Utility vehicles don’t get much more flashy than the Porsche Cayenne. The latest special edition from Zuffenhausen, however, might be more modest than it seems.
The 2014 Porsche Cayenne Platinum Edition is essentially a base-model Cayenne loaded with options, and given a little extra polish.
The Platinum Edition includes many items that are optional extras on other models (this is Porsche, after all). The list includes an eight-speed Tiptronic S transmission, Power Steering Plus, park assist, the Bose Audio Package, and the Porsche Communication Management infotainment system. There’s also a moonroof.
Platinum Editions are distinguished by “Platinum Silver Metallic” accents and 19-inch Cayenne Design II wheels. The interior gets a model-specific two-tone pattern.
Partial leather interior trim is standard; buyers will have to pay extra for full leather. There are all “Platinum Edition” logos on the door kick plates.
The Platinum Edition is based on the entry-level Cayenne and Cayenne Diesel. The gasoline version comes with the same 3.0-liter V6 as the non-Platinum model. It’s good for 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, which will get this SUV from 0-60 mph in 7.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 142 mph, according to Porsche.
Likewise, the Cayenne Diesel Platinum Edition has a 3.0-liter turbo diesel V6 with 240 hp and 406 lb-ft. That torque allows it to best the gasoline Cayenne in the zero-to-60 sprint, with a time of 7.2 seconds. The top speed is 135 mph.
Going platinum costs $64,295 for the Cayenne and $67,895 for the Cayenne Diesel, including destination.Those are increases of $13,700 and $10,300 over the standard Cayenne and Cayenne Diesel, respectively.
So the Platinum Edition causes Porsche buyers to pay extra for options they would normally pay extra for. Sometimes, you just can’t win.
