The ‘traditional’ Porsche front end – think Cayman or 911 – is low thanks to the engine being located to the rear. So as electric motors take up less space than combustion engines, Porsche has been able to give the Taycan family a strong marque identity, with prominent wings and a low bonnet line. Lateral air curtains ahead of the front wheels improve the aerodynamics, while the rear features a seamless light strip made of glass. Compared with the Taycan saloon, the Turismo has more headroom and stowage space in the rear thanks to the raised roofline and hatchback rear.
PERFORMANCE
Unlike the 4S and GTS Sport Turismo models, the Taycan Sport Turismo has just one electric motor, powering the rear wheels via a two-speed automatic transmission for the optimum combination of acceleration and high-speed efficiency. With the Performance Battery, the Taycan Sport Turismo develops 240kW or 326PS; this grows to 280kW and 380PS respectively if the Performance Battery Plus is specified. The 0-62mph time is just 5.4 seconds (with Launch Control) and top speed is 143mph. Range with the Performance battery is up to 268 miles, extending to 305 miles when the Performance Battery Plus is fitted. Porsche chose an 800 Volt architecture, enabling more power (and less weight thanks to reduced cable size), but above all shorter charging times. When connected to a high-speed charger, you can add 62 miles of range in just over five minutes.
TECHNOLOGY
The Taycan Sport Turismo cockpit is practically devoid of buttons, giving a clean uncluttered sweep of glass across the dashboard. The driver display features the typical three round dials but as it’s digital you can reconfigure this to your own preferences with up to five dials. Under the collective title Porsche Advanced Cockpit, there’s a fully digital 16.8-inch curved display, integrated 8.4-inch centre console control panel and 10.9-inch central display. Porsche Communication Management (PCM) includes online navigation, mobile phone preparation, audio interfaces and voice control. There’s also an optional 10.9-inch passenger display allowing access to navigation and infotainment functions. Another option is the 5.9-inch rear passenger touchscreen display.
SAFETY
Standard features include Lane Keeping Assist including Traffic Sign Recognition, Adaptive Cruise Control, as well as Collision and Brake Assist. Low speed manoeuvres are taken care of with a rear camera and Park Assist front and rear providing visual and audible warnings.