Porsche Centre Dubai and Northern Emirates by Al Nabooda Automobiles, has launched a new era with the reveal of the company’s first fully electric sports car, the Taycan.
Staged at an innovative drive-in venue at the Dubai Design District on October 27, the launch was the first of its kind in the MENA region. More than 200 guests, seated in 100 cars, attended the event, which included an impressive aerial show. No less than 120 drones told visually the story of the evolution of the Taycan from the first hybrid vehicle, the Lohner-Porsche developed by Ferdinand Porsche in 1898, through to today.
In addition, a striking display of light and sound on the façade of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, was integrated into the show.
Commenting on the arrival of Porsche’s all-new Taycan, K. Rajaram, CEO of Al Nabooda Automobiles LLC, said: “The Taycan marks the beginning of the future for Porsche. The first all-electric sports car brings together multiple innovations, and we have launched it in a manner befitting the brand, at the first contactless launch event in the region that adhered to all the safety protocols outlined by the UAE government.”
Taycan combines a sleek coupé profile with a four-door saloon body, providing room for four adults. Intelligent use of battery cell placement allows for “foot garages” in the back which gives more rear legroom for taller occupants and allows Taycan to adopt a slender, 911-like silhouette.
Taycan is available in three models – 4S, Turbo and Turbo S.
The 4S is the entry-level model with a price tag starting at AED 431,800. It comes with a 79kWh single tier battery as standard, which delivers up to 463 km of range according to WLTP while consuming 24.6 kWh/100 km. A two-tier “Performance battery Plus” pack can be ordered as an option to boost power from 530 PS to 571 PS with a combined power consumption of 25.6 kWh/100 km.
The mid-range Turbo, starting at AED 601,800, comes with a 93kWh two-tier Performance Battery Plus pack as standard. It is capable of generating 680 PS with a combined electrical power consumption 26.0 kWh/100 km.
The Turbo S is the most powerful sports car in the Porsche range with a price tag starting at AED 781,800. Although it possesses the same two-tier 93kWh Performance Battery Plus pack as the Turbo, the output jumps to 761 PS. This enables the Turbo S to match the renowned 911 GT2 RS in acceleration, taking just 2.8 seconds to reach 100 kmph.
All three models have a combined CO2 emissions 0 g/km. The consumption and CO2 emission values were calculated according to the new Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP).
The Taycan can be charged on either side using alternating current (AC) or by using direct current (DC) on the right side. Owners will be able to enjoy complete peace of mind by charging their vehicle at home with the Porsche Mobile Charger Connect. Installation is arranged with the help of trained and certified suppliers.
Being the first all-electric car by Porsche, the launch comes at a time when there is a strong focus by the Government of Dubai and the UAE on promoting the use of electric cars and e-mobility in a sustainable living environment.
This governmental drive is supported by Porsche Centre Dubai through the continuous expansion of the local charging infrastructure. At present, 33 AC chargers and 1 DC charger have been set up at Porsche facilities across Dubai, Sharjah and Fujairah. Furthermore, a collaboration with various institutions, such as malls and hotels, ensures ongoing efforts to expand the charging network for customers and owners of electric or hybrid vehicles.
K. Rajaram added: “The launch of the first all-electric Porsche into Dubai and the Northern Emirates places us at the forefront in terms of encouraging sustainability and e-mobility in the region which is something we are proud to have supported.”