Edmunds compares the 2021 Tesla Model S and Porsche Taycan

The Tesla Model S debuted nearly a decade ago and instantly portended the future of electric vehicles. Here was a sleek-looking EV with intriguing new technology features and unmatched performance and range. Tesla’s continual updates along the way have kept the rest of the automotive industry in catch-up mode. Only recently has a model come out to rival the Model S: the Porsche Taycan.

The Taycan isn’t as revolutionary, but it offers similar capabilities plus the aura of Porsche’s sports car-building ethos. Is it good enough to unseat the Model S? Edmunds’ experts tested both to find out.

RANGE

The Model S Long Range — the least expensive trim — offers an EPA-estimated 412 miles of range. While Edmunds has found in its own range testing that Tesla’s EPA numbers are typically a little too optimistic, this is still among the longest distances you’ll get from an EV. Access to Tesla’s proprietary network of nationwide Supercharger fast-charging stations is another boon.

On paper, things aren’t so sunny for the Porsche Taycan. As of publication time, the longest EPA-estimated range is 227 miles for a midlevel Taycan 4S with the Performance Battery Plus. While that’s below the Model S, a Taycan 4S overachieved in Edmunds’ testing, driving 323 miles before running out of juice. The upshot? In real-world driving you won’t notice as much of a range difference between these two cars as the specs suggest.

Porsche doesn’t have its own charging network, but it’s working with third-party companies to greatly increase the number of charging stations nationwide.

Winner: Model S

PRICING AND VALUE

A base 2021 Tesla Model S Long Range starts at around $80,000; the new Plaid variant, which has yet to come out, will be around $120,000. The Model S comes well...