Green needn’t be dull. PETER FROST cut a swath through the Cape hinterland in Porsche’s updated Taycan 4S Cross.
Electric is as much a statement of intent as a way of getting from A to B. The intention is to live a positive life, the best, experienced with caring and in full. It’s not only about cars – it’s how we eat, where we choose to stay. As Emerson so succinctly pointed out, focus on the journey as much as the destination. That journey is an exciting one in Porsche’s latest Taycan, a full electric car. Be clear – as the marque itself is so keen to underline – first and foremost it’s a Porsche.
The destination in this case was a trifecta win: the trio of Palm House, Franschhoek House and Perivoli Lagoon House, all known for their excellence, supreme luxury … and sustainability.
PORSCHE TAYCAN – QUIET IN THE ROOM, PLEASE
So, to the Taycan. It’s a strange beast, no question; neither fish nor fowl. First impressions suggest it’s going to be a single application, all out, hypercar, good for blasts on a Sunday morning and not a lot else. But look again. There are four doors on this Turismo model, as well as a deep hatchback and, intriguingly, a ‘frunk’ – a front trunk under the bonnet, à la VW Beetle (a distant relative), good for 84 litres of space.
That suggests a modicum of practicality and indeed that’s the case. Four seats and enough room in the boot for all manner of real-life paraphernalia. And then look again. This Turismo model has the Cross moniker added to it, which means it has increased its ride height by 20mm and, says Porsche, has some ability on surfaces other than flat black German autobahns.
So, supercar, shopping cart, weekend warrior. All that’s left is the range. This 4S version, which sits in the line-up above the entry level model but below the GTS and the Turbo versions, can manage an impressive 600km from its 105kWh battery. It will take roughly an hour to charge it on a 150kW charger, now available across South Africa.
Get in and that typical Porsche hewn-from-granite feeling is immediately present. As always, there’s serious build quality here, reflecting old school values, even as the array of digital screens point to a car that’s at the cutting edge and as contemporary as they come.
Taycan and I go way back – it was my first electric test car and, memorably, the car that convinced me there might be something to this whole milk-cart-on-acid thing.
How? Strapped into the back of one in Saudi Arabia, Formula E weekend Diriyah 2019, I first experienced the rearrangement of my intestinal tract, much the same sensation as leaping off a bungee bridge, eyes closed, resigned to death by compression. Fast forward six years and the Provence lavender missile has gained a degree of sophistication, some extra range and an upgraded digital interface.
Press the starter button and of course not much happens. The multiple screens light up, there’s a far-off turning-of-the-turbines kind of whine as the electric motors gear up for active duty, but no flat six Boxer growl.
The disappointment doesn’t last long – squeeze the accelerator and feel the enormity of what’s on tap. Taycan 4S has 440kW and 730kW of go to draw on, all of which is displayed on your screen as you wind up for take-off. Except of course, there’s no wind up. You simply press and pray. It’s all immediate.
Guttural sounds from passengers, astonished looks from fellow road- users; you were there, now you’re here. The rewriting of physics. Grief, it’s fun to drive. Painted onto the tarmac, battery pack low, it’s like a leopard seal chasing a penguin through the ice flows, capable of mad changes of direction, astonishing bursts of acceleration, determined, focused, just a little bit evil. The full-fat Turbo GT will make the ton in 2.3 seconds, this 4S Cross Turismo model adds a couple of seconds to that. Science fiction.
PALM HOUSE: STATELY SHIP, HIDDEN LUXURY
Science fiction certainly, but surprisingly usable as well. In the glut of Cape Town’s southern suburbs traffic on route to Palm House, electric made perfect sense. Quiet, clean, precise; new-energy vehicles are an obvious choice for town driving. And in stop-start traffic the car is recuperating energy through braking friction, increasing its range.
Comfortable, too – Porsche has tinkered with the suspension set-up, making the Taycan as absorbent as sister tourer, the Panamera.
