Design is a subjective judgement, but many prefer the looks of the Turismo body style to that of the Taycan saloon. The extended roofline and coupé-style hatchback rear end blend beautifully with the Porsche’s muscular rear wheel arches. At the front, the four-point LED headlamps (matrix beam is optional) and low bonnet line are also typically Porsche. Slots just ahead of the front wheels (air curtains if you prefer) direct air as part of the Porsche Active Aerodynamics system. It’s a strikingly good-looking design and manages to say sports car while offering a surprisingly large cabin and loadspace.
PERFORMANCE
The Taycan 4S Sport Turismo is powered by a 79kWh Performance Battery, though the higher capacity 93.4kWh Performance Battery Plus is available as an upgrade. With Launch Control engaged the 0-62mph benchmark is dismissed in just 4.0 seconds, while 0-124mph takes just 13.3 seconds. Unlike other EVs, which can only deliver maximum acceleration once, Porsche’s twin synchronous motors ensure that you can continue to unleash full throttle acceleration repeatedly. Range with the standard battery can be between 222-274 miles, while the bigger Plus battery extends this to 259-309 miles. The innovative 800-volt architecture can be changed at up to 270kW, so you can add an extra 62 miles of range in just five minutes.
TECHNOLOGY
The Taycan range is Porsche’s confident first foray into the electric future so as you’d expect the cockpit and technology that underpins is it is leading edge. The Porsche Advanced Cockpit boasts a fully digital 16.8-inch curved display, integrated 8.4-inch centre console control panel and 10.9-inch central display. There’s also an optional passenger display allowing access to navigation and infotainment functions, while if that’s not enough screens for you, there’s a further option of a 5.9-inch touchscreen for the rear passengers. You can access all functions either via the touchscreen or the ‘Hey Porsche’ voice control, which is intuitive and works with natural language commands. The standard specification includes Sound Package Plus with 10 Speakers and a total output of 150 watts, but you have the option to upgrade to the full Burmeister surround sound system. You also get Porsche Connect for live traffic information and Apple CarPlay – this comes with a free subscription for an initial period.
SAFETY
Standard safety systems include Collision and Brake Assist, an advanced driver-alert and autonomous braking system that can intervene to help prevent or to reduce the effects of a frontal collision. Other standard features include Lane Keeping Assist with Traffic Sign Recognition, useful on long motorway journeys when concentration can wane and adaptive cruise control that monitors the vehicle in front and slows or speeds up as conditions allow. Parking Assist includes front and rear sensors with visual and audible warning and there’s a rear-facing camera too.
