The Porsche Taycan is the automaker’s first real entry into the EV segment, fully equipped to compete against Tesla’s high-performance cars. Many Porsche enthusiasts will also hold the Taycan up to the standard of its other athletic stablemates. The automaker is known for producing several great luxury sports cars, like the 911 and Cayenne.

It’s hard for some drivers to swallow that an EV can outperform these cars without any gasoline. However, Road and Track believes that the Porsche Taycan EV will fully convert any non-believers with its charms. Here’s what’s going on inside the Taycan and why it’s one of the best EVs to drive.

The Porsche Taycan’s impressive specs

The standard Porsche Taycan 4S gets its power from two electric motors, capable of 522 hp with launch control enabled. Without launch control, the Taycan Turbo and Turbo S both make 616 hp. With this speed-enhancing feature activated, both of these models can make an exhilarating 670 hp and 750 hp, respectively.

The Taycan also comes standard with a two-speed transmission to ensure smoother power delivery. Regenerative braking, an air suspension, and AWD are also standard. At a starting price of nearly $104,000, you get a good selection of technical features as well.

The standard trim comes with smartphone integration, navigation, and several advanced safety features. Drivers can other great features from available packages, like a passenger-side infotainment screen and massaging seats. The Turbo models come standard with leather seats, carbon fiber brakes, and a special sports package.

A “revelation” for EV skeptics

As Road and Track points out, a speedy EV isn’t so uncommon anymore. However, the Porsche Taycan EV is not only fast: it sets a new precedent for its class. The Taycan shows us that a “crazy noise and a clutch” aren’t required to have fun while driving an EV.

Let’s address the Taycan’s exhaust note first, a quality usually absent on an EV. Obviously, it’s not going to be that throaty, V8 growl you’d typically expect from any other muscle car. However, Porsche was thoughtful enough to include an artificial noise that kicks in during acceleration, which RaT likened to a spaceship.

The Porsche Taycan indeed doesn’t have a clutch pedal, but it doesn’t particularly need one. The Taycan Turbo S can rocket from 0-60 mph in well under three seconds thanks to its larger battery pack. RaT also cited the two-speed transmission as a source of a generous amount of torque.

However, other critics had a different experience. At AutoEvolution, test drivers felt that the Porsche Taycan doesn’t take advantage of its full torque vectoring potential. They also said that the Taycan Turbo was weighed down by its big battery.

However, even AutoEvolution couldn’t deny the Porsche Taycan’s crisp handling. Its steering is engaging and there’s very minimal body roll while rounding tight corners. RaT also said that the Porsche Taycan can drift with ease.

What else can the Porsche Taycan do?

The Porsche Taycan’s launch control makes it just as fun to ride as a roller coaster. This driver said the back of their head was pressed against the driver’s seat thanks to the car’s sheer speed. Thankfully, the Taycan’s seats are also quite comfortable.

The Porsche Taycan can’t do a burnout like several other muscle cars, but this isn’t as bad as you’d think. This is typically done by revving a car’s engine to the fullest while its wheels are locked in place. The Taycan’s launch control feature is optimized to keep the wheels unlocked while you’re gunning the motor.

RaT also noted that the Porsche Taycan doesn’t get good mileage, but that’s clearly not its intended purpose. Performance is at the forefront of the Taycan’s priorities, a fact that many environmentally conscious thrill-seekers will appreciate.