Porsche is wasting no time with its new line of electric cars. Shortly after announcing that the Taycan, the first of the Mission E series and first fully electric model, will reach the market at the end of 2019, the company launched a prototype of a second model at the Geneva Motor Show. Dubbed Mission E Cross Turismo, this luxury SUV promises serious competition for the Tesla Model X, the standard for luxury electric SUVs currently on the market.
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At first glance, the design is a perfect mix of the successful brand’s distinctive models. The front of the Mission E Cross Turismo is similar to the iconic 911, Porsche’s signature sports car. The hood, lateral lines and height of the car (4.7 feet) put it on par with the Panamera, while the all-terrain profile of the wheel arch and the floor clearance is similar to the Cayenne.
Another important feature of the Mission E Cross Turismo’s design is its aerodynamic optimization. Air curtains are located at the front of the vehicle. These vertical inlets allow air flow. Combined with rear diffusers, this ensures an optimal balance between performance and consumption.
According to Porsche, the Mission E Cross Turismo will be fully equipped with two electric engines that reach a combined 600 horsepower. Porsche’s Torque Vectoring automatically distributes power to each of the four wheels, and allows the car a maximum velocity of 155 mph, in addition to reaching 62 mph in 3.5 seconds.
Additionally, the new car will be equipped with 800V high-speed batteries. This new technology allows a lifespan of 310 miles, and the ability to reach an 80% charge in 15 minutes—enough to travel up to 248 miles.
Porsche promises another advantage of its battery system: it will be be able to accelerate thoroughly multiple times. This is different from its competitors, which usually need to recharge after a hard acceleration.
Within its excellent engineering, the Mission E Cross Turismo containes a beautifully designed interior. With a flexible layout and flat floors, the modernity of this car can be seen, felt and absorbed in every detail.
To compete with Tesla, touch controls are the only way to go. The steering wheel, mirror controls, centralized climate controls, and the two-screened entertainment system all offer touch controls. Moreover, this prototype also has a digital instrument panel with a curved TFT display.
The cutting edge technology used in the Mission E Cross Turismo is truly impressive. For example, the internal camera provides eye tracking for both the driver and the passenger. Depending on their positions, the system will offer various entertainment options, and even calculate how tired the driver is.
The Porsche Mission E Cross Turismo prototype. / Todas las fotos: © Porsche
This concept also proposes incorporating a drone, which will film the car from above while it is moving, and project the images on the dashboard screens. However, it seems unlikely that this function will be available in the commercial edition, slated to reach the mass market in 2021, according to Porsche.
With Mission E from Porsche, Jaguar E Pace, and Tesla’s range of cars, the competition between luxury electric cars is getting more heated than ever before. ■
