Porsche expands Taycan wagon range with Sport Turismo body style and four new models
Porsche expands its electric wagon line-up offering a base Taycan, Taycan 4S, Turbo and Turbo S variants in addition to the recently launched GTS model.
The Taycan Sport Turismo in Turbo S and Taycan variants. Images: Porsche AG
Porsche now offers five Taycan Sport Turismo variants for European customers (German prices shown):
Taycan Sport Turismo with 240 kW (326 PS) and rear-wheel drive, optionally
available with Performance Battery Plus and 280 kW (380 PS), from €86,495Taycan 4S Sport Turismo with 320 kW (435 PS) and all-wheel drive, optionally
available with Performance Battery Plus and 360 kW (490 PS), from €107,439Taycan GTS Sport Turismo with 380 kW (517 PS) and all-wheel drive, from €132,786
Taycan Turbo Sport Turismo with 460 kW (625 PS) and all-wheel drive, from €153,968
Taycan Turbo S Sport Turismo with 460 kW (625 PS) and all-wheel drive, from €187,288
"The introduction of the Sport Turismo as the third body variant adds an athletic and practical all-rounder to our electric sports car model range," says Kevin Giek, Vice President Model Line Taycan. "I am certain that the new variant will continue the Taycan success story. The balance and variety among the five Sport Turismo models is something that I find particularly appealing: the range features everything from an incredibly agile rear-wheel drive car to the extremely powerful Turbo S."
Many would question the sheer number of Taycan variants now on offer from Zuffenhausen; there’s three body styles with 14 different models between them; an “off-road” wagon in the form of the Taycan Cross Turismo, and now this regular “street” wagon in the Sport Turismo. While it is certainly a challenge for Porsche’s product planning team, dealerships and customers alike, this varied offering is common practice from Porsche, with each model offering nuanced differences and performance advantages as one progresses up the (pricey) product range.
The Taycan Sport Turismo.
For the uninitiated, the base models (in this case, simply labelled “Taycan”) are generally rear wheel drive, with the lowest power output and smallest battery size. They also tend to be the lightest in the range, across combustion engine and electric variants, thereby offering the purest driving experience.
“4S” variants offer all wheel drive, as denoted by the 4, as well as a power, equipment and battery capacity bump. “GTS” models further enhance performance, handling, and suspension, as well as adding additional aerodynamic bodywork for more of a “track” look. All trim elements are traditionally black on GTS models, and this range can be seen as a bridge between the regular Taycan and Taycan 4S models, and the insane performance of the Turbo and Turbo S models.
The “Turbo” moniker is often reserved for the fastest Porsches in the range that still have an on-road driving focus. They offer all wheel drive, and stupid-fast acceleration, but a comfortable ride and an interior focused on passenger comfort. At this stage, the track-focused “GT” nameplate hasn’t been applied to an electric Porsche, and the company’s board has shown no interest in electrifying high performance models. Porsche seems to be charging ahead with developing synthetic fuels that could power its low-volume performance models into the future.
Porsche claims an ultra efficient drive strategy for the Sport Turismo models, thanks to adjustments to the all-wheel drive system. Thermal management and charging functions have also been improved.
Porsche offers a 79.2 kWh battery in the base Taycan Sport Turismo, and a larger 93.4 “Performance Battery Plus” in the the other models. Porsche claims both batteries can be charged from five to 80 per cent in 22 minutes and 30 seconds. This also means that only five minutes' charging is needed to create a further 100 km of range. While most EVs precondition or heat their batteries when plugged in for optimal charging speeds, the Taycan is one of only a handful — including the Polestar 2 and Tesla Model 3, S and X — that actually heat the battery en route to a fast charging station if one is entered in the navigation system.
The Sport Turismo offers numerous benefits over the Taycan sedan; looks for one (in our opinion), but also 45 millimetres more rear headroom, 9mm additional driver headroom, and a much larger luggage capacity at up to 446 litres. There’s an 84 litre front boot too.
