2023 Porsche Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo

Wagons have had a pretty strange run of late and the Porsche Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo is another example of that. Back in the 90s, they were still a popular choice for large families, and luxury wagons were sold in large numbers in the USA. These days, wagons have been relegated to a weird corner of the market. It seems that most wagons these days can outperform many a sports car and place high importance on overall performance; just look at the Audi RS6 Avant, the Mercedes-Benz E450 All-Terrain, and the Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo. Then there's this, the 2023 Porsche Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo. This is a wagon-like EV with enough performance to destroy any of the gas-powered wagons we just mentioned. In Turbo S guise, it makes an astounding 616 horsepower - or 750 hp with overboost - to reach 60 mph in only 2.7 seconds. Hilariously, that performance comes from a car with a Gravel driving mode and with more total cargo space than many large sedans. It's not easy to review the Porsche Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo, simply because there's nothing else quite like it on the market. But if you can live with its so-so range on a full charge and are able to afford its monstrous price, you'll find that the Porsche DNA still shines through brightly.

The Porsche brand is big news and carries with it a certain weight that tends to inflate the prices of its cars. What we're trying to say is that the 2023 Porsche Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo is not a cheap car. The base Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo's MSRP of $155,900 is close to $20,000 more than you'd pay for a Tesla Model S Plaid, and stepping up to the 750 hp Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo will cost you a whopping $190,000. These prices exclude tax, registration, and a destination fee of $1,450. With extra options added on, the Turbo S can easily close in on $280,000.

When Porsche builds a car, the car industry sits up and takes notes, and that goes for the Taycan family too. Porsche's first venture into the world of EVs has been an impressive one, and we admire the way these cars drive just as we admire their straight-line speed and luxury. The fact that the Cross Turismo sits higher than the standard car will inevitably affect its handling, but we were blown away by how composed it is in the bends, despite its hefty curb weight and lifted stance.

In normal driving, there is more lean, but you'll only notice it right at the limit, and even then, it is entirely predictable. It's when you select one of the more sporty modes that the Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo hunkers down and really shows you that it's a genuine Porsche. Turn-in is sharp, and mid-corner grip is excellent. Thankfully, the AWD system keeps all that power in check, and this car is amazing as a point-and-shoot weapon. An available Gravel Mode preps the car for looser and rougher surfaces, and there is even an Off-Road Design Package that can further increase ground clearance.

In the city and on the highway, the 2023 Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo transforms into a silent luxury machine that cradles its passengers in supreme comfort. This car is one of the nicest driving EVs out there.

Performance EVs are well and truly hitting their stride, and the Taycan has hit the market at precisely the right time. If you're looking for an exhilarating time behind the wheel, we'd recommend going with the sedan, but if family matters call, then the Cross Turismo is a very good choice, too, especially in Turbo guise. Once you can get past the massive asking price, this Porsche starts to make sense: it's insanely quick and drives like a true Porsche, which ticks all the performance boxes, but it's also luxurious, filled with advanced tech, and won't suck you dry at the gas station. The short range may be a limiting factor for some, however. As an adventure wagon for the well-heeled, the Cross Turismo's extra ride height and Gravel Mode add another layer of capability to an already talented vehicle. The Turbo model gets a few added features over lower trim models, but options are still expensive and can inflate the price tag even further. If you want to go fast, save the planet, and take your kids to school, look no further.

With nearly a $40,000 price gap between the two trim levels, we'd skip the insane Turbo S and stick with the base Turbo model. This means you still get 670 hp, a 0-60 mph time of 3.1 seconds, and some spare change to spend on some options. Our car would come in Volcano Grey Metallic, and we'd add the Performance package and a head-up display. The total cost? $164,610.