Like Taycan, Palm House, hidden among the double-storey houses next to Wynberg Boys’ Junior School, is a real surprise. Max Jong and Shelagh Wood’s project is Wynberg’s increasingly popular meeting place as well as a boutique hotel and spa.
The pair lovingly restored and updated the historical property, carefully walking the line between classic and contemporary. There are strong Herbert Baker overtones (a 1920s’ protégé, probably Francis Hodgson, actually designed it), plenty of period detailing, and modern touches in the suites where current conveniences matter.
The restaurant and terrace were both busy, care taken in both to source locally and curate menus according to season. The spa, in the lush garden, was pumping and it all added up to a refreshing oasis in an otherwise very full part of the Cape.
FRANSCHHOEK HOUSE: LIZ BIDEN IN FULL VOICE
Drive up the unassuming avenue towards Liz Biden’s latest venture in Franschhoek (in the grounds of La Residence estate) and there’s no clue to the riot that awaits inside. Step into the Asian-inspired courtyard, however, and it’s apparent that Biden’s obsession with colour, texture and eclectic grouping is as on point as ever.
Venture inside the villa and bang, Liz on steroids: colours and textiles no other designer is brave enough to pair.
It’s Frida Kahlo meets Iris Apfel, the best of Mediterranean space, Asian glow and Biden bravery. The idea is that families can stay together, children in that wing, parents upstairs, grandma and grandpa on the ground floor, no stairs. The views across the horizon pool, vineyards and Franschhoek are astonishing.
Liz has genuinely outdone herself. And it all works – acids, pop art, silk sofas, black chandeliers, a riot of creative phantasmagoria, as is her wont. Inspirational, fun, electric. Just like the Taycan …
PERIVOLI LAGOON HOUSE: NATURE ALLOWED INSIDE
Biden’s Byzantine palette behind me, it was time to open the taps and let the Taycan off its urban leash. Up Franschhoek Pass heading for Stanford and Perivoli House, I chose Sport Mode in the drive settings and concentrated on getting lines right. Because of the immediacy of the power delivery, drive styles need to adapt. Braking can be later, powering through a corner needs to be finessed, no sense opening the taps fully on exit, that would be madness.
Happily the Taycan power delivery through the pedal is perfect, accepting small inputs that increase, much like a conventional car. Soon enough car and driver understand each other, a ballet of speed, electric at its best. The Overberg flashes by, the sea air of Stanford bringing cool refreshment.
Down the Wortelgat Road, Perivoli Lagoon House is as cutting edge as it gets; a lodge conceived as an architectural tour de force as much as an environmental sanctuary. And impressive it is; the building mirrors the far-off Klein Mountains in form and material – curves, colours, textures – and allows the Klein River estuary in at every opportunity.
Extensive glazing means suites (there are four) feel part of the landscape. Wake up of a morning, open the curtains and the fynbos, water and mountains are right there. The lodge is offered on a full-board or self-catering basis, the owners understanding the popularity of a self-sufficient house, beautifully located.
A chef and staff are on hand, if required, or guests can be left to their own devices.
Activities are also by request; shark cage diving in Gansbaai, whale watching, Klein River excursions or hikes through Perivoli’s fynbos reserve are options. Like Taycan’s, Perivoli’s luxury is root and branch sustainable, a mix of the best materials, considered thought and careful planning.
CONSIDERED PORSCHE, EYE ON THE FUTURE
Homeward bound in the Stuttgart missile, there was time to reflect. Living with electric motoring is becoming second nature for many and the general report is positive. Add a holistic approach to car building and things feel even better – Porsche’s strategy of ‘circular economy’ is an approach that aims to use recycled materials in its vehicles and close resource loops. So no fossil fuels, and genuine recycling. Win, win.
It’s a little trickier in Taycan because you absolutely can’t discipline yourself to use less wattage and therefore increase range. Get there fast, fizzing, long lunch – it’s as much fun as a Labrador in a lake and just as adorable. Repeat, repeat, repeat.