The 2023 Porsche Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo Is Euro Road Trip Royalty

When you find yourself on the picturesque roads of the Portuguese coast, the urge to explore becomes irresistible. Alongside the coastline’s stunning views lie 17th-century ruins, hidden treasures waiting to be uncovered. And what better way to embark on such adventures than in the 2023 Porsche Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo?

As we embarked on our journey, we encountered a challenging, rutted road with an abandoned Fiat Punto that couldn’t withstand the terrain. However, our electric all-terrain wagon, equipped with Gravel mode, air suspension at its highest setting, and optimized throttle and traction control for off-road driving, navigated this treacherous path effortlessly. While most crossovers could manage such terrain, only a select few vehicles can offer the multifaceted experience that the Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo provides—a luxurious cabin, ample cargo space, the ability to tackle any side quest, and an exhilarating driving experience.

After our exploration of the castle ruins, we returned to the well-paved motorway, switching the Taycan back to Range mode. This mode optimizes aerodynamics and conserves battery charge, limiting speed to 87 mph and adjusting the air conditioning for energy efficiency. In a pinch, the Cross Turismo can operate with power solely on the front axle to save even more energy.

With breathtaking scenery around every corner, we couldn’t resist taking sunset excursions for photographs each evening. Accessible locations like these are a rarity in America without a permit, making Portugal the perfect backdrop for our adventure.

It’s important to acknowledge my deep bias towards this car. Even before this trip, I couldn’t stop raving about the Taycan Cross Turismo. Spotting one on the road, regardless of the spec, always fills me with excitement. It’s an all-terrain electric super-wagon—what’s not to love? Although the Turbo S variant might seem less suited to extended long-haul driving with its EPA-estimated 222 miles of range, it proved more than sufficient for our leisurely pace.

The Cross Turismo is no small vehicle, measuring a little over 16 feet in length and six and a half feet in width. In Lisbon, where our journey began, its substantial size was evident on the city’s narrow streets. The car’s standard rear-axle steering played a crucial role in maneuverability. However, its size and rarity attracted attention everywhere we went, not always positive. A quick stop at a Lidl grocery store led to an unexpected incident involving a charging spot. It turns out that I had parked in a charging spot without plugging in, blocking access for another driver. After some animated gestures and rapid Portuguese, the situation was resolved.

As we ventured south on the well-paved toll motorway, traffic became more manageable, allowing us to enjoy rapid comfort. On-ramps provided opportunities for exhilarating wide-open throttle moments. My passengers quickly learned to brace themselves against the seats to avoid whiplash from the sudden surge of acceleration.

Continuing on smaller two-lane roads along the coast after a seafood lunch in Sines, we effortlessly overtook tour buses and agricultural vehicles. The Cross Turismo excelled in overtaking maneuvers, thanks to its instant torque and rapid acceleration. With 774 lb-ft of torque and a 0-60 mph time of 2.6 seconds, this wagon delivers supercar-like acceleration. The 18-way adaptive front seats offered a comfortable and enveloping experience, while Apple CarPlay simplified navigation and music.

After traveling from Lisbon to the Algarve coast, we had about 93 miles of range left from the initial 221 miles. Plugging into a regular outlet using the Porsche Mobile Charger included in the trunk, we gained roughly 20% range overnight, more than enough for our daily explorations, especially when utilizing Range mode.

Setting off again, we drove along the 75-mph limited motorway, with speeds and altitudes increasing as we headed into the mountains. However, our range started to deplete faster than the distance to the charger. Range anxiety began to creep in, prompting me to adopt hypermiling techniques, including drafting semi trucks on uphill sections and relying on regenerative braking downhill.

We reached a rest stop with 29% range remaining, where a fully functional 350 kW charger awaited us. Within minutes, the Cross Turismo was charging at 250 kW, providing a rapid boost to our battery level. We unplugged at 95% charge a little over thirty minutes later. The return trip to Lisbon was smooth and comfortable, albeit with a touch of anxiety due to my lead foot. I returned the car with only 25 miles of range, knowing it would head straight to a charger at the Porsche office.

Over five days, we covered nearly 430 miles in serene speed and absolute comfort. The Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo exceeded our expectations, effortlessly handling everything we threw its way. This extensive experience with an electric vehicle in a foreign country provided valuable insights. While Europe’s advanced charging infrastructure certainly made the journey more accessible, the Porsche Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo proved to be an exceptional choice for exploring a foreign land.

While I may not exclusively choose an electric car over an internal combustion engine (ICE) car for every trip, the Taycan Cross Turismo has set the bar high. Its perfect blend of performance, comfort, and versatility made our European road trip a memorable adventure.