Porsche Taycan produces a low-cost entry-level model with rear-wheel drive.

Just as the "entry-level" 2020 Porsche Taycan 4S is set to arrive at U.S. dealers, word of a cheaper model has surfaced.

Porsche's head of research and development Dr. Michael Steiner said in an interview with Car Magazine on Monday that "an entry-level model will come based on the Taycan."

Steiner also stated that the cheaper Taycan will be rear-wheel drive and have a smaller battery pack. He noted that not all markets, such as China, require all-wheel drive due to milder weather conditions.

Pricing was not disclosed, but the current entry-level model in the U.S., the 4S with the standard battery pack, costs $105,150, with options quickly increasing that price.

The Taycan 4S with a performance battery (93.4 kWh capacity) has an EPA-estimated range of 203 miles. The EPA estimated driving range of the Taycan 4S with the lower capacity battery (79.2 kWh) is not yet known. Because of the rear-wheel drive and smaller battery pack, it is not yet clear whether the upcoming entry-level Taycan's range will increase or decrease. While the battery pack will use less power, it will also use less power because it is not all-wheel drive.

Our experience with the Taycan has shown that the EPA's range estimates are fair and accurate; the EPA does not indicate that the Taycan's range remains constant regardless of weather or speed. We have seen other electric vehicles with range varying by 30% depending on weather and driving conditions, which is clearly not the case with the Taycan.

The current Taycan lineup in the U.S. consists of the Turbo S, Turbo, and 4S. A Cross Turismo version in a hatchback body has already been confirmed and has been spotted on public roads. A Targa model is also reportedly in preparation, but Porsche has not yet confirmed a glass roof version.

We contacted Porsche's U.S. office to confirm that the new base model will be coming to the U.S., and spokesperson Kelvin Kim said: "We don't usually talk about future products, but you can be sure that our electrification initiative will not be limited to three Taycan variants. you can be sure that we won't stop there." We expect to confirm information on the US market in the coming months