Frankfurt LIVE: Porsche Mission E concept

The Mission E is Porsche\'s answer to the Tesla Model S.

Porsche has introduced an all-new electric sedan that could eventually challenge the Tesla Model S.

Known as the Mission E, the concept is Porsche's take on a pure electric four-passenger sedan. The Mission E features an 800-volt drive system, or double that of a typical electric vehicle, enabling better packaging and greater overall performance. Porsche says the 600 horsepower system can rocket the Mission E from 0-60 in under 3.5 seconds.

The Mission E is powered by pair of permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM) that are similar to the ones that were used in the Le Mans-winning 919 hybrid. Like the 919 race car, the motors in the Mission E are capable of energy recuperation and developing full power even after multiple accelerations at short intervals. Combined with torque vectoring and an all-wheel steering system, Porsche says the Mission E can get around Germany's Nurburgring in less than eight minutes.

The Mission E's electric drive is backed up by a battery pack that can provide 310 miles of range. And thanks to its 800-volt charging system, which has cleverly been dubbed "Porsche Turbo Charging”, the Mission E can be charged to 80 percent of capacity, or a range of about 250 miles, in just 15 minutes. Additionally, the Mission E utilizes wireless charging technology so the car can be charged by being parked over a charging pad.

Porsche notes that the Mission E's lithium-ion batteries have been placed low in the chassis to provide a lower center of gravity and optimal weight distribution.

On the styling front, the Mission E draws cues from the 918 Spyder as well as Porsche's range of race cars. Up front the Mission E sports Porsche's signature four-point LED headlight design along with vertical vents that run down to the car's lower bumper. In profile the Mission E takes on the form of a four-door coupe, with a long, sloping rear hatch mimicking the design found on the 911. The Mission E doesn't have a fixed B-pillar and utilizes counter-opening rear doors.

The rear of the Mission E features a full-width lighting element and a three-dimensional Porsche badge.

The interior of the Mission E is just as futuristic as its drivetrain, boasting amenities like OLED display screens, an eye-tracking system, gesture control and even holographic instruments. All systems work together to keep the driver's eyes fixed on the road ahead. For example, the eye tracking system detects the driver's seating position and then moves the speedometer readout so it's never blocked by the steering wheel.

In the name of aerodynamics, typical rear view mirrors have been replaced by cameras in the Mission E. Displays from the fender-mounted cameras are shown on the lower outside corners of the windshield.

On the more gimmicky side, Porsche has equipped the Mission E with a camera mounted in the rear-view mirror that can detect a driver's good mood. That emotion is then displayed in the car's instruments and can be shared with friends via social media.

Although Porsche hasn't officially stated if the Mission E is headed to production, it has been reported that the company's Tesla-fighter will be ready in time for a 2019 market launch.

Live images by Ronan Glon.