New Porsche 911 Carrera 4S 2025 — Test Drives and Expert Opinions

Journalists share first drive reviews of the Porsche 911 Carrera 4S and Targa 4S 2025: real impressions on balance, performance and daily usability.

Porsche continues to expand its legendary 911 lineup, marking the 60th anniversary of the Targa with three new all-wheel-drive versions. The latest Carrera 4S now comes as a coupé, cabriolet, and Targa 4S, doubling the number of AWD derivatives to six.

The refreshed 3.0-litre twin-turbo six-cylinder boxer engine delivers 353 kW (480 PS), adding 30 PS over the predecessor. This gain comes thanks to a redesigned intercooler system borrowed from the 911 Turbo. An eight-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission distributes power to all four wheels. According to Porsche, the Carrera 4S coupé sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.3 seconds and reaches a top speed of 308 km/h.

The AWD setup relies on Porsche Traction Management, maintaining a rear-driven character while shifting torque forward when needed — giving drivers extra confidence in unpredictable conditions. For the Targa, all-wheel drive has been standard since 2006, keeping the original ‘safety cabriolet’ true to its all-weather mission.

Sales in the US are set to begin in spring 2025, with starting prices at $146,400 for the coupé and $159,600 for the cabriolet. European pricing is yet to be confirmed. Demand for AWD remains strong: about half of all 911 S buyers opt for this drivetrain.

Standard equipment now includes 20/21-inch Carrera S wheels, Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus, and a sports exhaust system with the unmistakable 911 soundtrack. The brake system comes straight from the GTS, featuring red calipers and large discs. The Targa 4S also gets rear-axle steering as standard, while the coupé is delivered as a two-seater by default, with rear seats available at no extra cost.

Up against rivals like the Audi R8 and Mercedes-AMG GT, the new Carrera 4S and Targa 4S continue Porsche’s promise of combining sharp sports car dynamics with daily usability. Early test drives underline that the balance of comfort and precision remains intact — exactly what has kept the 911 beloved for decades.

The Targa idea, born back in 1965 out of safety concerns for traditional convertibles, has become part of Porsche’s DNA. Its elegant roll bar and fully automatic roof, which opens in just 19 seconds, pay tribute to that heritage while pushing the concept forward. Sixty years on, the Targa still stands as a symbol of freedom that Porsche keeps refining.