Audi e-tron GT vs. Porsche Taycan: Complete comparison 2026

Audi e-tron GT is a stunning electric gran turismo that hides cutting-edge technology beneath its elegant curves and is designed for fast yet supremely comfortable long-distance travel. In contrast, the Porsche Taycan, initially developed and known under the concept name Mission E, represents a fierce electric sports sedan focused primarily on uncompromising dynamics and a purist driving experience. Although both these cars share the identical J1 group platform and, as approximately four-year-old used cars, represent a highly attractive entry point into the world of luxury electromobility on the market, our detailed comparison will show you that their distinct characters target a completely different type of driver.

When comparing the exterior dimensions of the Audi e-tron GT and Porsche Taycan models, it is key to keep in mind that both cars share the identical J1 group platform. This is directly reflected in their basic footprint, where both competitors feature a practically identical wheelbase of 2900 mm (in the Taycan Cross Turismo version, it has slightly stretched to 2904 mm due to specific chassis tuning). While this generous distance between the axles ensures extraordinary directional stability on highways and maximizes interior space for the traction batteries, in combination with a width exceeding 1.96 meters, it means poorer maneuverability in narrow city streets and underground garages. In terms of everyday parking, neither car offers a significant advantage, as both require increased attention from the driver.

The biggest differences are therefore found primarily in the overall body shaping and its height. The Audi e-tron GT, which appears on the four-year-old used car market exclusively as an elegant four-door model (in terms of the Sedan body style), is approximately 26 mm longer than the standard Taycan with a length of 4989 mm. More significant, however, is the height profile – despite its very dynamic stance, the e-tron GT is slightly taller at 1414 mm than the base Taycan, whose sharpest road versions drop to an extreme 1378 mm. The Audi's occupants benefit primarily from this millimeter difference, as they can rely on slightly more comfortable entry and more generous headroom, making the e-tron GT a more ideal choice for relaxed long-distance travel.

On the other hand, the Porsche Taycan has the upper hand in terms of practicality thanks to a wider range of body variants. While the base version of the Taycan (mostly classified in the Coupé or sports sedan category) bets on the lowest possible aerodynamic drag and a sporty silhouette, you will commonly come across the more spacious Sport Turismo and the light-off-road-tuned Cross Turismo (Estate/Station Wagon category) on the used car market. These variants extend the rear overhang up to 4974 mm and raise the roofline to a solid 1412 mm. For a buyer looking for uncompromising sporty driving characteristics with a family overlap, the Turismo versions represent a significant advantage and better usability of the luggage compartment, while pure formal elegance and balanced classic proportions remain the domain of Audi.

When choosing a premium electric gran turismo on the used car market, typically for models around four years old, practicality still plays a key role for many buyers. Although Audi e-tron GT and Porsche Taycan share the same J1 technological platform and primarily focus on stunning driving dynamics and captivating aerodynamic design, their everyday family usability can differ vastly. The luggage compartment volume and, more importantly, access to it fundamentally influence whether the car serves only as a stylish commuting tool or as a full-fledged leisure vehicle.

The base body versions of both cars, i.e., low-slung four-door sedans, offer very similar values. The Audi e-tron GT has a standard rear trunk volume of 405 liters, while the base Porsche Taycan offers a slightly larger 407 liters. In the top performance versions (for example, Taycan Turbo or RS e-tron GT), the rear volume decreases slightly due to added technology – for Porsche, it drops to 366 liters. Fortunately, both cars cleverly exploit the absence of an internal combustion engine and add a front trunk (so-called frunk) with a volume of about 80 liters, where you can easily hide charging cables or a smaller bag. This combined space is perfectly sufficient for a weekend shopping trip or a longer holiday for two, but the narrow loading opening typical of sedans logically limits the transport of bulkier items.

