The Porsche Taycan has just received an update for 2026 (2027 model year), with the biggest addition to the model being its new E-Shift system. Just like what we’ve seen in Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and 6 N performance electric vehicles (EV), or even the recently launched Honda Prelude, the system simulates the sensation of shifting gears without actually having a gearbox.
Drivers can shift between eight virtual gears using the paddles mounted behind the GT Sports steering wheel. Porsche says the system replicates the feel of a traditional transmission by introducing noticeable shift jolts and even a virtual rev limiter. To further enhance the experience, the instrument cluster will also feature a virtual rev counter, gear indicator and shift lights.
Complementing the E-Shift system is a revised Porsche Electric Sport Sound programme, which introduces new interior and exterior sound profiles that change according to the driving situation and simulated engine speed. If you’re curious about how it sounds, Porsche has uploaded a sample on its website. Instead of the famed flat six note that’s synonymous with the brand, Porsche has instead given the Taycan a V8 sound signature.
It’s got a deep thumping rumble that can only be heard from a European cross-plane V8 such as the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT or a BMW M5, albeit less high-revving. Layered beneath the synthetic V8 note is a subtle electric whine that rises in pitch with speed, creating an effect not unlike a race car fitted with a straight-cut gearbox.
The E-shift system can be engaged via an additional mode switch on the GT-Sports steering wheel. The steering wheel will come at additional cost for all Taycan models except for the Taycan Tubro GT, where it will be fitted as standard
Along with the new update, Porsche has also improved the efficiency of the Taycan with a new set of 20-inch summer tyres. Available exclusively on the entry-level rear-wheel-drive Sports Sedan and Sports Turismo variants, the tyres feature significantly lower rolling resistance, helping to reduce energy consumption. As a result, WLTP-rated driving range increases by up to 20 km, allowing the Taycan to achieve a maximum range of 700 km — a first for the model.
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For those with deeper pockets, Porsche has also made its Nürburgring record-breaking Manthey Kit available for the Taycan — marking the first time the renowned performance package has been offered for an electric Porsche.
The kit was developed for the Taycan Turbo GT with Weissach Package, which recently lapped the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 6:55.533 minutes. The time made it the fastest production EV in the ‘electric executive cars’ category. In another first, Porsche will also offer the Manthey Kit as a factory-backed retrofit package for existing owners.
Apart from the driving experience, Porsche has also made some changes to the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system, with improvements carried over from the Macan Electric and the Cayenne Electric. This system is now five times the computing power of its predecessor, making it more responsive and smoother to navigate through the infotainment menus.
The user interface, known internally as Porsche Digital Interaction (Porsche DI), has also been redesigned. New widgets and quick-access shortcuts have been added, while selected applications can now be displayed in either full-screen or split-screen layouts. A new Themes app allows occupants to customise the cabin ambience, and Porsche says the AI-powered voice assistant has been further improved.
Also revised is the wireless smartphone charger, which now incorporates a magnetic ring mount compatible with MagSafe-equipped devices. Charging output has also increased to 25 watts, allowing compatible smartphones to charge up to 1.5 times faster than before.
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