Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo Outpaces Competitors in Speed Tests

The Porsche Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo has achieved remarkable acceleration figures, reaching 60 mph in just 2.2 seconds and completing a quarter-mile in 9.8 seconds at a speed of 143 mph. This performance surpasses that of traditional gasoline and hybrid rivals, placing the Taycan at the forefront of the wagon segment. By comparison, the BMW M5 Touring, a robust plug-in hybrid, follows behind with a 60 mph sprint in 3.1 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 11.0 seconds at 129 mph. The Audi RS6 Avant Performance, though impressive in its own right, clocks in at 3.2 seconds to 60 mph and 11.5 seconds in the quarter-mile at 121 mph.

These results underscore the Taycan's dominance, particularly in the realm of electric vehicles where instantaneous torque and advanced battery technology provide a significant edge. The Taycan's dual electric motors deliver a combined 938 horsepower, drawing power from a 97-kWh battery. Despite its weight of 5272 pounds, which positions it between the BMW and Audi in terms of heft, the Taycan's engineering allows it to harness its power efficiently.

While the Taycan excels in straight-line speed, it also performs admirably in lateral grip, achieving a skidpad score of 1.02 g on Pirelli PZ4 tires. Although the Audi RS6 Avant Performance comes close with a 1.0-g lap on Continental SportContact 7 tires, the Taycan maintains a slight edge. The BMW M5 Touring, equipped with Hankook Ventus S1 Evo Z tires, trails with a score of 0.92 g.

Braking performance presents a different narrative, with Audi's RS6 Avant Performance leading the pack. It achieves a stopping distance of just 140 feet from 70 mph, outperforming both the Porsche and BMW. At 100 mph, the Audi also excels with a distance of 304 feet, although peculiarities in brake pressure were noted during the tests. The Taycan and BMW are nearly neck-and-neck in braking, with the BMW gaining a slight advantage at 70 mph and Porsche taking the lead at 100 mph.

Porsche's decision not to equip the Taycan Cross Turismo with super sticky tires like the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS, found on the Taycan Turbo GT sedan, highlights a strategic choice favoring versatility. The Cross Turismo's adaptations, such as its air suspension and Gravel mode, further enhance its capability on varied surfaces, making it a well-rounded performer both on and off the track.

As the automotive landscape evolves, the Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo represents a significant milestone in electric vehicle development. Its accomplishments signal a shift in performance benchmarks, challenging traditional combustion engines and hybrid systems. As more manufacturers embrace electrification, the Taycan's achievements may inspire further innovations and set new standards for speed and efficiency in the automotive industry.