A completely different situation arises if you are looking for space for a few extra suitcases and plan to use the car fully for the family. Here, Porsche has a clear advantage because, unlike Audi, it offers more practical body variants: Cross Turismo and Sport Turismo. These attractive estate models push the basic luggage volume up to 446 liters and, above all, bring a large tailgate for hassle-free loading. After folding down the rear seats, the usable space increases to a highly functional 1,212 liters, making the Taycan an ideal choice for skiers, golfers, or cyclists. The Audi e-tron GT does not offer its body in an estate form, which makes the Porsche a clear favorite for buyers looking for the ultimate combination of sportiness and utility.

When comparing premium electric sports cars such as the Audi e-tron GT and Porsche Taycan (focusing on models from the first years of production around 2020–2022 available on the used car market), you will encounter a common limitation in terms of towing capacity that is typical for this class. Due to the emphasis on aerodynamic efficiency, a low center of gravity, and the effort to maintain the longest possible range, this platform was not designed for towing loads.

Both the standard and maximum permitted weight of a braked and unbraked trailer for the standard versions of both models is exactly 0 kg. None of the available powertrains, not even the top-of-the-line RS or Turbo S versions, have official homologation for attaching a conventional towing device. Instead of a classic "tow ball," the manufacturers of both cars offer only a special preparation in the rear bumper, which serves exclusively for attaching an original bicycle carrier.

The practical impact of this absence is obvious: although you can easily attach several bicycles to the cars for weekend sports activities, you can forget about connecting a trailer for a weekend trip to the hardware store or towing a boat or caravan for a longer holiday. If towing bulkier loads is important to you, sports gran turismos will not be the right choice, and it would be better to opt for electric SUVs. However, this parameter plays no role in deciding between Audi and Porsche, as neither brand supports this feature. Since there is no official data on towing capacity for the Audi e-tron GT and Porsche Taycan models, the comparison table shows zero values.

Both EVs share the revolutionary J1 platform and advanced 800V architecture, which in practice means not only exceptional driving dynamics but also the capability for ultra-fast DC charging at up to 270 kW. A crucial technical feature that sets these cars apart from most electric competitors is the two-speed automatic transmission located on the rear axle. This allows for lightning-fast and repeatable starts thanks to a short first gear, while also ensuring efficient driving and energy savings at high highway speeds. While Audi opted for a simplified range of high-performance versions for this model, all featuring all-wheel drive, Porsche offers a much wider range of powertrains. Those looking for a roughly four-year-old used car can choose between "purer" rear-wheel-drive versions, all-wheel-drive variants, and additionally select from two battery capacities (79.2 kWh or 93.4 kWh). For drivers who want an easily configurable and comfortable electric "gran turismo," the Audi is the straightforward choice. However, if you are looking for the best possible track performance or, conversely, a more affordable entry into the world of electric sports cars, Porsche will offer exactly what you need.

Audi e-tron GT

The range of powertrains for the Audi e-tron GT from 2021–2024 is very clear and fully matches the character of a comfortable yet exceptionally fast touring car. It includes only two fully electric versions, both of which are standard with quattro all-wheel drive (thanks to two electric motors) and use the larger battery with a usable capacity of 85 kWh (93.4 kWh gross). The standard e-tron GT quattro offers a nominal output of 350 kW, which increases to 390 kW when using the launch control function (a short-term power boost known as overboost). The top-of-the-line RS e-tron GT is tuned directly by the Audi Sport division, and its 440 kW output (up to 475 kW in boost mode) makes it one of the fastest cars in the brand's history, with 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 3.3 seconds.

Porsche Taycan

At Porsche, the situation is much more diverse, as is typical for the brand. The foundation in the four-year-old used car market (pre-2024 facelift) is the entry-level Taycan model with rear-wheel drive only and a smaller battery (Performance Battery), which is lighter and more playful. However, you can pay extra for a larger battery (Performance Battery Plus), which increases not only the range but also the power from 300 to 350 kW in boost mode. The golden middle ground is the extremely popular Taycan 4S with all-wheel drive and an ideal compromise between dynamics and everyday usability. For enthusiastic drivers looking for track potential, the stiffer and more aggressive Taycan GTS is available. At the very top are the Turbo and Turbo S models, with the Turbo S version capable of catapulting the car from 0 to 100 km/h in an absurd 2.8 seconds thanks to 560 kW of power and a massive 1050 Nm of torque. In addition to the classic sedan, most powertrains also offer Cross Turismo and Sport Turismo wagon versions.

