Porsche Taycan Wagon: All-Electric Performance & Space

Porsche's Distinctive Approach to Electric Vehicles

Porsche has consistently charted its own course in vehicle development. The manufacturer notably persists with the unconventional concept of rear-engine placement in its sports cars – a design choice that continues to prove successful.

Therefore, deviating from the prevailing crossover trend to introduce an all-electric, softly capable wagon, featuring a mere 20 millimeters of additional ground clearance compared to the established Taycan sedan, aligns perfectly with the brand’s ethos.

This represents yet another illustration of Porsche’s philosophy regarding electrification. As Calvin Kim, product spokesperson for the Taycan line, recently stated, “The focus isn’t simply on building an electric car; it’s about crafting a Porsche powered by an electric drivetrain.”

The 2021 Taycan Cross Turismo: A Blend of Performance and Practicality

The 2021 Taycan Cross Turismo embodies this principle. It delivers a compelling combination of power, swift acceleration, comfort, luxury, and advanced technology.

Specifically, the Porsche Taycan 4 Cross Turismo – one of four available wagon configurations – provides a unique balance of utility alongside substantial power and speed, all within a price point below $100,000.

Here's a summary of what the Cross Turismo offers:

• Performance: Powerful acceleration and dynamic handling.
• Comfort: A refined and comfortable driving experience.
• Luxury: High-quality materials and craftsmanship.
• Technology: Cutting-edge features and connectivity.
• Practicality: Increased cargo space and versatility compared to the Taycan sedan.

The vehicle’s design demonstrates Porsche’s commitment to maintaining its core identity while embracing the future of electric mobility.

The Rationale Behind an Electric Porsche Wagon

Porsche initially surprised sports car aficionados with the introduction of the Cayenne almost two decades ago, and a similar disruption is occurring with the Taycan and the Taycan Cross Turismo.

Despite the continued profitability of the SUV and crossover segments for the manufacturer, Porsche reports selling close to 4,500 Taycans in 2020.

This figure surpasses sales for both the 718 and Panamera model ranges.

Furthermore, Porsche asserts that the Cross Turismo achieves carbon neutrality throughout its entire lifecycle, from initial design to manufacturing – a first for the company.

A Focus on Sporty Performance

“The aim was to engineer the most dynamically capable vehicle possible,” explained Kim, “and a wagon configuration of the Taycan perfectly reflects this principle.”

Availability and Delivery

The 2021 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo is currently available for purchase.

Porsche anticipates that customer deliveries will commence during the summer months.

Image Credits: Abigail Bassett

Taycan and Taycan Cross Turismo: A Comparison

Potential buyers and electric vehicle aficionados often inquire about the rationale behind selecting a Taycan Cross Turismo instead of the original Taycan model.

Several key distinctions exist between these two vehicles, potentially influencing a customer’s decision towards the wagon variant. Notably, the Cross Turismo provides increased space for both passengers and cargo. Front seat occupants benefit from an extra 0.35 inches of headroom, while rear passengers gain 3.69 inches. The wagon also boasts expanded cargo capacity – 15.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats, increasing to 42.8 cubic feet when the seats are folded down.

Similar to the Taycan, the Cross Turismo incorporates a 2.9 cubic foot frunk for additional storage. Furthermore, the Cross Turismo features slightly elevated ground clearance, specifically 20 millimeters (just under one inch) more than the Taycan sedan.

An exclusive driving mode, termed Gravel mode, is also included. This mode is activated via a dedicated button on the center console, differing from the steering wheel-mounted mode selector. It adjusts the vehicle’s ride height and modifies the stability control and torque distribution systems to enhance traction on surfaces like gravel, snow, or ice. Unfortunately, our brief evaluation did not allow for a practical assessment of Gravel mode’s capabilities.

Image Credits: Porsche

Beyond these enhancements, the Taycan Cross Turismo comes standard with all-wheel drive and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), or air suspension. This feature represents a $2,200 upgrade on the standard Taycan. The larger 93.4 kWh battery pack, a $5,780 option on the base Taycan sedan, is included as standard equipment on the Cross Turismo.

Both the Taycan Cross Turismo and the Taycan sedan are built upon the same internal platform, designated J1. Four distinct variants of the Taycan Cross Turismo are available, including the model tested. Options range from the entry-level Taycan 4 Cross Turismo to the high-performance Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo.

