Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo interior, tech and comfort
- Masterful blend of sporty and SUV aesthetics
- Options list is needed to feel special
- But standard spec has an air of quality
How is the quality and layout?
Wanting a practical, off-road-esque Porsche is essentially asking for two very different things, yet somehow, the Taycan Cross Turismo achieves this blending of two worlds beautifully. Visibility is surprisingly good, with a comfortable, laid-back driving position that takes in a low and relatively minimalist dashboard design (it has many controls, but they are integrated and not too cluttered) and still affords you and your front passenger a good view of the world outside. It’s particularly pleasant with the optional panoramic roof.
Standard-fit black trim can be lightened with an exhaustive list of optional colours, details and finishes, though your Porsche’s price will soon approach that of an Aston Martin or Bentley if you get too greedy. Controls and storage are well-placed, so it’s easy to focus on driving – and where you’re driving. Unless you’re opting for the higher-end Turbo or Turbo S, the Taycan Cross Turismo’s beauty is in how well finished and refined it is for a similar cost to an upmarket Tesla, so try to resist.
Infotainment and tech
Standard equipment is adequate. There’s a radio, some navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. Everything else will cost money – thousands, in fact. The showstopper for the Taycan is the dual-screen infotainment system that provides the passenger with their own display; the audio can also be upgraded with Bose or Burmester surround-sound.
Porsche’s approach to driver gadgets means features like mode switching are placed within easy reach. As an electric car the Taycan Cross Turismo’s interface is novel, but not wilfully so – you get to enjoy features such as the car being in ‘drive’ and ready to go when you start it, without having to be confused by alien layouts that don’t respond to a logical press or touch. Even so, you’ll be surprised at what is lacking in your basic Taycan. Head up display? Head to extra-cost options of the pricelist. If you do get it, though, it’s as polished as the rest of the car.
Comfort
- Air suspension provides foundation for comfort
- Standard seats are good…
- …but there’s always a better, expensive, option
Equipping the Taycan Cross Turismo with air suspension as standard means that you don’t need to spend extra to get a relaxing Porsche. At least, as long as the standard seats meet your needs; they offer a reasonable range of adjustment and comfort but lack adjustable thigh support. Delve into the options list and you’ll find 14-way adjustable and 18-way active seats (with bolsters that react to the car’s G-forces), massaging, and heating/ventilated options as well.
Rear passengers aren’t quite as cosseted as they are in something like the BMW 8 Series, but you can opt for four-zone climate control in addition to rear seat heating. Again, the view for rear passengers is improved with the panoramic roof option which alleviates the rather claustrophobic effect of full-length front seat backs.
As with everything on the Taycan, what you get as standard is very well executed, yet there’s always more temptation if you can afford the extra, and a lot of it is stuff you’d take for granted at this price point.