Connect with us

News

First reviews of Porsche Mission E Cross Turismo are in, and they are glowing

Published

on

Porsche recently offered auto reviewers a chance to experience its latest all-electric vehicle, the Mission E Cross Turismo concept, firsthand. As could be seen in the initial reactions to the vehicle’s design and performance, Porsche’s off-road-capable, shooting brake-esque variant of the original Mission E sedan would likely be a strong contender in the electric car market. 

The Mission E Cross Turismo concept, just like its Tesla Model S-rivaling sedan counterpart, features a highly aerodynamic design. Featuring generous vents on the side, a shape that optimizes airflow around the vehicle, and design elements such as Model S-esque pop-up door handles, the Mission E Cross Turismo was created with form and function in mind. Sitting on treaded General Grabber AT275/40R-20 tires, the Cross Turismo concept also adopts an aggressive stance.

Reviewers of the Mission E Cross Turismo gave the electric vehicle much praise, mainly due to its performance, which is unanimously dubbed as true to the car’s badge. Car and Driver, for one, lauded the Cross Turismo for its capability to sprint from 0-62 mph in 3.5 seconds, its electric motors that generate 600 hp, and its 90 kWh battery that gives a range of 310 miles. The Mission E Cross Turismo’s compatibility with the 350 kW IONITY network, which is capable of recharging 250 miles of range in just 15 minutes, was also mentioned as a strong point for the upcoming car.

The Porsche Mission E Cross Turismo concept. [Credit: Porsche]

The Mission E Cross Turismo is equipped with several fancy bells and whistles as well, including a drone that can take aerial videos of the electric car in action. Considering that the Mission E Cross Turismo is designed to be a vehicle that can perform equally well on and off-road, reviewers of the electric car lauded its adaptive air-spring suspension, which allows the car to raise or lower its ride height as necessary. 

Inside the car itself, reviewers took particular notice to the vehicle’s rather sparse but classy interior, from its generous binnacle in front of the steering wheel to its touch panel on the passenger side. Though not as radically minimalistic as the Tesla Model 3, the Cross Turismo concept’s dashboard was found to be a departure from Porsche’s tendency to place a generous number of knobs and switches in its vehicles.

CNET Roadshow‘s Tim Stevens, one the reviewers who was given the opportunity to drive the Cross Turismo concept, ultimately stated that considering its design, features, and driving performance, the upcoming vehicle could very well make a significant impact in the electric car industry.

Advertisement
-->

“The global electric car market is still quite young, and while companies like Tesla have done a great job building the stage, I can’t help but think that when the Mission E hits the market next year, it’s gonna steal the show.”

Ultimately, the Porsche Mission E Cross Turismo looks like a solid contender in the electric car market. When it starts production early next decade, vehicles such as the Tesla Model Y would likely find some competition from the electric off-roader. Porsche’s all-electric line stands to make an impact as early as next year, however, as the Mission E sedan is set to start production in 2019, followed by the Cross Turismo in 2020. Pricing for the Mission E sedan and the Cross Turismo have not been revealed by the German carmaker, though expectations are high that the latter’s cost would be in the same ballpark as the Panamera S E-Hybrid.

As Porche prepares to launch its first all-electric vehicle, the German legacy automaker is starting to increase its marketing efforts for the upcoming car. Just recently, a Mission E prototype was driven around the track by former Formula One driver Mark Webber, who noted that the sedan had similarities as the Porsche 919 Hybrid, a high-performance vehicle he drove for the company in competitions such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The Mission E sedan’s concept version, which debuted at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, was also taken for a spin by Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine in a recent ad for the vehicle. In the United States, Porsche Cars North America has revealed that that it is building a network of 500 fast chargers to support the Mission E sedan’s rollout next year. 

Watch Tim Stevens of CNET Roadshow take the Mission E for a test drive in the video below.

Advertisement
-->

Simon is an experienced automotive reporter with a passion for electric cars and clean energy. Fascinated by the world envisioned by Elon Musk, he hopes to make it to Mars (at least as a tourist) someday. For stories or tips--or even to just say a simple hello--send a message to his email, simon@teslarati.com or his handle on X, @ResidentSponge.

Advertisement
Comments

News

Tesla Cybertruck welcomed with open arms in South Korea

The event featured interactive demos, a light show with the full Tesla lineup, and announcements including FSD Supervised’s planned rollout to Cybertruck by the end of 2025.

Published

on

Credit: @hohocho/X

Tesla Korea handed over its first 30 Cybertrucks to owners on Thursday during a ceremonial event at the Cultural Reserve Base in Seoul, marking the all-electric pickup truck’s official debut outside North America. 

The event featured interactive demos, a light show with the full Tesla lineup, and announcements including FSD Supervised’s planned rollout to Cybertruck by the end of 2025.

A historic delivery event

The November 27 event transformed a former oil reserve warehouse into a symbolic launchpad for electric mobility. Attended by 30 new owners, the event included hands-on activities such as hammer-strike durability tests, accessory sales, a lucky draw, and group photos. It culminated in a synchronized light show featuring the 30 Cybertrucks alongside Model S, Model 3, Model X, and Model Y vehicles, which drew cheers from attendees.

Yvonne Chan, Tesla APAC Regional Director, joined as a special guest to celebrate the delivery milestone. Tesla Korea President Seo Young-deuk was also in attendance, and shared his optimism for the company’s momentum in the country. 

