Electric Cars Save on Gas — But You Might Lose Big When You Sell
Buying an EV sounds like a great financial move. Fewer moving parts mean fewer repairs, and charging usually costs less than filling up a gas tank. But there’s a downside many people overlook — depreciation. Electric vehicles tend to lose their value much faster than gas-powered ones. So while you might save money day-to-day, you could lose a lot when it comes time to sell or trade in your car.
The Porsche Taycan Wagon Is a Surprising Exception
While most EVs depreciate faster than traditional cars, there’s one surprising standout — the Porsche Taycan, specifically the wagon-style versions like the Sport Turismo and Cross Turismo. These models hold their value much better than expected, even outperforming several luxury gas-powered vehicles in resale value.
Data from car research site iSeeCars shows that the Taycan wagons keep 51.5% of their original value after five years. That makes them the second-best luxury EVs for resale value. In comparison, the standard Taycan sedan retains just 42.3%.
How Taycan Wagons Compare with Other Luxury Cars
Here’s how the Taycan Sport Turismo stacks up against other high-end vehicles in terms of resale value:
Model | 5-Year Resale Value Retained |
---|---|
Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo | 57.4% |
Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo | 51.5% |
Audi RS 6 Avant | 49.3% |
Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon | 47.3% |
BMW M5 | 43.9% |
Cadillac CT5-V | 43.2% |
Tesla Model S | 41.0% |
Audi A7 | 39.7% |
While the Taycan sedan ranks eighth among luxury EVs, the wagon version beats out several well-established combustion engine vehicles in resale — including the BMW M5 and Tesla Model S.
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Wagon Advantage: Rarity and Style
One theory for the Taycan wagon’s strong resale is that it’s relatively rare. Wagons already appeal to a niche crowd in North America, and electric wagons are even more uncommon. That scarcity seems to help the wagon maintain its value, unlike the more common sedan. Interestingly, this trend also shows up with the Panamera, where the wagon version also outperforms the sedan.
The Taycan wagons also stand out for their looks. They have the long-roof, sporty design typical of Porsche, giving them a classic yet distinct profile. They don’t offer a huge boost in cargo space—just about 1.5 cubic feet more than the sedan—but they still give off a more practical vibe. In reality, they’re better at looking versatile than actually being spacious.
Inside the Taycan Wagon: Premium, But Not Roomy
Inside, the Taycan wagon offers everything you’d expect from a premium Porsche. There are multiple digital displays, sleek materials, and a strong list of optional upgrades like premium audio. However, the back seat isn’t especially roomy, especially for three adults. Despite the wagon styling, it’s better suited as a 4-seater than a 5-seater.
What’s Holding It Back: High Prices and Market Pressure
The Taycan’s main issue is its price. The Cross Turismo starts at over $112,000, and that's before you add extras. While it’s a high-performance EV with Porsche-level luxury, it’s still tough to justify that cost when other EVs offer similar performance for much less — especially those from Chinese brands. Porsche had hoped for strong sales in China, but the market is packed with cheaper alternatives.
Sales of the Taycan have already taken a hit. In 2024, Porsche delivered 44.2% fewer Taycans compared to the year before. Some of that drop is because Porsche paused deliveries to update the 2025 model, but the decline is still concerning. With new tariffs likely to raise prices on imported EVs, the Taycan’s already steep price may climb even higher, making it less competitive globally.
Bottom Line: One of the Few EVs That Holds Value
Despite its price and shrinking sales, the Taycan wagon is one of the few EVs you can buy today that won’t tank in value five years down the line. It won’t give you much extra space or practicality, and it’s expensive upfront. But if holding value matters to you, the Taycan Sport Turismo or Cross Turismo might be the exception to the EV depreciation rule.
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