Porsche’s Taycan Cross Turismo is in a league of its own

Very rarely do new cars emerge with no direct rivals. But this new machine breaks all the rules to stunning effect.

Porsche’s Taycan electric sedan smashed expectations. The high-riding, off-road Cross Turismo pushes it into new territory.

It’s ideal for adventurous types

Not only is this wagon-like Taycan Cross Turismo pure electric, Porsche says it has sports car handling, sedan-like comfort and almost SUV-like space. Niche lovers rejoice!

It’s more versatile than a Taycan sedan, with a longer roof that liberates an extra 30mm rear headroom. Boot space jumps from 366 litres to 405 and there are SUV-like plastic surrounds for the wheel arches and bumpers. Ours had the optional off-road package ($3450) bringing more plastic protection against stone chips. The Cross Turismo has 20mm extra ground clearance over the Taycan sedan, and that off-Road pack gives you another 10mm.

Porsche’s Taycan Cross Turismo is designed for light off-roading.

Don’t sell the LandCruiser just yet

Porsche’s advertising has the Cross Turismo on sand, sliding in wet mud, splashing river crossings and getting all dusty on unsealed roads. But not rock crawling.

Raising the air suspension 30mm at the touch of a button is a neat trick, while “gravel mode” optimises throttle and torque distribution for the rough stuff. It looks gawky up on stilts, but feels sure-footed on gravel roads and absorbs big bumps reasonably well. But at more than $200,000 before on-roads – plus $6770 for 21-inch wheels and a $5000 paint job – all those stones knocking around brought huge anxiety. Try snow fields or traversing a soggy polo field instead.

Photo of the 2021 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo

The drive is simply incredible

Yes it’s expensive, but the style, technology and performance make it a good value Porsche. A Taycan 4 Cross Turismo starts at $176,600, far less than the little-loved four-door Panamera and some $65k less than the cheapest 911.

In launch mode the 4S releases 420kW and 650Nm to hit 100km/h in 4.1 seconds. A Turbo version (with no turbo, of course) does the sprint in 3.3 seconds, but it’s simply not needed. The 4S’s instant torque hit from any speed pins you to your bucket seat for ample thrills. The suspension is stiffest in “sport” and “sport plus” modes and they bring balance and grip that are textbook Porsche. Steering is weighty and loaded with feedback. All that’s missing is some decent noise.

Inside the new Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo

But it’s not the messiah

The lack of a soulful Porsche engine note is the biggest hurdle to overcome. The Taycan doesn’t give you the sensory satisfaction of petrol Porsches. The quoted range of 436km proved accurate and we actually used less energy (21.6kWh/100km) than Porsche’s figures.

The massive, heavy 93.4kWh battery needs loads of energy to charge. Find an elusive 350kW ultra-rapid public charger and Porsche claims you go from 5 to 80 per cent in a fraction more than 20 minutes.

Its curvy roofline and encroaching wheel arches mean it’s not as practical as your family’s Falcon or Commodore station wagon.

With rear seats folded my bike sans front wheel barely squeezed in. Golf clubs and skis are better suited.

The Taycan Cross Turismo adds extra practicality to the Taycan’s skill set.

Technology and luxe is standout

Beyond the electricity flinging the Cross Turismo up the road, the cabin’s a tech delight. There’s a 16.8-inch curved driver display with brilliant configurability, a 10.9-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay/wired Android Auto and Bose sounds. Battery life information and climate control are accessed through a digital centre console that’s a pain to use when driving, while air vent adjustment also needs to be done via the screen.

Radar cruise control is standard and the car will steer, accelerate and brake for you up to 60km/h. The partial leather seats are heated, ventilated and 14-way power adjustable, but you pay more for ambient lighting and a third (uncomfortable) rear seat. If you want the car to sound like a spaceship you can pay an extra $1050 for fake noise.