Porsche’s new Sunshine Control panoramic roof debuts in the Taycan Sport Turismo, with a large glass surface divided into nine sections that can be individually controlled. This means that specific sections or the entire roof can be made transparent or opaque. When set to the latter, the interior remains flooded with light.
In addition to these Clear and Matte settings, Semi or Bold can also be selected. These are predefined patterns with narrow or wide segments. It even has a dynamic Roller Blind setting, which activates a switching sequence in the individual segments when the driver slides their finger over an image of the roof in the display. While it looks cool to operate, we’re not the biggest fans of touch screen controls for features like sunroofs and HVAC systems.
Porsche Cars Australia and Porsche Cars North America have both confirmed that the Taycan GTS Sport Turismo will be offered in their respective markets, but we’re awaiting news on the rest of the range.
Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo lands in Australia with three variants, 93.4 kWh performance battery
Porsche’s Taycan Cross Turismo is available exclusively with the 93.4 kWh performance battery, and is priced from $176,600 AUD.
Porsche is keen to demonstrate that the Taycan Cross Turismo is a go-anywhere vehicle. Images: Porsche
Porsche’s Taycan Cross Turismo has hit Australian shores, and Porsche cars Australia celebrated with a (light duty) off-road photoshoot. We love the fact that the Cross Turismo sports Audi Allroad-esque contrasting sills and fender flares, and that it has a dedicated gravel mode for light off-road duties. It is a Porsche Taycan that is meant to be used, with additional practicality and space over the Taycan sedan. The entry-level Taycan 4 Cross Turismo would be our pick of the bunch; a (relative) bargain comparatively, at $176,600 plus on-road costs, with a 5.1 second 0-100km/h time and 400+ kilometre range, it would suit our needs perfectly.
Of course, then there’s the question of Porsche’s options list; no document has emptied wallets faster. Porsche is renowned for pretty basic standard specifications on vehicles, requiring owners to fork out extra cash for things that might be considered inclusions by other manufacturers, like electric seats, adaptive headlights, or in the case of the Taycan, the fastest charging speeds technologically available (22 kW charging is a cost option).
Nevertheless, it’s a thing of beauty, and we want one. Wading through a shallow creek, the Taycan above looks almost crocodile like (or is it a Cayman?) Below you’ll find Australian standard inclusions and an image gallery with some tasty pictures.
Taycan 4 Cross Turismo $176,600 MSRP
Up to 350 kW / 476 PS* (horsepower)
Permanent Synchronous Motors (PSM)
93.4 kWh Performance Battery Plus
Two-speed transmission with all-wheel drive
Top speed 220 km/h
0-100 km/h in 5.1 seconds
Range: 437 km#
+20 millimetres higher ground clearance (compared to Taycan sports sedan)
+30 millimetres higher ground clearance (with the optional Off-Road Design package)
1,200 litres of space in the luggage area (when the rear seats are folded down)
75 kilograms of permissible roof load (with the Porsche Roof Transport System)
+30 millimetres of extra headroom for rear-seat passengers (compared to Taycan sports sedan)
Taycan 4S Cross Turismo $201,000 MSRP
Up to 420 kW / 571 PS* (horsepower)
Permanent Synchronous Motors (PSM)
93.4 kWh Performance Battery Plus
Two-speed transmission with all-wheel drive
Top speed 240 km/h
0-100 km/h in 4.1 seconds
Range: 436 km#
+20 millimetres higher ground clearance (compared to Taycan sports sedan)
+30 millimetres higher ground clearance (with the optional Off-Road Design package)
1,200 litres of space in the luggage area (when the rear seats are folded down)
75 kilograms of permissible roof load (with the Porsche Roof Transport System)
