2025 Porsche Taycan 4S Cross Turismo Review: Is This the Ideal All-Purpose Electric Vehicle?

      Andrew P. Collins

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      The 2025 Porsche Taycan 4S Cross Turismo isn't the fastest electric Porsche on the market today; however, after testing it for a week, I believe it’s the best choice. It combines outstanding ride quality with an elegant yet practical design, exuding an aura of classic wealth intertwined with contemporary technology. Plus, it has enough speed to send your groceries flying against the rear window if you hit the accelerator hard.

      While I hesitate to echo the overused car enthusiast cliché, there’s something uniquely appealing about a high-performance station wagon that an SUV can't replicate. Sure, the Macan EV might offer easier entry and exit, and the Cayenne provides established practicality, but the Taycan's low seating position—even with the extra ground clearance of the Cross Turismo—gives it the true Porsche sports car sensation.

      The Basics

      The Cross Turismo variant gives the Taycan EV an additional 0.7 inches of ground clearance and some fender cladding. The large rear hatch opens to a spacious, well-appointed cargo area that expands with folded seats. I appreciate the thoughtful design of this space, with pockets and retaining straps that secure groceries, backpacks, or whatever you need to transport.

      This particular color is called Shade Green Metallic, a beautiful $2,850 option.

      The Cross Turismo measures 195.8 inches in length with a wheelbase of 114.3 inches and a turning circle diameter of 39.4 feet. It weighs 5,093 pounds when empty and can carry an additional 1,268 pounds in passengers and cargo.

      Like its gasoline-powered counterparts, the 4S badge indicates a more powerful all-wheel-drive system. It delivers 509 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque thanks to launch control, with a 10-second overboost function that increases power to 590 hp for quick acceleration. The 97-kWh battery is expected to provide 272 miles of range, which I will address with more realistic figures shortly.

      Air suspension offers multiple ride heights, with the highest setting achieving 6.9 inches of ground clearance. While it’s not significantly high—considering a Subaru Outback has around 9 inches—it’s sufficient for navigating uneven roads and steep driveways. Despite being the "cross" variant, this vehicle remains fairly low—when you get in, you’re dropping down rather than climbing.

      Driving the 2025 Porsche Taycan 4S Cross Turismo

      The Taycan’s interface is impressive, featuring a design that is both simple and sophisticated. By exploring the menus, you can customize the displays significantly. You even have the option to turn off the infotainment screen completely, making it blend seamlessly into the dashboard.

      The car includes an "engine start" button, which I appreciated; I find the automatic power cycle that activates when you get in and turns off when you open the door—like in some other EVs, such as the VW ID Buzz—unpleasant.

      Like all modern Porsches, the Taycan 4S is quick and smooth. However, what makes the driving experience truly enjoyable is how well it manages its weight. The car feels substantial beneath you—unsurprisingly, given its weight of 2.5 tons—but it remains planted rather than cumbersome.

      My test vehicle featured a Performance Package that included Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV+). This means it has electronically controlled, fully variable torque distribution, which significantly enhances the driving experience. The air suspension and wide tires also contribute to this secure feeling. It handled bumps and rough road surfaces confidently, and when it came to evasive maneuvers or cornering, the 4S responded immediately.

      What you won’t experience much of in this car is a connection to the road. It’s reactive but somewhat isolated, as if you're piloting a spacecraft rather than engaging with the pavement.

      Acceleration is satisfying when applied judiciously; the car accelerates confidently from nearly any speed, fueled by a deep reserve of torque. The launch and boost features, while impressive, aren’t particularly enjoyable or necessary to me. However, if you relish that stomach-flipping sensation and don't mind frequently replacing tires, you may see it differently.

      Highs and Lows

      The Taycan Cross Turismo feels akin to a spaceship; it's a comfortable daily driver while still unmistakably a Porsche. It strikes a balance between being flashy and classy. Anyone observing it will recognize it as a luxury vehicle, but the fender flares and wagon design temper any ostentatiousness. You cruise into town radiating refined taste rather than aggressive elitism (looking at you, G-Wagens).

      On the downside, I would appreciate more customization options for the dashboard display and perhaps some physical buttons for essential media and climate controls instead of relying solely on a touchscreen. Nevertheless, as a high-performance electric station wagon, the Taycan Cross Turismo