ROAD TEST: 2022 Porsche Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo review

What is it?

It’s an electric station wagon, which to many people will sound incredibly dull and uninspiring. But it might be the best car Porsche builds that doesn’t include the numbers 9,1 and 1.

The Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo may be a mouthful to say but it’s an astonishing car to drive. As we’ve experienced previously with the Taycan four-door, the German brand was clearly determined to ensure its first electric vehicle was seen as a true performance car rather than purely an ‘eco-warrior’ with a singular focus on efficiency.

It would also be easy to dismiss the Cross Turismo as a stop-gap measure before Porsche can launch its first electric SUV (the Macan, which is reportedly delayed by software development), but that under-sells what a stylish and sporty wagon it is.

Does it have any racing pedigree?

Porsche has a connection to motorsport matched by few of its rivals and that carries over into the electric world. The brand began making crucial learnings about electric vehicles, batteries and thermal management during its successful 919 Hybrid Le Mans prototype program, then continued to learn more with a move to the all-electric Formula E series.

What’s under the bonnet?

While it may not have an actual turbocharger, the Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo still packs a hefty punch from its dual-electric motors. It pumps out a very healthy 460kW of power (with up to 500kW available for short bursts on overboost) and 850Nm of torque.

READ MORE: 2021 Porsche Taycan Turbo review

That’s enough for this station wagon to launch from 0-100km/h in just 3.3 seconds and keep going all the way to 250km/h.

More than just that initial acceleration though, the thing that impresses with the Taycan is its ability to build immense speed at a moment’s notice. Whenever you press down hard on the right pedal the Cross Turismo leaps forward without hesitation and can do it repeatedly and with ease thanks to the near-instant torque offered up by electric motors.

For those still worried about range anxiety they needn’t be too concerned with the Taycan Turbo’s battery providing up to 472km of range, which should fit the typical needs of most drivers. If you need to cover vast distances in a very short amount of time you should probably be looking for a diesel-powered car, but if you want performance and enough capacity to drive around town or a respectable weekend country blast, the Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo is up to the task.

How does it handle?

Porsche opted to create the Cross Turismo as a slightly higher-riding alternative to the Taycan four-door. While hardly an SUV, it does crossover into that territory but it still offers the handling of a performance sedan.

Thanks to its standard fit air suspension it offers up 148mm of ground clearance in its normal setting but can raise itself by 30mm to deal with any light off-road duties. But it also lowers the car at speed for better aerodynamics and handling.

The real key to the Taycan Cross Turismo is that it wears a Porsche badge and that means there’s an expectation when it comes to dynamic capabilities. As such the engineers have ensured it has direct and responsive steering, a firm but compliant ride and excellent stopping power.

Where would you most like to drive it?

Porsche’s version of ‘light duty off-road’ driving are loose gravel and muddy roads and while the Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo could handle that, the real appeal is on a sealed stretch of open road. It may be an electric station wagon but the Porsche DNA means it’s a trilling and engaging car to drive.

What’s the interior like?

Like any member of the current Porsche line-up the Taycan cabin is a study in modern performance car design. Contemporary (with a digital instrument panel) but still unmistakably a Porsche (the steering wheel and other switchgear all look ‘on brand’).

The catch with the Taycan in general but the Cross Turismo specifically is that this is actually designed to be the brand’s more compact sedan/wagon model, sitting beneath the bigger Panamera.

As such the interior space cannot be called overly-generous, with limited knee room in the back seats, while the boot is a relatively modest 405-litres.

How much does the Porsche Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo cost?

The Turbo is the range-topping model in the Cross Turismo line-up (while the sedan gets the more powerful, more expensive Tayca Turbo S) and has a starting price of $283,000 (plus on-road costs). That’s less than a $3000 premium over the Taycan Turbo sedan, so you’re not being charged significantly more for the extra ride height and space the wagon-style body brings.

Would I buy one?

If I had the money I’d love to make the Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo my daily driver. The lack of rear space isn’t ideal but its blend of effortless power and stylish design make it deeply appealing. As does the idea of never having to visit a petrol station again and simply re-charging in my driveway whenever I need, without giving up anything in the way of Porsche’s expected performance and handling.

2022 Porsche Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo Turbo price and specifications