The Porsche 911 Carrera has traditionally been the benchmark for the everyday sports car, but this latest 992.2 facelift feels like it has shifted its focus. It is now more of a high-performance Grand Tourer than a thoroughbred German sports car. While the engineering stays undeniably impressive, the move toward a more docile daily driver in its standard settings might leave some purists wanting more.
The updates for the 2025/26 model year bring more tech and a slight power bump, but they also bring a price tag that is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. If you are expecting a raw, visceral experience the moment you ignite the engine, you might be disappointed.
Pros
- Iconic Porsche styling
- Fast, fun, and loud in Sport Plus
- Perfect gear shifts from PDK transmission
Cons
- Lots of plastic
- More road noise than rivals
- Quite expensive
2025 Porsche 911 Carrera First Impressions
The 911 is still one of the most recognisable silhouettes on the road. This 992.2 update doesn’t mess with the formula much, which is a good thing. It looks gorgeous and maintains that traditional Porsche stance that works just as well in a supermarket car park as it does at a track day.
911 Carrera Key Features
- Matrix LED headlights and light bar
- Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM)
- Keyless Entry and Start
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 8-speed PDK transmission
The exterior design feels premium and substantial. It is wide—over two metres with the mirrors out—but it doesn’t feel oversized on a narrow British B-road. The £1,067 optional Vanadium Grey Metallic on this test car looks sophisticated, though it does little to hide the fact that this is now a very expensive piece of machinery.
How Does The Porsche 911 Carrera Drive?
The driving experience is a tale of two different cars depending on which mode you select on the steering wheel dial. In ‘Normal’ or ‘Sport’, the Carrera is rather tame. It is quiet (despite more road noise than its competitors), compliant, and almost boring to drive at a low speed. It filters out the road so effectively that it feels more like a scaled-down Panamera than a 911.
However, switching to ‘Sport Plus’ changes the character entirely. This is where the Porsche engineering finally shows up. The throttle response sharpens, the 8-speed PDK transmission becomes telepathic, the PASM sports chassis comes to life, and the engine and exhaust sound incredible. It is a precision tool in this mode, but it’s a shame you have to be doing higher speeds at maximum attack to feel that soul.
Porsche 911 Carrera (992.2) Performance Specifications
| Engine | 3.0L twin-turbo flat-six |
| Transmission | 8-speed PDK automatic |
| Horsepower | 394 BHP |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| 0-62 MPH | 4.1 Seconds |
| Top Speed | 183 MPH |
While the PDK is arguably the best dual-clutch transmission in the business, it contributes to the car’s slightly clinical, GT-like feel in daily traffic. I also think the lack of a manual on the base 911 Carrera is a missed opportunity for those who want engagement at lower speeds. However, the 911 Carrera T is manual, and its starting price matches that of my test car.
Ticking the Sport Chrono Package box brings a slightly faster 0-62 MPG sprint of 3.9 seconds, and adds a tyre temperature display, along with the Porsche Track Precision App.
Porsche 911 Carrera Fuel Economy
| Combined | |
| EPA Rated Economy: | 28.5 MPG |
| Fuel Economy As Tested: | 21.3 MPG |
My figures are slightly skewed due to average speed camera. I did see an average of 25 MPG at one point, but Sport Plus quickly dropped below 15. So, they were always less than the book figures, yet typical to sports cars, like the 5.0L supercharged V8 Jaguar F-Type R575 I reviewed last year. Since this is a smaller 3.0L six-cylinder, you might expect slightly better efficiency, but the 911’s performance makes up for it.
Interior Design And Comfort
Honestly, the cabin is a mix of high-end tech and some disappointing material choices. The 14-way adjustable sports seats are excellent and make this a viable car for long-distance road trips. However, for a car costing £115,382 as tested, there is a surprising amount of cheap-feeling plastic scattered around the dashboard and centre console. It doesn’t quite have the premium feel of earlier generations. Though, the same can be said across the whole Volkswagen group (except Škoda).
Technology And Ease Of Use
Though modern, the move to a fully digital dash is a point of contention. The new 12.6-inch screen behind the steering wheel is sharp and highly customisable, but losing the retro central tachometer takes away a bit of the 911’s identity. On the plus side, the inclusion of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto works seamlessly, and the wireless charging compartment is a practical addition for daily use. Another letdown was the speaker system; even with the optional Bose setup, the audio quality felt thin and lacked the punch you’d expect in this bracket.
Cargo And Storage Space
Well, storage is exactly what you expect from a rear-engined car. The frunk is deep enough for a couple of soft bags, but not much else. The rear seats are technically there, but they are claustrophobic. I wouldn’t even put children back there for anything longer than a five-minute trip. In fact, they are best treated as an upholstered parcel shelf.
| Minimum Luggage Compartment (front) | 135 Litres |
| Behind front seats | 261 Litres |
Should You Buy A Porsche 911 Carrera?
If you want a prestigious sports car that looks great on the commute to the office, but can just as easily devour a mountain pass, the 911 Carrera is a great choice. However, the price is the sticking point for me. This test car came in at over £115,000. You are paying a heavy premium for the 911 badge and the extra grand tourer refinement, even if you can’t use the rear seats.
For a similar price, you could have a new Mercedes-AMG GT 43 Coupe which offers more power as standard, or save a fortune on a Porsche Cayman GT4 — a car that reminds you what a Porsche should actually feel like.
How Much Does A 911 Carrera Cost?
The 992.2 has seen a significant price jump, with the base model now clearing the £100k mark before you even look at the options list. The starting price for a Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe is £103,700, climbing over £209,100 for a Carrera Turbo S Cabriolet.
| Model | Price |
| Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe (standard) | £103,700 |
| Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe (as tested) | £115,382 |
FAQs
How much does a Porsche 911 cost?
The Porsche 911 range starts from £103,700 for a 911 Carrera Coupe, up to £209,100 for the 911 Turbo S Cabriolet.
Does the 2025 Porsche 911 have a manual gearbox?
While most Carrera models are currently only available with the 8-speed PDK automatic transmission, the Carrera T and the GT3 models offer a manual gearbox.
Is the 2025 Porsche 911 a hybrid?
The base Carrera keeps a traditional twin-turbo petrol engine. However, the 911 Carrera GTS features the new T-Hybrid performance hybrid system.
Has the Porsche 911 got rear seats?
Yes, the Carrera comes with 2+2 seating as standard in the UK, though they are extremely cramped and mostly suitable for more luggage rather than passengers.