The 10 Second Review
Taycan 4 Cross Turismo, although its name is quite lengthy, stands out as the most adaptable option within the Taycan lineup. When it comes to top-notch, high-performance electric vehicles, the Porsche Taycan sets the bar incredibly high. With its sleek, wide design and futuristic aesthetics, it embodies the essence of a modern Porsche.
Pros
- Much more visually
appealing than SUV - Setting the standard
for ride and handling - Cutting-edge technology
that operates flawlessly - Impressive off-road
Unexpected!
Cons
- Not precisely a
crossover
The In-Depth Review
EV Motor, Transmission, and Performance
To begin with, Does the fact that the Taycan Cross Turismo sits a substantial 30mm higher than the original Porsche Taycan have a negative impact on the car’s inherent agility? Well, it might have a slight influence. For instance, in Normal mode, when driving on particularly demanding roads, you may notice a bit more body lean during sharp corners and a tad more vertical motion over steep crests compared to the standard car. However, it’s important to note that these body movements always feel well-managed and completely predictable, in contrast to the occasionally unpredictable behavior of the Tesla Model S on similar roads. When you switch to Sport or Sport Plus mode, the Cross Turismo’s performance becomes even more remarkable!
In fact, Sport mode seems tailor-made for what I call “urban F1 driving”. It somehow maintains the Cross Turismo’s body firmly connected to the road surface, delivering the feel of a true sports car, while also providing a smoother ride on uneven asphalt. In this aspect, the Cross Turismo outshines the standard Taycan, as it allows you to navigate rugged roads without worrying about scraping the bottom or damaging the front splitter.
This sense of effortless progress also extends to the Cross Turismo’s handling. While it may not be as playful as the regular Taycan, which permits quick adjustments to your driving line with a slight press of the accelerator, it feels purpose-built to transport you from point A to point B as swiftly as possible with minimal drama. The car offers an abundance of grip, making it highly likely that you will push it to its limits on public roads. Additionally, the steering provides a superior connection with the front wheels compared to most petrol powered performance estate cars. Each millimeter of steering input subtly but positively influences the car’s trajectory, instilling maximum confidence in the driver.
The brake pedal’s responsiveness is well-calibrated for an electric vehicle. The Cross Turismo replenishes energy to the batteries when you apply the brakes, but this regenerative braking doesn’t interfere significantly, ensuring that you won’t be caught off guard by the car’s response when you brake.
So, in summary, the Cross Turismo offers outstanding speed and effortless driving, but it possesses one final remarkable feature: remarkable refinement. When cruising at highway speeds, it exhibits a relaxed demeanor more reminiscent of a luxury sedan than a performance estate car.
However, considering its plastic body cladding and promises of off-road capabilities, can the Cross Turismo truly venture off the conventional paths? The straightforward answer is, not really. The increased ride height is primarily intended to enhance the experience when navigating rough roads, gravel paths and muddy terrain, rather than for serious off-roading. The plastic body cladding serves to protect the car’s paint from chips when driving on gravel roads. While most buyers are likely to appreciate these added capabilities, if you desire true off-road comfort, a dedicated luxury SUV is the superior choice.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Very refreshing to see Porsche’s sports car heritage inside their electric sedan, like the presence of a start button located on the left side of the steering wheel, the interior also boasts an array of contemporary high-tech elements, including a digital gauge cluster. The Taycan Cross Turismo comes fully equipped with a range of luxurious features and an extensive array of customization choices. Similar to the sedan, the wagon version offers both a standard four-seat arrangement and the option for a five-seat configuration, with the latter incorporating a small central seat in the rear row. Thanks in part to a standard panoramic sunroof and a taller roofline, the Cross Turismo provides slightly more headroom in the front and considerably more in the rear seats when compared to the sedan. Furthermore, in addition to the Taycan’s front trunk and practical interior storage compartments, the wagon offers a larger cargo area at the rear compared to its sedan counterpart.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The technology found in the Taycan’s interior is also present in the Cross Turismo. This includes a curved digital gauge cluster, a 10.3-inch touchscreen positioned in the center of the dashboard, and an 8.4-inch vertical touchscreen seamlessly integrated into the center console. Porsche provides additional appealing features, such as a 10.3-inch touchscreen on the passenger side, along with convenient amenities like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, in-built navigation, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
“arguably the fastest station wagon on the market“
