OpenRoad Driver Volume 17 Issue 1 Nov. 2021 | Page 44

42 » OpenRoad Driver

2022 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo

»
The idea of launching a station wagon in today ’ s automotive landscape seems shaky . With the body style losing market share to crossovers and pickup trucks , no one was expecting the arrival of an electric wagon .
Then , Porsche announced the Taycan Cross Turismo , and it ’ s shockingly good .
Starting the lineup with 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque , the base Cross Turismo effortlessly powers through a 0-100 km / h sprint in a sportscar-like 5.1 seconds . Faster versions are available as is tradition with Porsche , with the flagship Turbo S spec offering 750 horsepower that accelerates through 0-100 km / h in just 2.9 seconds .
Charging times are lightning fast as well , thanks to its advanced 800-volt electric architecture . According to Porsche , the Cross Turismo can fill its 93.4-kWh battery from 5-80 % in less than 25 minutes under optimal conditions from specific DC fast chargers . Once fully charged , the Cross Turismo can travel between 325 and 346 kilometres depending on configuration and environmental conditions .
The Cross Turismo ’ s design builds on the Taycan sedan ’ s sleek aerodynamic styling . Riding 20 millimetres higher and gaining a D-pillar forming the wagon shape , the Cross Turismo is dressed for the occasion when venturing off-pavement with all of your belongings . Extra cladding around the wheel arches further accentuates its bold overlanding ambitions , and the optional offroad package adds an extra 10 millimetres of ground clearance to traverse trickier roads . Everywhere else , the Cross Turismo retains the sedan ’ s sleek and tasteful styling , which continues to the interior showcasing the brand ’ s impeccable build quality and design excellence .
With the Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo , the Stuttgart automaker is placing a bet that the wagon form factor deserves a spot in an electrified future . Although the Cross Turismo only serves a very specific market niche , its SUV-like practicality and sedan-like performance make it a logical addition to the Porsche portfolio . The Cross Turismo builds a strong case for the revival of the wagon genre , and it ’ s destined to become a future cult classic .