The decision between the two models depends purely on your personal priorities. Budget-oriented buyers who don't need all-wheel drive and are looking for pure driving pleasure will do best with the base Porsche Taycan with rear-wheel drive. However, if you desire an exceptionally comfortable and powerful car for fast highway travel and prefer a car with maximum equipment without lengthy study of option price lists, the base Audi e-tron GT quattro is a top-tier gran turismo. For those chasing absolute performance, there is the phenomenal RS e-tron GT on one hand and the ruthlessly fast Taycan Turbo S on the other, which, despite a massive drop in price, requires a significantly higher initial investment on the used market.

Choosing the right powertrain is crucial for long-term satisfaction with the vehicle. Although the Audi e-tron GT and Porsche Taycan (from production years approximately 2020 to 2024) share the same J1 platform and advanced 800V architecture, their offerings differ slightly. Interestingly, both cars utilize a completely unique two-speed gearbox on the rear axle for electric vehicles, which improves both rocket-like acceleration from a standstill and highway range thanks to a taller gear. In the market for roughly four-year-old used cars, the most important thing for both models is to find the optimal balance between performance, the optional large battery (93.4 kWh), and, above all, a verifiable service history, as the early model years went through software teething troubles. Our recommendations are therefore based on real-world range, reliability, and the practical experiences of owners.

For the Audi e-tron GT, we recommend: e-tron GT quattro, 350 kW (476 hp)

The base e-tron GT quattro version (with temporary overboost up to 390 kW / 530 hp) represents by far the most rational and best choice in the used car market. Even as standard, it offers absolutely crushing dynamics with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds and, unlike the Taycan, it always relies on the large battery with a total capacity of 93.4 kWh (83.7 kWh usable). This eliminates the need to check whether the first owner paid extra for the larger battery.

• Technical Advantages: Thanks to the shared 800V architecture, the car handles a charging power of an impressive 270 kW at powerful DC stations, which means replenishing energy from 5 to 80% in less than 23 minutes. The rear two-speed gearbox ensures great pull during take-off while simultaneously reducing consumption during steady highway driving, where the real-world range comfortably exceeds the 380 km mark.
• Risks and What to Watch Out For: The mechanics, battery, and motors are robust in the Audi, but the electronics are complex. Owner experiences often mention issues with the 12V battery, which can discharge during long periods of inactivity and completely "kill" the car. Infotainment freezes and parking camera failures also occur. It is essential to check the history of a used car from 2021/2022: ensure the vehicle has undergone recalls for the BMS (Battery Management System) software and cameras. Carefully inspect the even wear of the extremely wide tires – the axles of such a heavy car can suffer if the car was treated harshly.
• Who It Is For: It is a perfect choice for drivers looking for an exceptionally comfortable and lightning-fast charging Grand Tourer. It provides a sporty drive, but thanks to the suspension tuning, it handles bumps more softly than the Taycan. It is ideal for long highway journeys.

For the Porsche Taycan, we recommend: Taycan 4S Performance Battery Plus, 420 kW (571 hp)

While the absolute base Taycan (available since 2021) only features rear-wheel drive and a smaller battery, the absolute favorite for the used market is the mid-range 4S version with the optional "Performance Battery Plus" package (produced in the Y1A generation for years 2020–2024). This equips the car with the larger 93.4 kWh battery. In overboost mode, the Taycan thus delivers a massive 420 kW (571 hp) and crosses the 100 km/h mark in 4.0 seconds. It outperforms the standard Audi in terms of power and offers unmatched driving characteristics with a precisely tuned air suspension, all without the astronomical price premiums carried by the Turbo or Turbo S versions.

