2021 Porsche Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo Review

In the relatively niche market of luxury electric station wagons, there aren't many players, but each has to showcase genuine capabilities — after all, the target customers want the environmental friendliness and technology of an electric car, the practicality of a station wagon, and the premium feel of a luxury brand. The 2021 Porsche Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo is here to cater to this demand, combining Porsche's performance DNA, the load-carrying ability of a station wagon, and the smoothness of an electric car. During this test drive, I mainly wanted to see if it could truly live up to being "versatile" in daily commutes, long-distance trips, and occasional light off-road scenarios.

Let’s start with the exterior. It’s not as aggressive as a traditional sports car, but it’s instantly recognizable as a Porsche. The front continues the design of the Taycan family, with matrix LED headlights paired with the iconic four-point daytime running lights, which are highly recognizable. The side profile highlights the essence of a station wagon — the roofline gradually slopes upward from the B-pillar onwards, ensuring adequate headroom for the rear seats while maintaining an elegant look. The 20-inch alloy wheels paired with black wheel arches add a touch of ruggedness, distinguishing it from the regular station wagon version. At the rear, the continuous LED taillight is a classic Porsche element, delivering a refined effect when lit, while the diffuser design at the bottom of the rear bumper hints at its performance-oriented underpinnings. The entire exterior exudes a "low-key but detailed" style, suitable for users who prefer something understated but still appreciate brand recognition.

Once inside, the balance between luxury and technology is well-executed. The dashboard is wrapped in a large amount of soft-touch materials, complemented by aluminum trims, giving it a solid and premium feel. The 16.8-inch curved digital instrument cluster is the centerpiece, with customizable information displays including speed, range, navigation, and more, all easily visible at a glance while driving. The central 10.9-inch infotainment screen connects seamlessly with the 10.9-inch passenger display, and the operational logic is consistent with other Porsche models, making it user-friendly. It supports wireless CarPlay and Android Auto. The seats are made of genuine leather, with the front ones offering 14-way electric adjustments and heating functions. The lumbar support and lateral bolsters are well-designed, ensuring comfort even on long drives. Rear-seat space is more spacious than expected; a 175cm tall passenger can sit comfortably with about two fist-widths of legroom remaining, and the raised roofline ensures that headroom doesn’t feel cramped. As for storage, the trunk has a standard capacity of 405L, which can expand to 1,296L when the rear seats are folded down, making it more than capable of accommodating strollers, suitcases, or camping gear. The front central armrest and door panel storage compartments also offer ample space for daily items.

Dynamic performance is Porsche’s specialty, and this car does not disappoint. It is equipped with dual motors at the front and rear, delivering a combined maximum output of 625PS and peak torque of 850N·m. It can officially sprint from 0 to 100km/h in 3.3 seconds. In actual driving, as long as you step on the accelerator, the thrust immediately surges forward, and overtaking is almost instantaneous with highly responsive power. There are driving modes to choose from: Eco, Normal, Sport, and Sport Plus. In Eco mode, the power output is smoother and more suitable for daily commuting, while in Sport Plus mode, the suspension stiffens, and the power response becomes more dynamic, making it feel like a performance car. The chassis features double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension paired with air suspension. On normal roads, the suspension absorbs most minor bumps, and going over speed bumps doesn’t feel jarring. While tackling mountain roads, body roll is well-controlled, the steering is precise and responds exactly as intended, making the drive highly confident.

In terms of range, the official WLTP range is 523km. During actual testing on city roads with air conditioning on and music playing, the range achievement rate is about 85%. On highways, maintaining a speed of 110km/h, the range achievement rate is about 75%. Overall performance meets expectations. For fast charging, using a 150kW fast charging station, it takes about 50 minutes to charge from 5% to 80%, which is roughly consistent with the official claim. During long trips, you can find a fast charging station, take a break, and replenish a significant amount of power. Noise control is well-handled; at low speeds, the sound of the motor is almost inaudible. On highways, there is some wind and tire noise, but it doesn’t interfere with conversations inside the car. The energy regeneration has three adjustable levels: at the highest level, releasing the accelerator delivers noticeable drag, similar to braking, which is suitable for congested urban conditions; at the lowest level, it feels almost like coasting in a fuel car, making for a more natural driving experience.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2021 Porsche Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo are very clear: it combines Porsche's performance with the practicality of a station wagon and doesn't miss out on the smoothness and eco-friendliness of an electric car. Compared to its peer, the Audi e-tron GT Sportback, it has a larger trunk space and slightly stronger off-road capabilities. Compared to the Tesla Model S Plaid, it stands out more in terms of luxury and brand positioning.

Who is this car suitable for? First of all, families seeking a high-quality lifestyle – it meets daily commuting and weekend family outing needs. Secondly, young people who love driving – its performance is strong enough to make it fun to drive. Finally, for users who need it for business receptions – the luxurious interior and comfortable space can meet the demands.

All in all, the 2021 Porsche Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo is a "versatile" all-electric station wagon without significant shortcomings. Whether it's daily commuting, long-distance travel, or occasional fun, it can handle it. If you're looking for an electric car that combines brand reputation, performance, and practicality, it’s worth considering.