Porsche Just Killed Off Its Sexiest Taycan – And You Won't Believe Why

Porsche is ditching the Taycan Cross Turismo and Sport Turismo, and it’s not because they’re ugly – it’s because Americans just don’t get wagons, and that decision impacts us here in SA. Jislaaik. It’s a brutal reminder that sometimes, even the most lekker things get canned if they don’t shift volume. This isn’t some niche European brand folding; this is Porsche, the blerry icon, making a cold, hard business call. And we, as potential buyers, need to understand why. ## So, What Exactly Are They Killing Off? Let’s be real, the Cross Turismo and Sport Turismo were proper stunners. The Cross Turismo, arriving in 2021, was the lifted, slightly rugged version – think Taycan that wouldn't mind a gravel road to a braai spot in the Karoo. You could get it in everything from the 409-hp Taycan 4 right up to the face-melting 764-hp Turbo S. The Sport Turismo, joining the party in 2022, was a bit more…refined. It came exclusively in the 590-hp GTS trim (later bumped to 690 hp, for the boets who needed a little extra oomph). These weren’t just about looks, either. They offered a level of practicality the standard Taycan sedan just couldn’t match. More boot space for the golf clubs, easier access for the family…you know, actual life stuff. But apparently, that’s not what the Yanks are after. ## America's Problem Isn't Our Problem, Right? Wrong. Sadly, it is. Porsche, like most global manufacturers, has to play the numbers game. And the numbers, as they say, don’t lie. The US market is massive. What happens there *heavily* influences decisions made for the rest of the world, including us. A Porsche spokesperson flat-out stated: “Porsche focuses its product portfolio on the wishes of its customers, and in the United States, the Sport Turismo and Cross Turismo body styles of the Taycan played a minor role.” Minor role, bru. That’s a polite way of saying they weren’t selling. And when Porsche wants to make more money – and let's be honest, who doesn't? – they cut what isn't performing. This isn’t a question of quality; it's about maximizing profit. It's a hard pill to swallow, especially for those of us who appreciate a lekker wagon. ## The Numbers Don't Lie: Why Porsche Pulled the Plug Let’s break down the pain. 2021 was the Taycan’s peak year in the US, shifting 9419 units. Not bad, right? But things went south. In 2024, that number plummeted to 4747 units. And in 2025? A mere 4142. Now, Porsche doesn't tell us exactly how many of those were Cross Turismos or Sport Turismos. But you can bet your last Checkers Xtra Savings card it wasn't a significant portion. It's a simple equation. Fewer sales = less interest = axe the model. Porsche wants to build fewer cars, and make more money. It’s a business, after all. ## What Does This Mean for Your Future Porsche? This isn’t the end of the Taycan line, thankfully. Porsche is doubling down on the sedan. The 2027 model gets a refresh, most notably ditching the smaller battery option in favour of a standard 97-kWh pack. And get this: they’ve even added a simulated shifting mode! Apparently, some people miss the feeling of gear changes, so Porsche is giving them a virtual eight-speed gearbox with a virtual rev limiter, controlled by the paddle shifters. Kak or clever? You decide. The focus is clearly on the core Taycan sedan, the one that actually moves units. It's a sign that Porsche is prioritizing what sells, even if it means sacrificing some variety. ## Is This a Sign of Things to Come? The Future of Wagons in SA This is the big question, isn’t it? Are wagons doomed? In South Africa, we’ve always had a bit of a love-hate relationship with them. The bakkie reigns supreme, followed closely by the SUV. Practicality is valued, but often in the form of ground clearance and load-carrying capacity, not sleek lines and ample boot space. We see similar trends here. The SUV is king in Sandton, and even down on the Durban beachfront, you're more likely to see a Range Rover than a wagon. Will this Porsche decision embolden other manufacturers to ditch wagons in our market? It’s a worrying thought for those of us who appreciate a bit of automotive diversity. ## The 2027 Taycan: What's Actually Getting Better? Beyond the bigger battery and the simulated shifting (which, let's be honest, sounds a bit gimmicky), the 2027 Taycan gets a few other tweaks. It’s not a radical overhaul, but it’s a refinement of a already very good car. Deliveries start this fall. If you’re in the market for an electric Porsche, the sedan is now the only game in town. ## Should You Snatch Up a Used Cross Turismo Now? Maybe. These models are going to become rarer, that’s for sure. Will they become collector’s items? Possibly. It depends on how much Porsche fans value them down the line. If you appreciate the looks, the practicality, and want something a little different, a used Cross Turismo could be a good buy. Just do your homework, check the mileage, and make sure it’s been properly maintained. Dis-Chem won't fix a bad service history. Ultimately, Porsche's decision is a stark reminder that even the most desirable cars are subject to the cold logic of the market. The Cross Turismo and Sport Turismo were lekker, but they weren’t profitable enough. So, is the future of Porsche – and luxury cars in general – about chasing volume over passion? And with load shedding being what it is, is an electric Porsche even a practical consideration for the average South African? Let us know what you think. Click here to read our analysis of the rising cost of electric vehicle ownership in South Africa.