+30 millimetres of extra headroom for rear-seat passengers (compared to Taycan sports sedan)
Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo $271,200 MSRP
Up to 500 kW / 680 PS* (horsepower)
Permanent Synchronous Motors (PSM)
93.4 kWh Performance Battery Plus
Two-speed transmission with all-wheel drive
Top speed 250 km/h
0-100 km/h in 3.3 seconds
Range: 425 km#
+20 millimetres higher ground clearance (compared to Taycan sports sedan)
+30 millimetres higher ground clearance (with the optional Off-Road Design package)
1,200 litres of space in the luggage area (when the rear seats are folded down)
75 kilograms of permissible roof load (with the Porsche Roof Transport System)
+30 millimetres of extra headroom for rear-seat passengers (compared to Taycan sports sedan)
Australian standard specifications
20-inch Taycan Turbo Aero Design Wheels (Taycan 4S Cross Turismo)
Tyre sealant and electric air compressor
Privacy glazing
Windscreen with Grey top tint
Automatic dimming mirrors (Taycan 4 Cross Turismo, Taycan 4S Cross Turismo)
Electrically folding exterior mirrors
Metallic paint (Taycan 4 Cross Turismo, Taycan 4S Cross Turismo)
Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport (PDCC Sport) (Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo)
Power steering Plus
ParkAssist including Surround View
Adaptive Cruise Control incl. Active Lane Keeping and Traffic Jam AssistHead-Up Display
Lane Change Assist
Porsche Entry (Comfort access)
Seat heating (front) (Taycan 4 Cross Turismo, Taycan 4S Cross Turismo)
Seat ventilation (front)
Side airbags in rear compartment
4-zone Advanced climate control (Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo)
Heated multifunction sport steering wheel in leather
14-way comfort seats with memory package (Taycan 4 Cross Turismo, Taycan 4S Cross Turismo)
Ambient lighting (Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo)
BOSE Surround Sound system (Taycan 4 Cross Turismo, Taycan 4S Cross Turismo)
Digital radio
150kW on-board DC-Charger for 400 volt public charging stations
Home Energy Manager
22kW On-board AC-Charger (Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo)
22kW Mobile Charger Connect
Public charging cable (Mode 3)
Porsche Charging Dock
Three-year subscription to the Chargefox network, which includes free charging on the Chargefox Ultra-Rapid charging network (350kW)&
2021 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo launches as the rugged, practical EV
Porsche has pulled the wraps off the Taycan Cross Turismo range, and to no one’s surprise, it looks very similar to the Mission E Cross Turismo concept. Let’s get straight to the point; we love the look of this uber-fast wagon.
Porsche’s Taycan Cross Turismo arrives with more space, practicality, and off-road looks
Four all-wheel-drive variants available, starting with the 280 kW (380 PS) Taycan 4 Cross Turismo
Australian buyers limited to 4S and Turbo variants, priced from AUD$201,000
Similar silhouette to Mission E Cross Turismo concept; optional Off Road Design package available
30mm increase in ride height; 36mm increase in rear headroom for passengers
Adaptive air suspension, 93.4 kWh battery standard-fit for Cross Turismo
Porsche has pulled the wraps off the Taycan Cross Turismo range, and to no one’s surprise, it looks very similar to the Mission E Cross Turismo concept. Let’s get straight to the point; we love the look of this uber-fast wagon. Fast German wagons are an underappreciated niche in Australia, but there is much enthusiasm for the likes of Audi’s RS4 and RS6, Mercedes-Benz’ C63S AMG Estate and Porsche’s own Panamera Sport Turismo.
On that note, the slightly larger Panamera 4S Sport Turismo is available in Australia from $217,000, meaning that the equivalent Taycan 4S Cross Turismo is $16,000 cheaper. The second model to make it to Australia is the Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo, priced from $271,200.
