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Used test: BMW i4 vs Porsche Taycan verdict
The BMW i4 and the Porsche Taycan are both stunningly quick electric cars. And you can now buy either one used for a fraction of its new price, but which one should you go for?...
Our verdict
The Porsche Taycan is a very enticing prospect. Not only does it offer a stellar driving experience, including a near-faultless ride and handling balance, but it has a very luxurious interior and is surprisingly spacious for such a sleek car. Yes, it will cost more than the BMW i4 to service and insure, but this is likely to be outweighed by it depreciating more slowly from this point onwards. Our one concern is the Taycan's poor performance in our most recent Reliability Survey.
If this puts you off – and we can understand why it would – the i4 is a fine alternative that combines a long range with good comfort and quality. However, it's worth bearing in mind that we don't have any reliability data on the i4 yet, and that it doesn't thrill like the Taycan or feel as expensive. All things considered, then, it's still the Taycan that takes the win.
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1st – Porsche Taycan
For Thrilling performance; fantastic to drive; very comfortable; stunning interior
Against Older; fiddly touchscreens; reliability concerns
What Car? says 4 stars out of 5
Used Porsche Taycan buying guide >>
Used Porsche Taycans for sale >>
2nd – BMW i4
For Almost as fast; great infotainment system; long range; large boot
Against Not as good to drive; feels too much like a 3 Series inside; likely to depreciate quicker
What Car? says 4 stars out of 5
Used BMW i4 buying guide >>
Used BMW i4s for sale >>
Specifications: BMW i4 M50
Engine Two electric motors
Power 536bhp (in overboost)
Torque 583Ib ft (in overboost)
Gearbox 1-spd automatic
0-60mph 3.8sec
Top speed 139mph
Official range 315 miles
Maximum charging rate 200kW
7kW home wallbox (0-100%) 13hr
Rapid charger, peak rate (10-80%) 31min
Specifications: Porsche Taycan 4S Performance Battery Plus
Engine Two electric motors
Power 563bhp (in overboost)
Torque 479Ib ft (in overboost)
Gearbox 2-spd automatic
0-60mph 3.6sec
Top speed 155mph
Official range 288 miles
Maximum charging rate 270kW
7kW home wallbox (0-100%) 13.5hr
Rapid charger, peak rate (10-80%) 20min
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