A friend recently bought a Porsche Taycan GTS, so I had the chance to ride along. Here’s my test drive impression and a detailed comparison with our own Taycan 4S Cross Turismo.

How My Friend Came to Buy the Taycan GTS

My friend originally drove a BMW 320i, and after about five years and 50,000 km, was thinking about upgrading to a BMW 4 Series M440i Coupe. However, he suddenly developed an interest in the Porsche Panamera as well.

He consulted me about it. Having driven the M440i before, I told him that Porsche offers a level of driving performance above that, and especially the Panamera delivers that distinctive Porsche driving experience.

As we talked about his lifestyle and what he wanted from a car, I suggested, “In that case, wouldn’t the EV Taycan be an interesting option?”

Since I had just purchased a Taycan myself, I enthusiastically shared, “The Taycan is really fantastic. It drives even better than the Panamera.” That seemed to spark his interest in the Taycan.

After searching used car sites, he found a Taycan GTS in excellent condition. Plus, he got an unbelievably large discount. Just hearing that made it sound like a great deal.

Differences Between the 4S Cross Turismo and the GTS

So, I got to ride in that Taycan GTS, and first off, comparing the exteriors, our Taycan 4S Cross Turismo looks bigger overall due to its wagon body style compared to the GTS’s 4-door coupe. Although the front and rear fender bulges are similar in size, the Cross Turismo feels much more substantial.

On the other hand, the GTS feels very compact and gives off a sportier vibe. My friend also liked the Cross Turismo’s styling, saying, “This is cool! It feels like a grown-up Taycan!” and jokingly asked if we could swap cars.

One standout feature of the Taycan GTS exterior is its exclusive aero parts. The blacked-out aero components emphasize its aggressive look. The interior also features a GTS-specific package that looks incredibly cool. It really feels like a true GTS.

Optional passenger display

How Do They Compare on the Road?

Overall, the Taycan GTS feels more nimble than the 4S. Several factors contribute to this, including power differences. The GTS produces 517 hp normally and 598 hp with launch control, while the 4S delivers 490 hp normally and 571 hp with launch control. Naturally, the GTS accelerates faster from 0-100 km/h.

However, in everyday driving, the power gap isn’t very noticeable. The biggest difference in driving feel comes from the tires and wheels. Our 4S Cross Turismo rides on 21-inch wheels, while the GTS has 20-inch wheels. The smaller wheels on the GTS contribute to a lighter, more agile ride with fewer fine vibrations.

A particularly notable feature on the GTS is the PDCC (Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control). This active stabilizer system minimizes body roll in corners, making the car feel like it’s glued to the road. This feature is not available on our 4S Cross Turismo and is a unique selling point of the GTS.

Of course, the 4S Cross Turismo still offers a flat and stable ride, but the GTS’s PDCC takes it to another level. When set to Sport Plus mode with the lowest ride height, driving on winding roads feels almost like piloting a race car. The steering response is sharp, the turn-in is instant, and the car grips the road fiercely.

Among Porsche’s 4-door models, this is truly in a class of its own for driving performance. No other 4-door Porsche is tuned so aggressively for sporty driving.

Differences in Body Types

What struck me during the test drive was that the difference between the coupe and Cross Turismo body styles is even greater than the difference between the 4S and GTS trims.

The GTS coupe has a lower overall height and is slightly narrower. The seating position is lower, giving a more sports car-like feel. In contrast, the Cross Turismo’s larger body results in a slightly higher center of gravity.

The Cross Turismo’s driving is excellent, but it gives more of an impression of “a luxury car that’s actually a sporty sedan.” Its charm lies in being “roomier than the coupe yet still impressively quick.”

Meanwhile, the GTS coupe exudes a “pure sports car” vibe, feeling much closer to the 911 or 718 models. It’s a car that strongly emphasizes the sensation of “being driven.”

Summary

The Taycan GTS is a 4-door EV that pushes sports performance to the limit. With PDCC, it delivers handling that stands out even among Porsche’s 4-door lineup. Its direct EV acceleration combined with exceptional cornering ability is truly breathtaking.

On the other hand, the Taycan 4S Cross Turismo excels at balancing everyday usability with a relaxed yet capable driving experience. There’s never a feeling of lacking power, and it performs admirably on long-distance tours.

This test drive really highlighted the depth of the Taycan lineup.

Even within EVs, Porsche manages to create such distinct personalities. For those considering a Taycan purchase, it’s important to carefully think about your intended use. If you prioritize daily practicality, the Cross Turismo is a great choice; if you want to fully enjoy spirited driving on winding roads, the GTS is ideal.

Either way, the Taycan is undeniably a true Porsche. Experience the soul of Porsche electrified to the fullest.