Porsche 911 Review

The iconic Porsche 911 has been honed and perfected over six decades and features unique handling characteristics defined by its rear engine layout. The teardrop-shaped sportscar, at its peak, comes in over 20 variants, each offering a slightly different driving experience. It ranges from the base Carrera to the high-tech Carrera GTS t-hybrid to the powerful cruiser that is the Turbo S to the track focused GT3 RS.

Porsche 911 exterior design and engineering

A Porsche 911 is unmistakable on the road, with its instantly recognisable silhouette, oval headlamps and round tail-lamps. It uses staggered wheel sizes, front and rear, there are plenty of optional cosmetic add ons, and higher performance versions feature more aggressive aerodynamics packages. Some may find it too subtle looking for the asking price, though.

Porsche 911 interior space and comfort

The 911 is now a two-seater as standard, though rear seats can be added at no cost in most variants. The driving position is near perfect, with great visibility and superb ergonomics. Quality is impeccable and here too there are many options to enhance the interior’s appearance. The 135-litre front boot can easily carry a couple of weekend bags.

Porsche 911 performance and refinement

There are several flat six engines on offer, ranging from a 394hp, 3.0 twin-turbo, to a 543hp, 3.6 hybrid, to a naturally aspirated 4.0 that revs to 9,500rpm, each with its own unique appeal. While the Carrera has sufficient performance, it’s not quite as effortless as higher models; the GTS t-hybrid and Turbo S models pack near-supercar performance. The GT3 RS and ST, however, deliver a race-car like high-revving experience, uncorrupted by turbocharging.

Porsche 911 mileage

While fuel economy is not the priority in any sportscar, the Porsche 911 mileage is not as low as you might think. On the WLTP cycle, the 911 Carrera is rated at 9.66kpl, the GTS t-hybrid at 9.34kpl, the Turbo S at 8.23kpl and the GT3 RS at 7.58kpl.

Porsche 911 ride comfort and handling

Apart from the track-focused 911 GT3 RS, the Porsche 911 is relatively comfortable over bumps. Adaptive dampers are standard, making it a surprisingly competent everyday car or long-distance tourer. The nose-lift kit is essential for India, though. Handling is the 911’s highlight with a uniquely rearward weight bias and sharp steering. It’s easy to get used to and immensely rewarding to master.

Porsche 911 features and safety

Porsche is infamous for its options lists, and that’s the case here too. While even the basic 911 is well equipped with the likes of a 12.6in touchscreen, digital dials, navigation, Matrix LED headlamps, leather upholstery and 8-speaker audio, you can add several lakhs worth of options. On the safety front a rear-view camera, front and rear park sensors, 6 airbags and ISOFIX mounts are standard.

Porsche 911 price and verdict

The Porsche 911 price in India has gone up in recent years with even the base model now costing Rs 2.11 crore before options, the GTS costing Rs 2.83 crore and rare models like the ST going past Rs 4 crore. However, it boasts of a variety that no other sportscar offers, and there is truly a 911 for everyone. No matter which you choose, the driving experience comes first and it is sublime, whether on a track, or in everyday use.

READ THE FULL REVIEW: 911 GTS T-HYBRID

READ THE FULL REVIEW: 911 GT3 RS