• Technical Advantages: The dual-motor concept brings top-tier traction in all conditions. The car benefits from the phenomenal steering feel typical of Porsche and perfect integration of brake recuperation, where the brake pedal feels completely natural. The larger battery also eliminates range anxiety and provides confidence for medium distances even in winter.
• Risks and What to Watch Out For: In earlier models from 2020–2022, the greatest risk was a defect in the high-voltage battery module and the risk of a short circuit. Porsche addressed these issues with a massive recall. As a buyer, you must check the authorized service history to see if the car underwent this recall, if new diagnostic software was installed, or if modules were physically replaced. Another risk is the occasional failure of the onboard AC charger (for home wallboxes) – always test both fast DC and slow AC charging during a test drive. And just like with the e-tron, watch out for a dead 12V battery.
• Who It Is For: This is a driver's car par excellence. The Taycan 4S perfectly suits dynamic drivers and tech enthusiasts who demand steering close to the classic 911 icon, but also want to take the whole family out on the weekend and appreciate ultra-fast DC charging on highway routes.

It is widely known that official standardized consumption figures provided by manufacturers often differ significantly from everyday reality. For luxury electric vehicles from 2020–2022, such as the Audi e-tron (GE generation) and Porsche Taycan (Y1A generation), driving style, aerodynamics, and route profile play a major role. To get a more accurate idea of the real-world "appetite" of these premium cars on the 4-year-old used car market, we rely on real user data from the Spritmonitor.de portal, which we compared with the available engine versions from both manufacturers.

When interpreting this user data, several interesting trends emerge:

• Aerodynamics wins over size: Although the Porsche Taycan is considered the ultimate sports sedan, its low body profile makes it noticeably more efficient in real-world traffic than the robust Audi e-tron SUV. While Taycan models average around 21–25 kWh/100 km, for the large Audi, you will commonly encounter values exceeding 26 kWh/100 km for most versions.
• A weaker version does not mean automatic savings: Just as small engines in large cars do not always save fuel, the weaker e-tron 50 version does not bring any significant energy savings compared to the more powerful 55 quattro. The heavy body simply puts more strain on the smaller battery and electric motors, which noticeably offsets efficiency.
• The price of extreme performance: In the case of Porsche models, the top-tier Turbo and Turbo S versions consume an average of 2–3 kWh more than the 4S variants, mainly due to significantly wider tires and the temptation to use the enormous power more frequently on open roads.

What does this mean for the typical user?
If you are a driver looking for a car for regular long-distance commuting, the Taycan is clearly the better choice due to its lower highway consumption. A smaller appetite directly extends the highway range, which, combined with its super-fast 800V architecture, shortens the time spent at charging stations. Conversely, with the heavier and taller Audi e-tron, as an owner, you must expect a noticeably faster drop in battery percentage at highway speeds, where air resistance increases. In city and suburban driving, where vehicles move at lower speeds and benefit significantly from strong recuperation, the differences in the tables narrow slightly, but the massive weight of the Audi SUV still takes its toll.

In conclusion, consumption and the associated real-world range should be key decision-making factors for these specific generations. While in the Porsche Taycan you get an exceptionally efficient machine by the standards of its class, with a roughly four-year-old Audi e-tron (GE), you must accept that its premium comfort and extraordinary spaciousness come at the cost of the lower energy efficiency of an older powertrain from the early days of the brand's full electrification.

Looking at the market for roughly four-year-old used cars (model years 2021–2022) reveals one of the biggest benefits of buying these premium electric vehicles second-hand – a massive drop in value compared to the original list prices. Although the Audi e-tron GT and Porsche Taycan share the exact same technical foundation in the form of the J1 platform, their pricing policy and value depreciation differ slightly on the market.

Audi e-tron GT: Extremely attractive price-to-utility ratio

The Audi e-tron GT entered the market as a slightly cheaper alternative, and in the used car market, this gap is widening even further. For those interested in a luxury electric sports car, it is currently one of the most rational choices.

• Base models (e-tron GT quattro): Prices for well-maintained units from 2021 and 2022 start at around €53,000 to €62,000. You get a car with a futuristic design and all-wheel drive for a fraction of the original price.
• Top versions (RS e-tron GT): If you crave the uncompromising acceleration of the RS version, prepare to pay roughly €74,000 to €90,000 for a four-year-old car, depending on optional equipment and service history.

