2021 Porsche Taycan 4 Cross Turismo Review

In recent years, high-performance electric touring cars have gradually gained attention in the Malaysian market, with more and more users seeking to balance daily practicality and driving excitement. The 2021 Porsche Taycan 4 Cross Turismo is a model precisely aimed at this niche demand. It not only continues the electric performance genes of the Taycan family but also enhances spatial practicality with its station wagon design. Its core selling points include a 380PS dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, an official range of 513km, and a trunk volume of 1296L. This test drive will focus on verifying whether its performance and practical functions align with the positioning of an "electric performance touring car," providing a reference for potential users.

In terms of appearance, the Taycan 4 Cross Turismo retains Porsche's signature sporty genes, with smooth and powerful overall lines. The front face adopts a closed grille design, paired with sharp LED matrix headlights on both sides, making it highly recognizable. The station wagon silhouette on the side of the body is the biggest highlight, with the roofline gently extending from the B-pillar to the rear. Combined with optional 20-inch alloy wheels and black anti-scratch trim on the wheel arches, it balances sporty feel with crossover attributes. The rear features LED through-type taillights paired with a liftable spoiler, which automatically extends during high-speed driving to further enhance aerodynamic performance. The lighting system supports automatic on/off and adaptive high/low beam functions, providing good convenience for daily use.

Inside, the interior continues the technological layout of the Taycan series, with the center console consisting of three touchscreens: a 10.9-inch touchscreen for multimedia and vehicle settings, a 7-inch touchscreen below for air conditioning and seat controls, and a 16.8-inch curved screen instrument panel that offers clear display and abundant information. Regarding materials, the cabin is extensively wrapped in soft leather and Alcantara, and the center console trim can be optionally configured with carbon fiber or wood grain finishes, combining luxury with a sporty atmosphere. Key configurations include a 14-speaker Bose sound system, heated/ventilated front seats, a wireless charging pad, and a smart infotainment system that supports CarPlay. It is worth mentioning that the infotainment system has fast responsiveness, with clear touch operation logic that makes it user-friendly.

In terms of space performance, the dimensions of the Taycan 4 Cross Turismo are 4974mm×1967mm×1409mm, with a wheelbase of 2904mm. As a five-seater model, the headroom in the front row is about 950mm, with ample legroom, allowing passengers up to 180cm tall to have more than a fist's worth of extra space. The rear headroom, enhanced by the station wagon design, reaches 920mm, with legroom of about two fists’ worth. The foot space for middle passengers is slightly raised due to the battery pack, but short-distance rides remain comfortable. Regarding storage capacity, the trunk's regular volume is 405L, which expands to 1296L when the rear seats are folded, easily accommodating two 28-inch suitcases and several backpacks. The interior also includes practical storage spaces such as door panel pockets and a central armrest compartment, meeting the daily needs of families. The rear row is also equipped with independent air conditioning vents and USB-C charging ports, enhancing passenger comfort in the back.

The power system of the Taycan 4 Cross Turismo is equipped with dual motors at the front and rear, delivering a combined maximum power of 380PS and a peak torque of 500N·m, paired with a single-speed transmission and an all-wheel-drive system. During actual driving, the start in standard mode is smooth, with linear power delivery; switching to sport mode makes the throttle response significantly faster, and the 0-100km/h acceleration was tested at approximately 5.3 seconds, slightly slower than the official data but still providing a strong sense of push-back. Other driving modes include eco and individual options, where the power output is limited in eco mode, suitable for daily commuting to reduce energy consumption.

The handling and chassis performance are in line with Porsche’s tuning style, with precise steering and minimal free play in the steering wheel. At low speeds, the steering feels light, while it gradually becomes heavier at high speeds, giving the driver ample confidence. The combination of front double-wishbone independent suspension and rear multi-link independent suspension provides strong support in sport mode, keeping body roll to a minimum during cornering; when switched to comfort mode, the suspension effectively filters out small road bumps, and the impact when passing over speed bumps is also reduced, balancing sportiness and comfort. The ground clearance is 20mm higher than the standard Taycan, offering better passability and reducing the risk of scraping the underside when driving on unpaved rural roads.

In terms of range and energy consumption, the WLTP range provided by the manufacturer is 513km. In this test drive under mixed road conditions (30% urban + 70% highway) with the air conditioning set to 24℃ in auto mode, the range fulfillment rate was about 82%, with an actual range of approximately 420km. The power consumption per 100 kilometers is about 26kWh in urban conditions and about 30kWh in highway conditions, overall meeting the standards for high-performance electric vehicles. For charging, using a 150kW fast-charging pile, it takes about 45 minutes to charge from 10% to 80%, while slow charging requires about 11 hours. In braking performance tests, the 100-0km/h braking distance is approximately 36 meters, with linear braking feel, timely ABS intervention, and good stability.

In terms of driving comfort, the Taycan 4 Cross Turismo demonstrates excellent noise control performance. Below 60km/h, only faint motor sounds are audible, and at a high speed of 120km/h, wind noise and tire noise remain within an acceptable range. The Bose sound system's sound insulation further enhances the riding experience. The energy recovery system offers three adjustable levels, with the highest level providing strong regenerative braking that significantly slows the vehicle upon releasing the accelerator, closely mimicking the braking feel of a fuel car; the lowest level offers weaker regenerative braking, suitable for drivers who prefer coasting. The front seats provide strong lateral support with multi-directional lumbar support adjustments, ensuring reduced fatigue during long drives.

In conclusion, the core highlights of the 2021 Porsche Taycan 4 Cross Turismo lie in its "balance between performance and practicality": the electric power system delivers a swift acceleration experience, the wagon design enhances spatial practicality, and Porsche's chassis tuning ensures driving pleasure. Compared to models in the same class, such as the Tesla Model S Shooting Brake, the Taycan 4 Cross Turismo offers superior luxury and handling, though its range fulfillment rate slightly lags behind. In contrast with traditional fuel-powered wagons like the Mercedes-AMG C63 Estate, it boasts better acceleration performance and lower operating costs.

In summary, the Taycan 4 Cross Turismo is suitable for users who seek driving passion while also needing to accommodate family daily use—such as middle-to-high-income groups aged 30-45. They require a vehicle that offers driving pleasure on weekends and enough space to carry family and luggage. If the budget allows and they are not satisfied with the performance of traditional fuel vehicles, this electric performance estate car would be a good choice.

Final conclusion: The 2021 Porsche Taycan 4 Cross Turismo is a model that perfectly combines electric performance, luxury quality, and practical space. It is not only an important product in Porsche's electrification strategy but also offers a new electric option for the high-performance estate car market.