Geneva 2018: Porsche Mission E Cross Turismo

A brand not exactly famous for its sense of humour, Porsche sprung a surprise at Geneva with the Mission E Cross Turismo.

Porsche Mission E Cross Turismo

Mission E is Porsche’s current naming scheme for its all-electric car due to kick-off in 2019. For the 2018 Geneva Show, Porsche has dropped an en-vogue SUV, but given it a new name – the cross utility vehicle. I guess SUVs do make some people cross (I am not sorry).

The Cross Turismo (“I’d be cranky too…”) is heavily-based on the Mission E’s no compromise all-electric platform and even shares the same drivetrain.

Two electric engines produce a massive 441kW (600PS) to sling the CT to 100km/h (62mph) in 3.5 seconds, enough to keep up with Jaguar’s I-Pace. The spring from rest to 200km/h passes in 12 seconds. Porsche calls its motor set “permanent magnet synchronous motors” (PSM), which just seems like an excuse to add another confusing Porsche acronym.

Fitted with air suspension, the CT can lift itself 50mm if you fancy some rough (rather than off) roading. The same system will talk to Porsche’s Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) to keep the car flat in corners or steady on rough surfaces.

Charging

The 800-volt power system offers a charge time of 15 minutes (!) to 80 percent full. According to NEDC figures, that will net you a range of 400km (240 miles), which isn’t too bad at all.

Again, like the Jag, it’s probable that you won’t be charging the car to full to help keep the lithium-ion batteries in tip-top shape. The system is ready for IONITY charge points, normal charge points and, apparently, inductive charging pads. Porsche is also going to try and sell you a battery system for your home, known as Porsche Home Energy Storage System. Or PHESS, I imagine. There’s a joke there, but I’m going to leave it alone for once.

Funky interior stuff

Porsche is trying out a few new things on the Cross Turismo Concept. The new dash is very clever – the three digital dials display various useful information. The clever bit is the camera in the rear-vision mirror – it tracks your eyes and makes the dial you’re looking at more prominent.

A mobile app lets you set up a journey in the sat nav or kick off heating or cooling so the car is just right when you get in.

The four-seater layout has more boot space and the slots in the seats are there for you to slide skis through. Not sure how that works out for passengers, but who needs friends when you’re on the slope? Perhaps that’s where the cross bit came in…

Electric Porsches

Porsche isn’t mucking about here. The first all-electric car, the Panamera-like Mission E (name to be confirmed) will be on sale in 2019. The Panamera 4 Hybrid already accounts for half of the Panamera’s global demand and there’s talk of a hybrid 911. And whispers of all-electric Boxsters.

And don’t be surprised if Macan and Cayenne don’t get electric treatment soon. With diesel on the way out, hybrid is the obvious contender for torque-mad enthusiasts.

If I was a betting man, expect to see the Cross Turismo – with a better name – on sale in 2020.

Peter Anderson

Peter Anderson is the Editor and founder of the theredline.com.au. He’s been writing about cars for years and finds it difficult to talk about anything else.