“Korea is currently the third-largest market for Tesla sales worldwide, and this year, for the first time, it has achieved the No. 1 spot in imported car brand sales volume, Tesla Korea is growing at an incredibly rapid pace,” he said. “To repay this love from our customers, Tesla plans to continue investing in the Korean market and enhancing the customer experience.”

Advertisement
-->

FSD Supervised launches in Korea

Seo announced the official introduction of Full Self-Driving (Supervised) in Korea, with Cybertrucks slated for inclusion by the end of 2025, which promoted applause from the event’s attendees. With even the Cybertruck expected to receive FSD this year, Tesla Korea’s fleet could very well become the country’s most advanced vehicles overnight. 

Infrastructure growth remains a priority to support Tesla Korea’s expanding fleet. Tesla Korea’s Supercharger network currently includes 166 sites with 1,133 stalls, with V4 units planned for nationwide highway rest areas to boost long-distance travel. The company also operates seven stores and 15 service centers, though plans are underway to double both by 2027. A new store in Incheon’s Songdo district is scheduled to open by December 2025, enhancing accessibility for western Seoul-area customers.

Seo concluded, “Through all-encompassing investments spanning products, charging infrastructure, and service networks, Tesla Korea will deliver the most refined electric vehicle experience to Korean customers.”

Continue Reading

News

Tesla China delivery centers packed as Q4 2025 enters its final month

Fresh photos from delivery centers in the country show rows upon rows of Model Ys and Model 3s.

Published

on

Credit: Tesla China

Tesla’s delivery centers in China are filled with vehicles as the company ramps up for its final push in Q4 2025. Fresh photos from delivery centers in the country show rows upon rows of Model Ys and Model 3s, signaling strong end-of-quarter momentum.

A delivery push for Q4 2025

A recent aerial shot from a Tesla delivery center in China captures the company’s efforts to deliver as many vehicles as possible as the year comes to a close. As could be seen in the image, which was posted by on X by Tesla enthusiast Nic Cruz Patane, the facility was filled with numerous Model Y and Model 3 units, each vehicle seemingly ready to be handed over to customers.

Echoing the scene, another post, reportedly from two weeks prior, showed a similar scene in a Shanghai location, which was packed with Model Y units. X user Roberto Nores shared the photo, noting that the image also shows multiple Model Y Ls, a six-seat extended wheelbase version of the popular all-electric crossover. 

Towards a strong Q4 finish

China remains Tesla’s volume powerhouse, accounting for a good portion of the company’s global deliveries in recent quarters. That being said, reports did emerge in early November stating that the company only reached 26,006 retail sales during October, as noted in a CNEV Post report. The reasons for this remain to be seen, though a focus on exports could have been a contributing factor.

Tesla China does seem to be hinting at some momentum this November. Just recently, Tesla watchers observed that the order page for the Model Y in China shows a message informing customers that those who wish to guarantee delivery by the end of the year should purchase an inventory unit. This was despite the Model Y RWD and Model Y L showing an estimated delivery timeline of 4-8 weeks, and the Model Y Long Range RWD and Model Y Long Range AWD showing 4-13 weeks. 

Advertisement
-->
Continue Reading

Elon Musk

SpaceX’s Starship FL launch site will witness scenes once reserved for sci-fi films

A Starship that launches from the Florida site could touch down on the same site years later.

Published

on

Credit: SpaceX/X

The Department of the Air Force (DAF) has released its Final Environmental Impact Statement for SpaceX’s efforts to launch and land Starship and its Super Heavy booster at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s SLC-37.

According to the Impact Statement, Starship could launch up to 76 times per year on the site, with Super Heavy boosters returning within minutes of liftoff and Starship upper stages landing back on the same pad in a timeframe that was once only possible in sci-fi movies. 

Booster in Minutes, Ship in (possibly) years

The EIS explicitly referenced a never-before-seen operational concept: Super Heavy boosters will launch, reach orbit, and be caught by the tower chopsticks roughly seven minutes after liftoff. Meanwhile, the Starship upper stage will complete its mission, whether a short orbital test, lunar landing, or a multi-year Mars cargo run, and return to the exact same SLC-37 pad upon mission completion.

“The Super Heavy booster landings would occur within a few minutes of launch, while the Starship landings would occur upon completion of the Starship missions, which could last hours or years,” the EIS read.

This means a Starship that departs the Florida site in, say, 2027, could touch down on the same site in 2030 or later, right beside a brand-new stack preparing for its own journey, as noted in a Talk Of Titusville report. The 214-page document treats these multi-year round trips as standard procedure, effectively turning the location into one of the world’s first true interplanetary spaceports.

Advertisement
-->

Noise and emissions flagged but deemed manageable

While the project received a clean bill of health overall, the EIS identified two areas requiring ongoing mitigation. Sonic booms from Super Heavy booster and Starship returns will cause significant community annoyance” particularly during nighttime operations, though structural damage is not expected. Nitrogen oxide emissions during launches will also exceed federal de minimis thresholds, prompting an adaptive management plan with real-time monitoring.

Other impacts, such as traffic, wildlife (including southeastern beach mouse and Florida scrub-jay), wetlands, and historic sites, were deemed manageable under existing permits and mitigation strategies. The Air Force is expected to issue its Record of Decision within weeks, followed by FAA concurrence, setting the stage for rapid redevelopment of the former site into a dual-tower Starship complex.

SpaceX Starship Environmental Impact Statement by Simon Alvarez

Continue Reading