Introduced in 2002, the Cayenne->ke212 was Porsche'->ke1s first-ever SUV,->ke145 and despite being heavily criticized for going against the company's tradition as a sports car->ke506 manufacturer, the performance people hauler is credited for saving Porsche from financial downfall. The popular SUV was redesigned in 2010 and the second-gen model received its mid-cycle facelift for 2015, when all models, including the hybrid, gained updated or brand-new drivetrains. For 2016, Porsche is expanding the Cayenne lineup with the Platinum Edition.

Available for the base Cayenne and the S E-Hybrid version, the Platinum package gives the crossover->ke288 a sportier appearance by means of 911-->ke282spec wheels, beefier fenders, blacked-out chrome, and a special color palette. Inside, it adds more features to the usual standard equipment list, enhancing comfort and safety. Both models carry the same engine as their standard siblings under the hood, but that's far form surprising given the recent update. With 300 and 416 horsepower at their disposal, respectively, that's hardly an issue.

Both vehicles will arrive in U.S. showrooms in 2016, expanding the North American Cayenne lineup to no fewer than eight models.

Continue reading to learn more about the Porsche Cayenne Platinum Edition.

2016 Porsche Cayenne Platinum Edition

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2016 Porsche Cayenne Platinum Edition
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • Horsepower: 300
  • Torque: 295
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

What makes the Porsche Cayenne Platinum Edition special

The first thing that catches the eye when looking at the Cayenne Platinum are the large 20-inch RS Spyder design wheels. Usually available for the 911, they come in a multi-spoke configuration and are housed in wider wheel arches. The shiny finish of the rims provides a strong contrast with any of the SUV's exterior colors and a striking effect if paired with a black body.

Speaking of colors, the Cayenne Platinum is finished in either solid black or white as standard, while options include Jet Black, Purpurite, Mahogany, Carrara White, and Rhodium Silver. The wheel arch extensions are black as standard, but they can be finished in the same color as the body for an extra fee. Complementing the new look is high gloss black trim package that eliminates all the chrome.

The Platinum Edition also adds the Bi-Xenon headlamps with the Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS), which is optional on the standard SUV, dark-tinted privacy glass for the rear doors and rear windscreen, and automatic anti-glare features for the side mirrors.

The interior of the Cayenne also received extensive updates, starting with the stainless steel door sills with illuminated "Platinum Edition" lettering. The leather-wrapped sport seats are eight-way electrically adjustable and feature Alcantara center inserts and Porsche crests on the headrests. Additional equipment included in the standard package include anti-glare rear-view mirror, Power Steering Plus, and front and rear Park Assist.

All Platinum Edition models come with the latest generation Porsche Communication Management system that includes navigation, the Connect Plus module, and a BOSE Surround Sound premium audio system. The Cayenne S E-Hybrid Platinum Edition model also gets auxiliary interior air conditioning which allows the vehicle to be programmed to use the heater or air conditioning to pre-condition the cabin before the driver enters the vehicle.

Both models remain unchanged under the hood. The Cayenne Platinum uses the base 3.6-liter V-6 engine rated at 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque and the eight-speed Tiptronic S transmission with stop/start. The SUV needs 7.3 seconds to hit 60 mph from a standing start (7.2 ticks if equipped with Sport Chrono) and charges up to a top speed of 142 mph. Moving over to the S E-Hybrid model, it gets its juice from a 3.0-liter V-6 with 333 horsepower and 325 pound-feet and an electric motor good for 95 horses and 229 pound-feet. Total output sits at 416 horsepower and 435 pound-feet and provides a 0-to-60 mph sprint of 5.4 seconds on the way to a top speed of 151 mph.

Prices start from $65,600 for the Cayenne Platinum and $81,600 for the Cayenne S E-Hybrid Platinum, not including delivery and the $1,050 handling fee. Compared to the standard models, the Platinum Edition SUVs come at a premium of $6,000 and $2,900, respectively.

Porsche Cayenne

Introduced in 2010, the second-generation Cayenne arrived in showrooms with a redesigned exterior, significantly updated interior, and more powerful and fuel efficient gasoline and diesel engines. The SUV also gained a hybrid drivetrain shared with the Volkswagen Touareg. For 2015, the SUV received an extensive facelift that included a lengthy list of visual changes, interior upgrades, and updated powertrains. Slightly more aggressive by design, the facelifted Cayenne is also more fuel efficient than the previous model. Pricing for 2016 starts from $59,600 for the naturally aspirated range and from $114,700 for the Turbo models. The diesel version isn't offered in the United States.

Read our full review on the Porsche Cayenne here.