OHLALA WAS INVITED TO SPEND THE DAY IN TWO OF PORSCHE’S NEW PLATINUM EDITION, THIRD-GENERATION, CAYENNE MODELS.
It’s hard to believe that 20 years have passed since the first-generation Porsche Cayenne was released in 2002. Encouraged by the car’s planet-wide success, the German automaker then released the second-generation Cayenne around 12 years ago, in 2010 – a model that has also enjoyed massive sales on a global scale.
Then, in 2017, the much anticipated third-generation Cayenne was launched, and was greeted with the same level of success the series has now become accustomed to.
Fast forward to 2022 and Porsche has decided to go one step further. They’ve now launched a new Platinum Edition of selected third-generation Cayenne models. This special edition of the mid-sized, luxury crossover SUV is characterised by exclusive design elements, as well as by additional standard equipment.
Third-generation models selected for the Platinum Edition include the Porsche Cayenne, the Porsche Cayenne S, the Cayenne E-Hybrid, as well as the corresponding coupé variants. This month, thanks to Porsche Centre Bahrain, the OHLALA team received the opportunity to test-drive not one, but two Platinum Edition Cayenne models, namely the Cayenne and the Cayenne S.
EXTERIOR
The dynamic design of these models can be appreciated from first glance, with their bold yet elegant looking exteriors.
At the front end, both the Cayenne and the Cayenne S feature enlarged air intakes, a clear indicator of their advanced performance capabilities. The horizontal light edges emphasise the width of the SUV, giving it an athletic appearance, even when standing still.
Both Cayenne models are fitted with LED lights as standard, combined with the Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS). This provides a variety of light modes including options especially designed for cornering.
The iconic Porsche lettering extends across the rear lights of the vehicles, featuring a three-dimensional design and an end-toend strip of narrow LEDs.
What we found most impressive were the new exterior design elements, only found on Platinum Edition models.
The Cayenne Platinum Edition is characterised by numerous model-specific details in satin-finish platinum. The inlays in the slats of the front air intakes, the Porsche lettering integrated in the LED rear light strip, the model designation at the rear, along with the standard 21-inch RS Spyder Design wheels (exclusively reserved for the Platinum Edition), are all painted in this distinctive looking colour.
This detailing adds hugely to the exclusive nature of these Cayenne models, making them feel like a new generation of their own.
Other special design elements of the Platinum Edition include the black trimmed sport tailpipes and rear windows, that emphasise the sporty and refined nature of this elite series.
INTERIOR
Upon interior inspection of these models, we were greeted by ergonomic, eight-way, power-adjustable front bucket seats, that are the very definition of both comfort and support.
The premium materials used throughout the interior consist of genuine wood-grain trim, leather upholstery with contrast stitching, along with soft-touch finishes.
Everything about the interior of these models exudes a sense of exclusivity and practicality.
There is plenty of head, shoulder and leg room for all occupants, throughout both models.
The volume of the storage compartments has been increased by 100 litres and now offers an impressive 770 litres – a capacity that can be greatly increased with the rear seats folded flat. This makes these Cayenne models very practical for day-to-day use. For those with children, the Cayenne’s LATCH system provides sets of anchors on both the outer rear seats, along with a tetheronly connection for the centre rear seat.
Once again it was the Platinum Edition special features that really caught our attention.
We found the Crayon seatbelts and brushed aluminium door entry sills, complete with ‘Platinum Edition’ logo, to add a touch of class, as did the ambient lighting, textured aluminium interior package and silver-coloured trims.
Other great Platinum Edition special features include the panoramic roof system, privacy glass, a Bose surround-sound system, along with the Porsche crest on the front and rear headrests.
A wide range of refinement options for the interior and exterior are also available – from selective changes to extensive modifications.
“What we found most impressive were the new exterior design elements, only found on Platinum Edition models.”
INFOTAINMENT & CONNECTIVITY
Our first impression of the infotainment system was that there were a lot of buttons on the dashboard. However, we quickly learnt how to navigate these controls, due to their optimal positioning and logical nature.
The Porsche Advanced Cockpit is fully integrated into the luxurious interior environment. A 12.3-inch, full-HD touchscreen is the heart of the latest generation Porsche Communication Management system (PCM), which we found to be both responsive and user-friendly.
An array of digital functions can be operated intuitively, including by voice control, whilst the standard Porsche Connect Plus allows access to the internet, online services and navigation. The driver has access to a central analogue tachometer, flanked by two seven-inch, full-HD displays that present relevant driving data. This can be controlled through the multi-function steering wheel.
We loved the beautifully designed, Platinum Edition analogue clock, conveniently located amongst the controls on the dashboard.
SAFETY & ASSISTANCE
As expected from Porsche, both the Cayenne and Cayenne S models have been equipped with a plethora of both safety and assistance features.
These include, as standard, ABS, Brake Assist, Night Vision Assist with thermal imaging camera, Lane Change Assist, Park Assist with Surround View, Tyre Pressure Monitor, Stability Control, Traction Control, Blind Spot Monitoring and a backup camera, just to name a few. Several airbags are also located throughout the interior of both the Cayenne and Cayenne S.
POWER & PERFORMANCE
Both of the models we tested house powerful turbo engines, eight-speed Tiptronic S gearboxes, and optimum chassis systems. First, we put the Cayenne model through its paces. Its sixcylinder, 3.0L turbo engine produces 340hp (250kW) and 450Nm of torque. This enables the model to accelerate from 0 – 100km/h in just 6.2 seconds, and to achieve a top-speed of 245km/h.
Next, the Cayenne S. This model is powered by a 2.9L, V6 engine with twin turbocharging. It delivers 440hp (324kW) and 550Nm of torque. It can surge from 0 – 100km/h in just 5.2 seconds and boasts a maximum speed of 265km/h – very impressive for an SUV weighing in at almost two tonnes!
We found both models to be remarkably responsive, with the Porsche Traction Management system (PTM) expertly distributing the driving force between the drive axles.
The cornering and braking abilities of these outstanding vehicles are second to none and we always felt in complete control, even at higher speeds and around tricky corners.
Additionally, these all-wheel-drive models offer a superior rough terrain experience. With four off-road modes available, including Mud, Gravel, Sand or Rocks. This ensures that the driver can select the right setup for the immediate terrain.
Furthermore, we appreciated the environmentally friendly nature of both the Cayenne and Cayenne S models with CO2 emissions of 217 – 210g/km, and 225 – 220g/km, respectively.
The Cayenne series was designed to combine typical Porsche performance with excellent day-to-day practicality. When enhanced to the Platinum Edition, the exceptional nature of these models is elevated to new heights.
For more information or to book a test drive of your very own, please call Porsche Centre Bahrain on 1745 9911.
@porschecentrebahrain