Porsche Taycan: Huge selection, but a higher premium for the brand

With the Taycan, the market situation is much more diverse, primarily due to a very wide range of body styles (it also offers the more practical Cross Turismo and Sport Turismo) and a huge number of powertrains. Porsche models historically hold their value slightly better than Audi, and it's no different for this prestigious electric car.

• Base models (RWD and 4S): Entry-level models from 2021 and 2022 are currently in the range of €62,000 to €74,000.
• Mid-range trims and specific models (GTS, Turbo): Richly equipped units often exceed the €82,000 mark and can reach up to €107,000, especially if the previous owner opted for expensive extras like carbon-ceramic brakes.
• Top versions (Turbo S): The sharpest variants for connoisseurs easily maintain price tags above €115,000 even after four years, and for low-mileage units, they even exceed €123,000.

Indicative price comparison (4-year-old vehicles)

From a used car buyer's perspective, the Audi e-tron GT offers a fantastic opportunity to get the identical 800V architecture and premium driving characteristics at a significantly more affordable price. Porsche, on the other hand, justifies its higher price tags with slightly sportier suspension tuning, a better brand image, and unrivaled customization options.

Both of these vehicles are generally associated in the automotive world with achieving a maximum five-star Euro NCAP safety rating; however, it is extremely important to consider the context and the year of the testing itself. The methodology and testing protocols of this independent organization are constantly evolving and becoming more stringent. While basic assistance systems were sufficient for a full star count in older tests, newer years strictly require advanced cyclist detection, intersection collision simulations, or more rigorous frontal impact barrier tests. Therefore, percentage results achieved in different years cannot be directly compared.

Porsche Taycan underwent the official Euro NCAP crash test series in 2019. According to the standards at that time, the car received the maximum five stars. In the individual categories, it earned a score of 85% for adult occupant protection and 83% for child occupant protection. Vulnerable road user protection (pedestrians and cyclists) was rated at 70%, and safety assistance systems received a solid 73%. Given the year of testing, these values reflect an older methodology. This means that although the car is mechanically and structurally extremely strong, its safety assistants would likely achieve a slightly lower percentage rating under the strictest current standards.

Audi e-tron GT represents a specific case from a data perspective. Although the car shares the same J1 group platform and key safety architecture with the Taycan, Euro NCAP has never independently tested the e-tron GT model. For this reason, there are no official data or percentage ratings for the Audi. However, the absence of an independent crash test does not mean lower safety. The structural integrity, crumple zones, and the range of active safety assistants are practically identical for both sibling models. Due to the lack of exact figures for the e-tron GT, we have intentionally omitted the values in the table.

In conclusion, both electric sports cars offer a highly superior level of safety and robust occupant protection, contributed to by a rigid body and a heavy battery located low in the floor. While the Porsche Taycan relies on an official five-star result, this is from 2019 and does not reflect the latest market requirements for predictive assistance functions. In terms of the overall safety package, however, both cars rank among very safe and reliable choices on the used car market without significant differences.

In addition to standard equipment, each of the models offers several unique features that can be decisive for the customer, and both approach added value in their own way.

Audi e-tron GT: Comfortable Gran Turismo and Sustainable Luxury

With its electric pioneer, Audi focused on combining futuristic design with a traditional concept of comfortable long-distance travel.

• Ergonomics and controls: Unlike its Stuttgart sibling, Audi retains physical buttons and switches in the interior for climate control or drive mode selection. This clever design decision significantly facilitates daily blind operation of the car and will please more conservative drivers.
• Sustainable interior and materials: Audi offers a unique "vegan" interior (Dinamica/Kaskade), which completely excludes the use of animal leather and instead uses recycled materials such as Econyl fiber made from old fishing nets, without compromising on the premium feel.
• Lighting technology: Headlight technology is one of the brand's iconic features. Higher trim levels feature advanced Matrix LED headlights with optional laser high beams, which double the range of the light beam at higher speeds for maximum safety.
• Smarter recuperation: The Predictive Efficiency Assist system automatically adjusts the recuperation strength based on navigation data, route topography, traffic signs, and radar sensing vehicles ahead. The car can thus intelligently "coast" or engine brake without the need for driver intervention.
• RS sports variant: The top-of-the-line RS e-tron GT version comes standard with an adaptive three-chamber air suspension and a specifically tuned e-tron sport sound acoustic system. The sound performance is not just an artificial recording, but a physically modeled electronic sound that reacts to the load on the electric motors.

