The highly-anticipated Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo is here and it’s rugged. It also has *a lot* of space when compared to its standard sibling, and well, is a far better choice. As per me. My editor on the other hand has some counter arguments. Hmmm…
Prakhar: What is it like on the outside? Apart from the obvious Panamera to Panamera Sport Turismo like conversion.
Chirag: Yeah! Just like the Panamera Sport Turismo, this also has an estate-like stance, albeit it looks much cooler than the Panamera. Nonetheless, since the Taycan Cross Turismo was aimed at providing a better driving experience off the roads, it is almost an inch away from the ground (when compared with the Taycan’s ground clearance).
Prakhar: We’ll discuss about the ‘much’ better looks as compared to the Panamera later, I feel a bit differently about the front. Literally nothing to distinguish this one from the ‘normal’ Taycan. Higher off-the ground does make it look better from the sides I agree but, I’m not sure if Lamborghini agrees to share the alloys. The alloy wheels don’t look too good to be honest.
Chirag: It’s from the sides that the change can be witnessed – gloss-black wheel arches are fitted for a rugged look, the 4 and 4S models have 19-inchers while the Turbo and Turbo S have 20-inchers. But, an all-new roof is available on the Cross Turismo which is more flat and tall for more boot space, and with the option of the roof rails, you can even mount your stuff on the roof. I absolutely like the whole Subaru Outback like posture. This is basically an electric and more premium version of the Outback?
Porsche cares for you, because at the rear-end it gets serious and new – raised roof with a steeper boot-lid along with a large black spoiler above the rear-windshield.
Prakhar: How do things fare on the inside? Same old Taycan with literally blinding number of screens or is there something more practical just like its exterior?
Chirag: Nothing new on the inside of the Cross Turismo, except for the fact that if you choose either the 4 or 4S model, you get 8-way adjustable seats; Turbo variant gives you 14-way, but if you go all-in, in the Turbo S guise, you’re offered the 18-way adjustable seat option. Everything else is exactly the same on the inside and I’m afraid I agree with you on the not-so-practical interior.
Prakhar: Let’s get to the dessert. Performance specs of the Taycan blew the Model S on a drag strip and you could go on and on with multiple drag races in the Taycan. So, how fast can you travel in the Taycan Cross Turismo?
Chirag: All the four variants of the Cross Turismo are AWD, meaning the front axle gets one electric motor, and so does the rear one. Powering the motors is a 93.4kWh battery pack that is optional on the Taycan sedan, but standard on the Cross Turismo.
Taycan 4 Cross Turismo has 380hp (normal) and 476hp in Boost Mode. 4S model has 490hp as standard and 571hp in Boost Mode. Turbo variant has 625hp (normal) and 680hp in Boost Mode. In the range-topping Turbo S guise, you get a tarmac-shattering 761hp (in Boost Mode), but 625hp as standard. Soooo yeah! Pretty much the same as a normal Taycan. Oh! and I think the fanboys would love to see this one drag race the Model S Plaid.
Prakhar: Performance and drag strips aren’t the only desserts here. Cause off-roading in a Taycan? Porsche says why not! Quite literally. But, it’s a Porsche so of course it all comes as an ‘add on option.’
Chirag: Yeaup! For the 2021 Taycan Cross Turismo, there is an optional off-road pack that brings extra body trim to protect the bumpers and sides from rocks. A compass on the inside as well as a new ‘Gravel’ driving mode makes its way to the Taycan Cross Turismo and helps raise its suspension by 30mm for some extra ground clearance.
And hey! Not all is optional as adaptive air suspension tech is standard on all the variants.
Verdict
Well, by the looks of it, the 2021 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo happens to be the quickest estate in the world as of now. It’s a brilliant-looking car, mirrors the Taycan to a large extent which is an added benefit. If I had the choice, I would pick this over the Panamera Sport Turismo. What about you?