The top-tier trims begin at a base price of $188,000. The Taycan 4 Cross Turismo, as driven, has a starting price of $92,250 (including delivery). An optional off-road package is offered for each Cross Turismo variant, adding protective lower body cladding to minimize rock damage and raising the vehicle by an additional 10 millimeters.

Porsche does not explicitly state the ground clearance figures for either model. However, the approach and departure angles are improved from 12.1 and 15.2 degrees to 12.2 and 16.2 degrees, respectively, with the electric wagon. Reflecting Porsche’s customization philosophy, the company indicates over 21,000 possible configuration combinations, considering trim level, wheel selection, exterior color, interior materials, and various options like badge removal, stitching patterns, technology packages, and seat choices.

Charging times remain consistent between the Cross Turismo and the Taycan. Porsche confirms that, utilizing DC fast chargers, both models can be recharged from 5% to 80% capacity in approximately 22.5 minutes.

The Taycan Cross Turismo 4: An Initial Drive

The Taycan Cross Turismo 4 serves as the entry-level model within the all-electric wagon lineup. While official range figures from Porsche and the EPA are pending, a European-spec version, finished in ruby red, displayed over 250 miles of range with a 99% charge prior to my Monday afternoon drive. This journey, encompassing a round trip from Glendale, California to Big Bear, consumed approximately 200 miles, leaving 68 miles of estimated range.

The drive incorporated roughly 140 highway miles combined with 60 miles on winding mountain roads. Equipped with a standard dual-motor, all-wheel-drive system, the electric wagon exhibited exceptional stability and security on damp, slightly icy mountain roads, navigating corners with minimal body roll. Its powertrain delivers 375 horsepower (rising to 469 with launch control) and a peak torque of 368 lb-ft, facilitating effortless passing maneuvers.

Drivers can select from five distinct driving modes: Range, Normal, Sport, Sport Plus, and Individual. During highway driving, I began in Normal mode, observing the vehicle’s ease in exceeding the speed limit. Switching to Range mode, via a steering wheel toggle, prioritized battery conservation by capping the speed at 80 mph. All modes, excluding Range, unlock the Cross Turismo’s full 136 mph potential.

Image Credits: Porsche

As a European model, my test vehicle lacked full functionality of certain features, including Porsche’s InnoDrive advanced driving assistance system and integrated navigation, due to being driven in the United States. However, the adaptive cruise control functioned as expected and proved valuable during the highway portion of the trip.

The Taycan Cross Turismo’s adaptive cruise control responded swiftly to lane intrusions by other vehicles. It managed these situations with a smoothness exceeding my own reactions, decelerating without abrupt braking or hesitation. When a vehicle unexpectedly merged, the 5,029-pound wagon smoothly reduced speed, maintaining a safe and comfortable following distance.

Upon reaching the mountain base, approximately 200 miles of range remained. I then engaged Sport Plus mode for the ascent. In Sport and Sport Plus modes, an artificial “engine noise” is audible within the cabin. Porsche created this sound by recording and adjusting the motors’ audio, then playing it through the vehicle’s speakers. The exterior sound is subtly enhanced in these modes, though less pronounced than in a combustion-engine Porsche.

The roads leading to Big Bear, impacted by the recent wet season, presented numerous cracks and potholes. Conditions on the day of my drive were misty and around 40 degrees Fahrenheit, with frost accentuating the pine trees. Wet roads and patches of fog created minor icy spots. The Cross Turismo handled these challenges with composure.

Piloting a large, heavy vehicle on a technical, twisting road often involves a struggle against body roll. This is not a concern in the Cross Turismo. The low placement of the battery and motors contributes to a planted, comfortable, and capable driving experience, comparable to that of a 911. The steering is precise and communicative, without feeling overly sensitive.

During the climb, I reduced my estimated arrival time by approximately 10 minutes without significant effort or pushing the vehicle’s limits. Upon reaching my coffee stop, the battery level had decreased to 118 miles – sufficient for the return trip to Glendale with a comfortable margin.

I continued the descent in Sport mode and returned to the valley. Regenerative braking added a few miles back to the range, bringing the remaining estimate to 124 miles at the base of the mountain. Maintaining Sport mode and remaining mindful of potential speed traps, I navigated 3 p.m. traffic, arriving back with ample power remaining.