ThePorsche Taycandelivers jaw-dropping performance, blending EV speed with supercar handling and sleek sports-sedan practicality. Few cars, gas or electric, can match its combination of power, precision, andcutting-edge tech.
But it’s not perfect. The rear seat and cargo space are cramped, and with a starting price of over $100K, the Taycan is out of reach for most drivers.
The good news? Plenty ofbudget-friendly alternativesoffer similar thrills, luxury, and style, without the eye-watering price tag.
Porsche Taycan
In order to provide the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturers and other authoritative sources, including the EPA. This list has been ordered by base price, from highest to lowest.
Tesla Model S Plaid
WhenTesladropped the Model S Plaid, it wasn’t just aiming to compete—it was out for blood in the EV performance game. With three electric motors and 1,020 horsepower on tap, it launches from 0 to 60 in a mind-bending 1.99 seconds.
That wild 0–60 time makes the Tesla Model S Plaid one of the quickest production cars on the planet—faster than the Taycan Turbo S by nearly half a second. And while it’s no bargain bin car, it still starts at just under $100K, making it noticeably cheaper than its Porsche rival.
Mercedes-Benz EQE Sedan
Over three decades ago, Porsche andMercedes-Benzteamed up to create something truly wild. The result was the 500E—a V8-powered E-Class sleeper that punched way above its weight.
Nicknamed “The Hammer,” it delivered Corvette-level performance wrapped in the unassuming shape of a family sedan. It was fast, fierce, and totally unexpected.
The Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 4MATIC feels like a modern echo of the legendary 500E Hammer—delivering sports car speed in a sleek, everyday sedan. But that’s about where the nostalgia ends.
Unlike the co-developed 500E, the EQE 500 is all Mercedes—and it’s not here to play nice. This time, it’s aiming straight at Porsche—and it’s not being subtle about it.
BMW i5
BMWisn’t making a big fuss, but it’s been busy cranking out EVs that can hang with its legendary gas-powered machines. Take the i5 M60 xDrive—it’s built on the 5 Series platform and delivers jaw-dropping performance with the eerie quiet of an express elevator.
It’s all the M-car fun, minus the roar. And somehow, that makes it even cooler.
BMW’s “M” stands for Motor, and the 5 Series has long set the standard for midsize performance sedans—gas or electric. The i5 might not have the M5’s legendary status (yet), but it’s definitely not one to overlook.
With performance that comes surprisingly close and a price tag that stays noticeably lower, the i5 M60 is carving out its own space in theEV world. It’s not just a quieter alternative—it’s a bold new chapter.
Lucid Motors Air
However you choose to drive it, theLucid AirTouring offers serious performance. With dual motors cranking out 620 horsepower and 885 lb-ft of torque, it rockets from 0 to 60 in just 3.4 seconds.
Its 93-kWh battery gives it up to 406 miles of range, so you’ll not need to stop often. And when you do, 200 miles of charge in 16 minutes makes pit stops feel pretty painless.
With its smooth, spaceship-like design, the Lucid Air turns heads, even when parked next to a Porsche Taycan. Inside and out, it’s all clean lines and minimalist vibes.
The real surprise? This futuristic luxury sedan starts at $78,900, which feels almost down-to-earth for what you’re getting.
Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron
Even though it’s fully electric, the Q8 e-tron Sportback will feel right at home to anyone familiar withAudi’s modern lineup. It blends luxury and practicality with solid performance wrapped in a sleek, sculpted SUV shape.
Unlike the flashy purple Porsche Taycan, it doesn’t demand attention—it quietly gets the job done with style and confidence.
The Audi really shines when you step inside. Its design and craftsmanship feel like something you’d expect in a car double its $79,000 price.
Premium materials and soothing ambient lighting surround you, plus there’s plenty of room for both passengers and cargo.
Genesis GV60
The 2025GenesisGV60 might fly under the radar, but it’s no wallflower when it comes to performance. Packed with luxury and power, it can square off with nearly any ride under $100K.
Its split headlamps give it a bold, standout look, while the grille and sleek lines recall the elegance of an Aston Martin and other exotic beauties.
Beyond its plush luxury, the GV60 packs a serious punch with 483 horsepower, blasting from 0 to 60 in just 3.4 seconds.
If that doesn’t get your heart racing, Genesis is cooking up an upgraded version with a bigger 84-kWh battery, longer range, and possibly up to 490 horsepower.
Polestar 2
ThePolestar 2often flies under the radar, even though it packs solid performance and a sleek Scandinavian vibe. Whether you see it as a tall sedan or a compact crossover, one thing’s clear—it’s a serious bargain that starts around the price of a Toyota Corolla.
On paper, the Polestar 2 competes with the BMW i4, but it has a unique flair that makes it stand out, kind of like the Porsche Taycan. Borrowing a bit from Volvo’s playbook, it shines with comfy seats, a smooth infotainment system, and top-notch safety tech.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
TheHyundai Ioniq 5N might look like a hot hatch in disguise, but don’t let the styling fool you—it’s got serious firepower. With dual motors pushing out 576 horsepower (or 641 in boost mode), it’s anything but tame.
What really seals the deal is the N-tuned suspension, electronic limited-slip diff, and sharp torque vectoring. It’s easily one of the most fun-to-drive EVs on the market right now.
Step inside the Ioniq 5 N, and you’re greeted with a roomy, tech-loaded cabin that feels anything but ordinary. It keeps the performance vibe alive with N-specific touches, sporty seats, and custom digital displays.
Sure, it doesn’t have the swoopy silhouette of a Taycan, but its hot-hatch styling brings just the right mix of attitude and everyday usability. For small families looking to go electric without giving up fun, this could be a total game-changer.
Kia EV6 GT
While the GV60 is all about quiet luxury and the Ioniq 5 brings playful vibes, theKia EV6GT rolls up looking ready to throw down. With a sculpted body and serious attitude, it leans hard into performance.
Dual motors and 576 horsepower mean it’s not just quick—it’s punchy enough to make your neck do a double-take. It’s athletic, wild, and absolutely not messing around.
It might not turn heads like a Porsche Taycan, but this SUV can outrun a Ferrari—and that’s not just talk. Even better, it’s a smart pick for anyone with a one-car garage who wants speed, cutting-edge tech, and eco-friendly creds all in one sleek package.
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Think of theMach-ERally as the Mustang GT’s electric cousin—still rowdy, just a little cleaner. Instead of a V8 growl and rear-wheel burnouts, you get dual electric motors and all-wheel grip.
But don’t worry; it still has serious muscle under the hood (or floor). With adaptive suspension and a sport-tuned chassis, the Mach-E Rally carves corners and kicks up dirt with the same attitude that made the Mustang a legend.
Like the Kia EV6, the Mach-E delivers serious performance without ditching everyday practicality—it’s still a compact SUV at heart. And just like the Taycan channels Porsche 911 vibes, the Mach-E borrows design cues straight from the classic Mustang playbook.
