Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo review

Given the rough and ready exterior of the Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo, it’s perhaps a little disappointing that the interior is almost indistinguishable from the standard Taycan's. The only real indication that you’re in a Cross Turismo is the optional compass mounted on the top of the dashboard – this also shows your altitude and the time on a digital display.

That said, we’re not going to complain too much, because the interior of the Porsche Taycan is a superb piece of design. Every surface, switch and knob in the Cross Turismo feels suitably upmarket – something that's not the case in the Tesla Model S – and it’s absolutely packed full of tech.

The Cross Turismo’s lower screen is awkward to operate without contorting your arm and you can easily catch it with your palm when trying to steady your hand to use the upper screen (the Model S's large touchscreen is easier to use). Then there are the multi-layered menus to consider, which require a bit of time to get used to.

Wireless phone-charging comes as standard, as does wireless Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring (not Android Auto), which adds lots of functionality. The optional Burmester sound system is pricey but excellent.

In terms of driving position, the steering wheel and driver’s seat have the same wide range of movement as in the standard Taycan, which makes it easy to get comfortable.

The Cross Turismo’s raised ride height means you do feel as though you’re sitting much higher than in the regular car – it’s more like a Porsche Macan than a Porsche 911 in terms of visibility. We suspect that will be a disappointment to keen drivers, but we actually found it to be the perfect set-up on tight B-roads with high hedgerows and dry-stone walls.

The higher seating position also makes navigating junctions less stressful than if you were lower down. Rear visibility is better than in the standard Taycan thanks to a larger rear window, but your over-the-shoulder view is compromised by thick rear pillars.

Front and rear parking sensors are standard, as is a rear-view camera. The standard-fit LED headlights should help with visibility at night, and adaptive matrix LED headlights are standard on Turbo models.