Porsche Taycan software update unlocks more performance

UPDATED 26/03/2021 6:00pm: Porsche Cars Australia has advised that all Taycans have been updated with the latest software before being delivered to local owners.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE PUBLISHED 24/03/2021: A new complimentary software update for the Porsche Taycan has been introduced that's claimed to bring early versions of the electric performance sedan in line with the latest models.

As well as the new update, which requires a visit to your nearest dealer for the free upgrade, Porsche will also offer owners of the earlier 2020 Porsche Taycan the option of retrofitting a 22kW AC on-board charger.

Prices have yet to be confirmed for the more powerful charger, but the new updates are said to improve everything from the MY20 Taycan's handling to its charging functions, communication and connectivity capability.

For models fitted with adaptive air suspension, a new Smartlift function will also be introduced that allows you to program it to automatically raise the Taycan's nose at certain locations, like areas with speed bumps or a steep entrance ramp at work.

Performance also improves. The update doesn't liberate any more power or torque, but it recalibrates the traction control and the German car-maker now claims the flagship Porsche Taycan Turbo S is now 0.2 seconds quicker to 200km/h, achieving the benchmark in a blistering 9.6sec.

Useful features introduced as part of the software upload include updating the sat-nav to allow it to calculate whether the Taycan will have enough charge to reach its destination without a top-up.

Owners will also receive a notification via the app when the battery level has been reached.

Furthermore, the battery-saving charging function reduces the Porsche EV's maximum charging speed from 270kW to 200kW to prevent the cells being damaged from overheating and improve their longevity.

Despite being compatible with the latest 350kW rapid chargers, Porsche says the Taycan will never charge at more than 270kW.

Other changes to the sat-nav include more information to be displayed on the map, while adding precise traffic info.

Users of iPhone are now also able to download Apple podcasts direct to their car, with Apple CarPlay available wirelessly.

The Porsche Taycan upgrade also includes significant software optimisation on numerous control units which requires the transmission and drive components to be temporarily disabled and recalibrated, hence why the latest update isn't available over-the-air.

With reports that some cars are taking two days for the upload and calibrations, plus associated checks, some owners are being offered free courtesy vehicles while the work is done.

Once completed owners will also be able to buy extra features via over-the-air updates, such as Power Steering Plus and Active Lane Keep Assist, as an outright purchase or monthly subscription.