Porsche Cayenne Platinum Edition: Ride in style in the new Cayenne Platinum Edition

The association between Porsche and Road Cycling might not be one that is commonly made. But I beg to differ. As a young budding racer making the rounds in the Asian and Australian racing circuits, Porsche has always had a presence in the sport.

Back in my youth, the Drapac Porsche Cycling Team was one to behold. Often seen drilling it on the front of the peloton (cyclist speak for racing pack) or represented on the podium at professional level races in the Asian and European circuits in their bright Guards Red jerseys, ‘high performance’ was a key link that made this tie between the brand and a professional cycling team work.

Although the team eventually concluded in 2019, the association between Porsche and Road Cycling has remained (in my mind at least). And the Porsche Cayenne SUV could not be more fitting for this association. Especially with its blend of practicality, comfort and on-demand sportiness that calls to mind its high-performance roots.

With the rear seats folded down, it offers a colossal 1710 litres of boot space, meaning you will be able to load up the Cayenne with your bicycles with great ease – in fact, without needing to take either wheel off!

Unlike the Coupé version which we tested in Bangkok earlier this year, the Cayenne SUV has a slightly taller roof line, and is a little more squared off at the rear. This means you are able to bring along more than just a bicycle or two, and all the equipment, refreshments and luggage you need for any cycling trip with the bunch.

It is noteworthy that this same Platinum Edition Cayenne is also available locally, and this special series offers an exclusive range of coordinated design elements in a satin paint finish and extra equipment.

Standard features like its 21-inch RS SpyderDesign rims, Sports Tailpipes and Porsche Dynamic Light System, coupled with a rather warm and exquisite-feeling Mahogany colourway helps bring out the combination of sportiness and elegance that this special series has to offer.

But of course, the Cayenne is not all show without go. I can imagine the Cayenne SUV being a perfect companion for those trips made across the border to seek out more adventures on the bike.

After all, it is still a Porsche and I can’t imagine living without the dynamic ability and performance it has to offer. Its 340 PS and 450 Nm of torque may not be overly large numbers in the current world of performance cars, but the manner in which it delivers its power almost makes you forget that you are behind the wheel of a 2-and-a-bit tonne SUV.

Being an SUV, it unashamedly rides high, and appears to carry along quite a considerable amount of heft. But paired with its slick 8-speed Tiptronic gearbox and classic Porsche-esque handling characteristics, this SUV will (very surprisingly) point and shoot wherever you may go. Really ideal for city traffic!

But if its dimensions daunt you, fret not, for the Cayenne’s Park Assist for both its front and rear will help you place this SUV in any spot, no matter how tight it may be. It can be toggled through its fantastically crisp and clear Porsche Communication Management System, making it useful for tight spaces.

Once settled into the rhythm of day-to-day life, that of course also includes the usual commute to the office or the odd school runs for the children, the Cayenne, apart from having that sporty side to it, also functions well as a comfortable cruiser – especially useful for commutes back home after long days on the saddle with your mates on the weekends.

The range of standard features for this special Platinum Edition Cayenne extends to its interior. From the inside, we were left pampered by its 8-way powered adaptive sport seats, the symphonic tunes piped through its BOSE Premium Surround Sound System and soothing ambient lighting.

Having that large Panoramic Sunroof not only increases the sense of airiness and space within its cabin, but also brings out a certain sense of luxury as the sunlight hits its Mojave beige leather interior.

Is the Cayenne a perfect companion for all cyclists? It’s a definite ‘yes’. The naysayers might assert that any other people-carrier might check the same boxes for the needs for any active lifestyle, but in my opinion, there is no other SUV that is able to package such practicality with sporting credentials.

Not to mention, it would be pretty cool to have Porsche being represented in the peloton as a team car. Given the high-performance nature that both the brand and the sport represent, this match could not be more perfect.

The Cayenne pushes the boundaries in what premium SUVs are able to offer. And this very combination of traits that the Cayenne offers is one that any average-speed hunting, “Strava KOM” speedster will be able to appreciate.

Photos by Horizon Drivers' Club

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