What's all this about?
Porsche is doing special Platinum Edition versions of two of its most frugal Cayenne models, namely the Diesel and the S E-Hybrid.
OK, what do I get for my money?
Extra equipment and some styling mods, essentially. On the outside, lovely 20-inch RS Spyder design alloys reside in wheel arches that have been widened compared to the regular SUV, while the standard paint choices are non-metallic black or white; metallic options include Deep Black, Purpurite, Mahogany, Carrara White and Rhodium Silver. All the exterior trim is high-gloss black, the rear windows are tinted and the mirrors on the Platinum Editions all dim automatically. Bi-Xenon headlamps with a cornering illumination function, known as Porsche Dynamic Light System, are also thrown in.
And how about the interior?
Stainless steel sills inscribed with 'Platinum Edition' lettering on both, with illumination for the hybrid model, kick off the party. Leather sports seats with eight-way electric adjustment and heating in the front are included, along with Alcantara trim, a 14-speaker, 665-watt Bose Surround Sound System, the latest version of Porsche Communication Management (PCM) infotainment and the Porsche crest embossed onto all the head restraints. Another hybrid-only addition here is the stationary heating/air conditioning system fitted to the part-electric Cayenne, which allows the car to be heated or cooled with the ignition off.
But nothing has changed with the drivetrain or chassis, right?
Nope. So the 3.0-litre V6 diesel has 262hp, with 42.8mpg economy and 173g/km CO2 emissions, while the 3.0-litre supercharged V6 petrol-electric S E-Hybrid produces 416hp, 85.6mpg and just 75g/km.
Is there a price for all this Porsche specification largesse?
Indeed there is. If you want the Cayenne Diesel Platinum Edition, it'll cost you £55,134, while the S E-Hybrid Platinum Edition is a little pricier at £66,919. Both are available to order now from Porsche Centres across the UK, with first deliveries beginning in June.
Matt Robinson - 28 Apr 2016