It’s been a few weeks since I handed back the keys to the Porsche Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo and I’ve taken that time for a reason – they hype of driving a vehicle like this leaves a solid after-glow, so I wanted to reflect on it with a bit more neutrality.
Nope, it’s a bloody stunner. Still missing it as much as when I hopped into the Uber to head home from the dealership.
My love of the Porsche Taycan goes back to the launch in Berlin – appreciating the design which captures both the classical styling of a Porsche sports car, along with a clear separation for the future design cues created for the electric range.
Fast forward to our first drive when I shuttled a Taycan from Melbourne to Sydney and we became soul mates. A great drive on the freeway, enviable and completely fit for purpose electric performance and range, and a right foot performance to lust after.
So what’s this we have here then in the Cross Turismo?
At the front it could be mistaken for the classic Taycan, but side on and from the rear quarters the higher backed roof, wagon like style is a bit of everything from Shooting-brake to family wagon.
It’s a bit jarring to be honest, but speaking with others as they flock to check it out wherever you pull-up, it certainly has some appeal.
You get a stack more storage around the back, and better headroom in the back making it more of a viable four-seater. Reminded me most of the Ferrari FF I drove so many years ago, a great way to take your desire to own a car like the Taycan – and make it fit into a family lifestyle.
Of course, at $279,000 it’s hardly a choice for many families, but for those “doing very well” it could be just perfect – you get a Porsche sports car, Electric Car and enough space for the family in one car.
Now, the actual vehicle I drove will set you back $323,190 – thanks to the long and pricey list of optional extras.
The wheels for example, 21 inchers at $6,770 – add $2,500 to have them painted the same colour as the car. Yep, over $9,000 just on the wheels.
When inside the car, it’s just a Taycan. The performance, ride and handling is enough to make you leave any regrets about the purchase price behind and just drive, drive, drive.
It’s a suite of technology all round, with more screens than a twitch-streamers desk, including that $2k optional passenger screen. While I appreciate how great the Porsche Infotainment is, I’m just happy to use Apple CarPlay. Personally, I still prefer dials and buttons for air-conditioning, but I’m getting used to these touch-screen interfaces.
So often I get asked what’s your favourite car – well, I’ve got plenty – give me a shed to store them and I’d love a Jaguar XJ-220, for a two seat getaway I’d love a Jaguar F-Type, but every single day of the week I’d own a Porsche Taycan. It’s something I could drive to work, to the shops, on a road trip – anywhere. It’s just such a joy to drive.
If I won Lotto, after paying off the Mortgage, the Taycan would be my first selfish purchase.
Would I personally buy the Cross Turismo? Right now, with 10, 11 and 15 year old kids, yes, yes I would. I can run the kids to sport in it, or take them on a road trip with me. But once they empty nest me, I’m switching to the classic Taycan – because for me – it’s a far better looking car.
