For those of a certain age, the name ”Porsche” may conjure up an image of a low, air-cooled, rear-engine sports car. Time has, of course, changed that image, and Porsche has both maintained its true sports car visage (although with a water-cooled engine), but has added several other models. 

One new addition is the Taycan, which is somewhat hard to categorize. Yes, it is a four-door model with a liftgate in the back and seats for four or five people. It is not an SUV, because it is super low with a sweeping downward liftgate. Nor is it a sedan even with its four doors because of its handling and smallish rear seat area. To add to classification issues are the powerplants for this Porsche: They all have electric motors. Even for those who are concerned about the classification, frankly, it does not matter, since the Taycan looks and handles like a sports car with plenty of pizzazz. 

And speaking of power, Taycan has numerous sub models with electric power plants and horsepower that ranges from 400-plus to 750 ponies. The test car 4 Cross Turismo has 469 horsepower and is plenty fast with a 0-60 time of 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 137 mph. But the top-of-the-line Turbo S has 750 ponies and a 0-60 time of an amazing 2.4 seconds. 

The interior is a mix of super modern electronics and Porsche tradition. The seats, both front and back, are good looking and are customary Porsche leather ones with medium to high side bolstering to hold you in place. But in contrast with Porsche custom, the dash has been taken over with electronic video screens, which thankfully, are easy to use and helpful. 

A 16-plus-inch screen in the dash pod provides the usual data plus a map showing the car’s position in the area being driven through and the local speed limit. Two other screens in the center of the dash area are also helpful. The top one has a 360-degree camera view showing around the car at low speeds among other data. 

And yes, the rear seats are designed to handle two or three passengers. But in reality, two passengers are likely the most it can seat, and front riders may have to move their seats up a little to create some more rear legroom. Air conditioning vents are provided behind the center console. Also, an armrest with two cup holders can be dropped between the passengers. 

The large liftgate opens with a push of a button on the electronic key and has a relatively large storage area. And the seat backs can be dropped for more storage. Because of the small electric power plants, there is more storage in the front compartment for medium sized boxes. A huge sunroof stretches over the entire seating area. 

Even with all these useful features, the Taycan is a Porsche and even looks like a stretched 911 with a very low roofline and very long and low hood area. People commented favorably on its looks. The driver can select the suspension setting — sport, sport plus, normal, range, and individual. The ride in the normal mode is amazingly comfortable for a sports car — and with an electric powerplant silent acceleration as part of the deal. Corners are easily handled, and this model Taycan has greater ground clearance than other sub models. Steering is direct and tight. Of course, even with super silent acceleration, the “gas” mileage equivalent is 80 mpg. Clearly, this Porsche is foretelling the future of new Porsche models. 

HIGHLIGHTS 

MODEL // Porsche Taycan 4 Cross Turismo - 4 or 5 passenger 4-door with liftgate. 

POWERTRAIN // Two electric power plants, 469 horsepower, automatic transmission, all-wheel drive. Range when fully charged: 235 miles. 

ACCELERATION // 0-60: 4.8 seconds, top speed: 137 mph. 

PRICE // $97,700, as tested $118,250.