Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo review

The estate version of the Porsche Taycan. Now newly updated. Can you tell?

Struggling right now. What’s changed?

Porsche claims the designers have ‘sharpened the lines’. But they appear to have done so with blunt pencils. Not much has changed there. Still a good looking car – better than the Taycan saloon we reckon – so we’ll forgive and move on.

Be warned, the updates are geeky. Battery size has increased from 93kWh to 105. Together with some nifty software tweaks and upgrades this means it charges faster (up to 320kW rather than 270, so 10-80 per cent in 18 minutes) and goes further. Up to 35 per cent further in the case of the entry level Taycan Sport Turismo and its 404-mile range. Even the hairiest Turbo S claims 375 miles.

Despite the bigger battery and more standard kit, weight is claimed to be down across the range, if only by 15kg. About 0.7 per cent.

And that’s it?

Those are the most significant, yes. Look, the motors are more powerful but rather than list them all, let’s focus on the mid-range GTS. Instead of 509bhp (589 with launch control) you now get 597bhp, rising to 691. So about a hundred more. Worth having. The Turbo S now peaks at 939bhp.

Reckon it’s a shame the Sport Turismo doesn’t get the full house Turbo GT motors? You’re wrong in the head. 2.4-to-62mph is enough for anyone.

Previously, peak power figures were only available with launch control. However now there’s a ‘push to pass’ button in the centre of the rotary drive mode controller on the steering wheel, which gives you 10 seconds of maximum attack. Provided you’ve had the Sport Chrono kit fitted.

Is the Cross Turismo still kicking around?

It is, and you can read about it here. Clicking a link too much for you? Here’s a precis: it’s pretty much identical to the Sport Turismo but has a higher ride height and some extra body cladding to give it more of an off-road vibe. The Cross Turismo also has a couple of small adaptations to make it ride slightly more gently – new wheel mounts and softer anti-roll bars.

Back to the Sport Turismo though – a rival to the Audi RS6 and BMW M5 Touring, then?

Absolutely, provided you’re happy to give up your V8 soundtrack as well as your hydrocarbons. The £119,200 GTS is the most driver focused Sport Turismo (20 per cent more roll stiffness than the Taycan Turbo S. That’s a thing) and priced in line with both rivals.

It’s a sharper handling, better riding car than both as well, manages to feel small on the road when it absolutely isn’t (measuring 4,963mm long by 1,966mm wide) and has a turn of pace neither can match. But as we all know, the engine and gearbox combo is a hard one to give up.

Even if you could square that away, another problem is likely to rear its head – the Sport Turismo’s lack of cabin space.

Is it really that small inside?

Unfortunately, yes it is. While it is very useful having an 81-litre frunk if you are doing a quick shop or just need somewhere to put your cables, the premise for the Sport Turismo is to double up as a family holdall.

However, the boot only measures 405 litres, extending to 1,171 with the seats folded. This puts it in line with the VW Golf (381/1237 litres).If you are assuming all the space has been put into the rear seats, you’re wrong. More on all this in the Interior tab.

How about the rest of the driving environment?

In terms of interior functionality and design, it’s thoroughly thought through and every bit as impressive to use and live with as the regular Taycan. Great cabin design, top notch quality. It is low though and for that and a couple of other reasons we’d point you at a Cross Turismo if you have practicality in mind. The plastic cladding should shirk scuffs and it has a sense of ruggedness that’s more likely to play better with family life.

What does the Sport Turismo cost?

£1,000 more than the equivalent four-door Taycan saloon, which makes it the better choice as far as we are concerned. There are five models in the range, with prices starting from £89,200 for the entry level 435bhp model, through to £163,200 for the flagship Turbo S.

The sweet spot lies more down the range than up it. You’ve probably read the horror stories about depreciation already. We’ll cover that in the Buying tab.

How does it drive?

As we said, the sweet spot is low down the range. The faster ones just bring bigger, shinier numbers. Chiefly the price. The GTS is quite compelling though. The adaptive three-chamber air springs and low centre of gravity combine to create a car with immense body control and family-friendly comfort levels. Although think control rather than cushioning as the general strategy.

It’s crisp, smooth and quiet, just with a fraction more emphasis on steering clarity and chassis response than other Taycans. But the margins of difference between the models are slight and seem only more so when the only way to tell the powertrains apart is from the level of shove in your back.

Nearly four years on from its launch, the Sport Turismo remains a very complete – if not that practical – sporting estate. No it doesn’t make a great noise and despite Porsche’s best efforts lacks the emotional engagement of an M5 Touring or RS6.

But Porsche has always been pretty single-minded when it comes to deciding what cars its customers want. And it offers those wanting bigger boots an SUV – either the new electric Macan or the Cayenne.

The market has changed since the Sport Turismo first came along – chiefly an electric backlash that has hammered residual values. The mood around expensive electric cars isn’t great right now.

And that’s a shame, because the Sport Turismo remains a formidable thing to drive. The wraparound cockpit is wonderfully designed and logical to use, the feedback from the chassis, the ride quality and overall smoothness are addictive. It’s an immensely polished machine.