Porsche Taycan: Technological Pioneer with Track Genes

The Porsche Taycan is more uncompromising, and its optional equipment and technological solutions focus on achieving maximum and, above all, repeatable dynamic performance.

• Infotainment and digitalization: The Taycan relies on a radical fully digital cabin concept with a curved instrument cluster and up to four displays. A standout feature is the optional dedicated passenger display, which allows the passenger to independently watch media, adjust music, or set navigation destinations without disturbing the driver.
• Driving dynamics and transmission: The basis of the dynamics is a unique two-speed transmission on the rear axle (shared within the platform), the potential of which is fully utilized by the iconic Sport Chrono package. The Taycan is one of the few electric cars that can handle extreme acceleration from a standstill (Launch Control) repeatedly without loss of performance due to overheating.
• Active Aerodynamics (PAA): The Porsche Active Aerodynamics system includes an adaptive rear spoiler and active cooling flaps in the front bumper. These continuously adapt to the current speed and driving mode – either maximizing aerodynamic downforce on the track or minimizing air resistance for better range on the highway.
• Advanced chassis: For higher versions, the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport (PDCC Sport) system is available, which consists of active electromechanical stabilizers that almost eliminate body roll in corners in real-time while increasing comfort on broken roads.
• Porsche Electric Sport Sound: A typical Porsche sound signature. The system amplifies and filters the natural sound of the drive, giving the car a characteristic, slightly futuristic soundtrack both inside and outside, which enhances the sense of speed and driving feedback.

Audi e-tron GT is the perfect electric cruiser for those looking for stunning design and lightning-fast charging, but who prefer comfort on long routes over ultimate sports performance. Thanks to more user-friendly ergonomics with physical controls and a softer chassis, it is an ideal executive car for eating up highway kilometers.

Porsche Taycan targets enthusiastic drivers for whom uncompromising driving experience, precise handling, and sports DNA are absolute priorities. Although it requires compromises in the form of more complex touch controls and higher costs, it rewards on a twisty road with driver engagement that is unparalleled in the heavy electric vehicle category.

Based on long-term owner experience, service reports, recalls, and our own data from independent technical inspections, we have compiled a detailed overview of the most common problems you should watch out for with these roughly four-year-old electric sports cars.

Since the Audi e-tron GT shares the J1 technological platform with Porsche models, early model years struggle with very similar "teething troubles," mainly concerning software and the high-voltage system.

• Electronics and software (MMI): Owners most often complain about freezing infotainment, black screens, or occasional failures of the rear parking camera. Fortunately, many of these bugs are resolved by over-the-air (OTA) updates or installing new firmware at an authorized service center.
• High-voltage system and heating: Failures of the high-voltage heating element (HV heater) appear quite frequently, leading to a non-functional cabin heater in winter and preventing the system from properly preheating the battery for fast charging. The manufacturer usually resolves this problem under warranty by replacing the part.
• 12V battery issues: Especially with used cars that sit for longer periods, the 12V onboard battery can unexpectedly discharge. Paradoxically, this leads to the "death" of the entire car and error messages on displays, even though the main traction battery is fully charged.
• Recalls: The automaker has issued several recalls regarding the potential risk of a short circuit inside the high-voltage battery and issues with brake hoses on the front axle. An independent physical inspection of the vehicle will reliably determine whether the chosen unit has already undergone the necessary repair.
• Chassis and tire wear: Extreme torque and a curb weight approaching the 2.3-ton mark take their toll in the form of rapidly disappearing tread on expensive performance tires. In some cars, creaking elements of the massive air suspension may also appear over time.

The first model years of the Taycan (especially cars manufactured in 2020 and 2021) were accompanied by a number of rookie issues, but the automaker has successfully ironed out most software and hardware shortcomings in today's four-year-old vehicles as production progressed.

