makes the electric sedan feel more like a car with gears.
The update centers on E-Shift, a new option that gives all Taycan models simulated gear changes, steering wheel paddles and a revised Porsche Electric Sport Sound.
Porsche said the system uses eight virtual gears and gives drivers a stronger sense of shifting, even if the Taycan still runs on an electric drivetrain.
Drivers can use the paddles on the GT Sport steering wheel to change gears in manual mode. The system also has an automatic mode. Porsche added a virtual rev counter, gear display and shift light in the instrument cluster to complete the effect.
The idea is to give Taycan drivers more involvement behind the wheel. Electric cars are known for quick response and smooth power, but they do not usually have the gear changes that many drivers still connect with performance driving.
Porsche is leaning into that old habit without giving up the Taycan’s electric layout.
The E-Shift option will be offered across all Taycan powertrains and body styles. The Taycan Turbo GT will get the system as standard equipment. Drivers can also switch the feature off.
Porsche is also updating the Taycan’s cabin tech. The 2027 model gets the new Porsche Digital Interaction system, which brings a cleaner display layout, faster response and more room for personal settings.
Porsche said the new Porsche Communication Management system has up to five times more computing power than before.
The updated system includes a 3D vehicle model shown in the same color as the customer’s car. Drivers can use it to control main vehicle functions. Widgets also provide quick access to navigation, media, phone and other features.
Voice control has been upgraded with artificial intelligence. The system can handle navigation, selected apps, vehicle settings and charging-related commands.
Drivers can also ask follow-up questions without repeating “Hey Porsche.” Even the charging flap can be opened by voice command.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration have also been expanded. The navigation system now has online route calculation, 3D building displays and an improved Charging Planner.
Porsche has added over-the-air updates for the infotainment system, which can be installed after customer approval.
Charging hardware also changes for the new model year. Taycan models, except the Taycan Turbo GT with the Weissach Package, will now have a North American Charging Standard DC fast-charging port on the passenger-side fender.
The driver-side fender keeps a J1772 AC port. Porsche will provide a Combined Charging System adapter.
The Taycan, Taycan 4 and Taycan 4S will now come with the larger Performance Battery Plus as standard. The 105-kilowatt-hour battery pack has a maximum charge rating of 320 kilowatts on compatible 800-volt DC fast chargers. A new battery state-of-health display is also included.
Porsche is also widening the Paint to Sample catalog with 16 new colors, which brings the total to 153. The list includes Shark Blue, Python Green, Loretta Purple and Rose Red.
The 2027 Taycan is available to order now in the United States, with deliveries set to begin in fall 2026. Prices start at $111,900 for the rear-wheel-drive Taycan, before the $2,350 delivery, processing and handling fee.