Globally, four models will be available, with identical specifications to the Taycan sedan:
The Taycan 4 Cross Turismo with 280 kW (380 PS), overboost power for Launch Control 350 kW (476 PS), acceleration 0-100 km/h in 5.1 seconds, top speed 220 km/h, range (WLTP) 389 – 456 km - USD $92,250 (not available in Australia)
The Taycan 4S Cross Turismo with 360 kW (490 PS), overboost power with Launch Control 420 kW (571 PS), acceleration 0-100 km/h in 4.1 seconds, top speed 240 km/h, range (WLTP) 388 – 452 km - USD $111,650/AUD $217,000
The Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo with 460 kW (625 PS), overboost power with Launch Control 500 kW (680 PS), acceleration 0-100 km/h in 3.3 seconds, top speed 250 km/h, range (WLTP) 395 – 452 km - USD $154,850/AUD $271,200
The Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo with 460 kW (625 PS), overboost power with Launch Control 560 kW (761 PS), acceleration 0-100 km/h in 2.9 seconds, top speed 250 km/h, range (WLTP) 388 – 419 km.- USD $188,950 (not available in Australia)
The Taycan Cross Turismo adds just a little bit more space everywhere over the regular Taycan, with a wheelbase of 2,904mm (+4mm), a length of 4,974mm (+11mm), a width of 1,967mm (+1mm) and a height of 1,412mm (+31mm).
This results in an additional 36mm of headroom for rear seat passengers; a lack thereof in the sedan was a common criticism. Rear cargo space is increased too, with the 4 and 4S variants up to 446 litres with the rear seats upright (+80 litres), or 1212 litres with the seats flat. There’s also an 84-litre front trunk/boot.
For our money, we think the Cherry metallic with 20 inch turbo aero wheels, roof rails, panoramic roof and off road design package is the right specification.
With adaptive air suspension fitted as standard, five drive modes including a gravel mode are available to the driver. Gravel changes the air suspension's firmness, controls torque to the wheels to suit slippery surfaces, and optimises traction control and stability control systems for loose surfaces. An optional Off Road Styling package can be added, increasing ride height a further 10mm in gravel mode. The package also includes visual elements such as a larger rear diffuser, front aero pieces and a faux skid plate.
The Cross Turismo receives the larger Porsche 93.4 kWh battery pack as standard, presumably to deal with additional hauling and range requirements of wagon buyers.
Inside the design of Porsche's Taycan Cross Turismo EV wagon. Watch the world premiere here
Porsche is playing coy with its more practical variant of the Taycan range, the Cross Turismo wagon. Although still under camouflage wrap, we can be reasonably confident that Porsche will keep many of the design elements of the Mission E Cross Turismo concept, combining the space and versatility of a wagon with the Taycan’s stellar performance, handling and 800V electrical architecture.
The Taycan Cross Turismo. Images: Porsche
Porsche releases insight into Taycan Cross Turismo Design
Taycan Cross Turismo range set to be unveiled on March 4 2021 at 16:00 CET
Powertrain and battery options likely to remain as per Taycan sedan
Pricing likely to be USD$4-6k more than Taycan sedan based on Panamera Sport Turismo pricing
Porsche is playing coy with its more practical variant of the Taycan range, the Cross Turismo wagon. Although still under camouflage wrap, we can be reasonably confident that Porsche will keep many of the design elements of the Mission E Cross Turismo concept, combining the space and versatility of a wagon with the Taycan’s stellar performance, handling and 800V electrical architecture.
The Porsche Mission E Cross Turismo
The Taycan sedan was criticised by many for its lack of interior and boot space, despite its long wheelbase and body. For all the nitpicking we as media and public alike perform over each and every new vehicle release, often we don’t consider just what it takes to design a car to please everyone.
In the video below, Klaus Bernhard, team leader for PMU, DMU and concept cars takes us inside the Package Functioning Model (PFM) workshop, where the ergonomics of every new Porsche are honed. Bernhard discusses how much thought, engineering and design goes into the smallest details, and often how challenges arise when different product design departments have to bridge competing interests, like fitting new computing and electrical systems into the car whilst maintaining excellent packaging.
The Taycan Cross Turismo will debut below at 16:00 CET on 4/3/2021.