• High-voltage heating failure: This is by far the most common problem that plagued thousands of Taycan owners. Faulty soldering of the module causes heating failure and degradation of thermal management. An extensive recall is available for replacement with an improved, better-insulated part.
• PCM system and false warnings: The onboard system (PCM) in early production cars tends to occasionally freeze or unexpectedly restart the interface while driving. Unjustified red warnings about a drive system failure may also pop up on the instrument cluster, which usually disappear after parking and letting the car "go to sleep."
• Onboard charger issues: Failures of the optional 22 kW onboard AC chargers and frustrating error messages (so-called "charging errors") occur. In winter months and icy conditions, the fancy electrically sliding charging port covers on the fenders also occasionally get stuck.
• Battery and short circuit risk: Due to the danger of internal cell short circuits, a mass inspection and update of the battery management software (BMS) took place for the first model years. When buying, a detailed comprehensive car inspection is always worth it to deeply verify the current degradation and overall health of the expensive traction battery.
• Squeaking brakes and wear: Despite renowned German engineering, Taycans can occasionally be troubled by squeaking brakes (if they don't have the carbon-ceramic system), and here too, the high weight destroys the profile of low-profile tires with unprecedented speed.

When buying a used car, a thorough inspection is crucial. Although the Audi e-tron GT and Porsche Taycan share the same J1 electric platform and advanced 800V architecture, both models have their specifics and weak points that need to be watched out for when choosing a roughly four-year-old used car.

When choosing an Audi e-tron GT:

• High-voltage heater (HV heater) failures: After starting the car and activating the air conditioning, test whether the car begins to heat quickly and evenly. Failures of the electric heating element are a relatively common problem in the early model years of the J1 platform, and potential replacement at an authorized service center is very costly.
• Chassis condition and tire wear: The e-tron GT is an exceptionally heavy car with aggressive alignment settings. Before buying, an independent technical inspection of the car is advisable, which will reveal excessive wear on the inner edges of the tires and check for play in the suspension arms. Poor alignment can extremely shorten the lifespan of expensive tires.
• Charging port motors: Audi makes extensive use of electrically operated charging port doors on both sides of the car. During the physical inspection, open and close them repeatedly – the control motors have a tendency to occasionally fail, jam, or freeze in winter.
• MMI infotainment stability: During the test drive, focus on the speed and smoothness of the multimedia system. In models from 2021 and 2022, freezing screens or lengthy loading times for the reversing camera may appear. Find out if the previous owner performed regular software updates, which resolve most of these issues.

When choosing a Porsche Taycan:

• Two-speed gearbox behavior: The Taycan utilizes a unique two-speed gearbox on the rear axle, which gives it an advantage during acceleration at higher speeds. During the test drive, accelerate more sharply and watch the gear change (around 80–100 km/h). The gear change should be noticeable but completely without sharp jolts, jerking, or significant metallic sounds.
• Air suspension condition and leaks: Pay attention to the behavior of the adaptive suspension, which is standard on the Taycan. Try lifting the car to its highest position and listen to the compressor. A comprehensive car inspection is definitely worth it, as it will check in detail for potential air leaks from the bellows or worn bushings, which are very expensive items in the case of Porsche service.
• 12V battery and PCM system issues: Older model years (2020–2021) may suffer from software bugs that lead to rapid discharge of the conventional 12V onboard battery, which leaves the entire electric car "dead". During testing, also check whether the main display of the Porsche Communication Management system restarts spontaneously.
• Traction battery health (SOH): The Taycan was built for fast charging at up to 270 kW and sporty driving. Although the car has excellent thermal management, frequent use of maximum power and ultra-fast chargers may have left its mark after four years. Before buying, always insist on a professional readout of the battery's "State of Health" via diagnostics to be sure that there has been no excessive degradation limiting the real-world range.

Sources: ADAC, auto.cz, lidovky.cz, auto-mania.cz, fdrive.cz, autospektrum.cz

This article was prepared using artificial intelligence tools. The section guarantor is Petr Dušek.