Porsche expands EV lineup with new Taycan Cross Turismo

That didn’t take long. 

Then again, we’re talking about Porsche—the car company where “fast” is the operative word. 

It seems only months ago when we first saw Porsche’s first pure-electric model, the Taycan four-door sports car. Heck, I only just drove it for the first time three weeks ago! (I did see it during its regional launch in Singapore in November 2019—just four months before the whole world went on lockdown.)

But now, Porsche is already rolling out the “crossover” version of its EV super sedan—the Taycan Cross Turismo. And no, it’s not just a station-wagon version of the Taycan. While it shares the “Turismo” model name as Porsche’s wagon-bodied Panamera executive sedan, take note that the company didn’t use the “Sport” middle name (i.e. Panamera Sport Turismo) and instead used “Cross.”   

The Taycan Cross Turismo adds greater versatility and a fairly high level of off-road capability to the Taycan line—even if it’s not an outright SUV like the Porsche Macan or Cayenne. Like the Taycan sedan, the Taycan Cross Turismo boasts an innovative electric drive with a unique 800-volt architecture for higher performance and faster charging.

The Taycan Cross Turismo gets a new high-tech chassis with all-wheel drive and adaptive air suspension, ensuring it uncompromising dynamics off-road. The new model also offers 36mm more headroom for passengers in the backseat, and more than 1,200 liters of luggage capacity that can be accessed through a large tailgate.

“In 2019, we sent out a key signal with the debut of our first all-electric sports car,” said Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG, at the recent world premiere of the new, even more versatile Taycan derivative. “We see ourselves as pioneers of sustainable mobility—by 2025, half of all the new vehicles we will deliver will have an electrified drive, either fully electric or plug-in hybrid. The future belongs to electric mobility.” 

Four versions of the Taycan Cross Turismo are available. All are fitted with the Performance Battery Plus that has a total capacity of 93.4 kWh. With launch control activated, the range-starting Taycan 4 Cross Turismo outputs 476ps, the Taycan 4S Cross Turismo 571ps, the Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo 680ps, and the flagship Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo a stunning 761ps. Which also means that the incredibly breathtaking 2.8-second 0-100 km/h sprint of the Taycan Turbo S should be achievable in the flagship Taycan Turbo S Cross Tursimo as well.  

Porsche claims that the driving range for all Taycan Cross Turismo versions varies between at least 388 kilometers and as much as 456 kilometers.

The aforementioned all-wheel drive and adaptive air suspension are standard on all four Taycan Cross Turismo models. An optional Off-Road package increases the car’s ground clearance by up to 30mm while the standard “Gravel Mode” helps ensure Porsche levels of high-performance dynamics and capability even on rough roads.

Visually, the Taycan Cross Turismo closely resembles the Mission E Cross Turismo concept presented at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show. The Taycan Cross Turismo’s silhouette is defined by a sporty roofline sloping toward the rear. Its off-road design elements include wheel arch trims, and unique front and rear lower aprons and side sills. As part of the Off-Road Design package, the Taycan Cross Turismo gets special flaps at the corners of the front and rear bumpers, and at the ends of the sills. These make for a striking exterior while also providing protection from stone impacts.

Furthering the Taycan Cross Turismo’s outdoorsy traits is a newly developed rear carrier that can fit up to three bicycles. One of its innovative feature is that the tailgate can be opened even when the rear carrier is loaded.

No word yet on local pricing and availability as we go to press. But, needless to say, one can expect that extraordinary Taycan—and Porsche—levels of dynamic performance with the Taycan Cross Turismo. And you never have to gas up or go for a tune-up or oil change ever. 

Callout blurb:

All-wheel drive and adaptive air suspension are standard on all four Taycan Cross Turismo models. An optional Off-Road package increases the car’s ground clearance by up to 30mm, while the standard “Gravel Mode” helps ensure Porsche levels of high-performance dynamics and capability even on rough roads.