2019 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Review

In Malaysia's supercar market, the 911 series has always been a benchmark choice that combines daily practicality with thrilling performance—it isn't as challenging to handle as a pure track machine but can unleash power comparable to top-tier sports cars when needed. The 2019 Carrera 4S, being the all-wheel-drive version of the 911 series, has very clear core selling points: a more stable all-wheel drive system, 450PS of turbocharged power, and Porsche's iconic handling quality. In this test drive, we focus on verifying its overall performance in city commuting, highway cruising, and mountain road driving to see if it truly balances "daily commuting" and "driving pleasure."

From the exterior, the 2019 Carrera 4S continues the classic fastback design of the 911 family, with smooth and muscular lines. At the front, the LED headlight assembly is sharp in design, with highly recognizable internal light strips; the intake vents on both sides of the front bumper are appropriately sized, ensuring sufficient cooling without compromising the overall simplicity. On the sides, the combination of 20-inch front wheels and 21-inch rear wheels looks very dynamic, with tire specifications of front 245/35 ZR20 and rear 305/30 ZR21, and the wide tires provide the foundation for strong grip. The door handles are hidden in design, reducing wind resistance while enhancing a sense of high-tech. The rear has relatively noticeable changes, with a through-type LED taillight assembly being the signature design of the new generation 911, providing an outstanding visual effect when lit; the diffuser below the rear bumper and the dual exhaust layout on both sides further enhance the performance look.

Stepping inside, the interior balances luxury and sportiness very well. The center console is wrapped in extensive soft materials, offering a delicate touch; a 10.9-inch touchscreen occupies the center, with a clear interface layout and smooth operation, supporting features like Bluetooth and CarPlay. The multifunctional steering wheel is made of leather, providing a solid grip. The left buttons control driving modes and cruise systems, while the right ones handle multimedia and phone functions. The front seats are sport-type in design, offering ample lateral support and equipped with electric adjustment features, ensuring comfort even during long drives; dual-zone automatic air conditioning is standard, allowing independent adjustment of temperatures for the driver and front passenger, which adds practicality. In terms of space, the vehicle measures 4519mm in length, 2024mm in width, and 1300mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2450mm. The front seating space is spacious, with adequate head and legroom even for passengers up to 180cm tall; the rear seats are more suitable for short trips or placing items, and can temporarily accommodate two passengers for daily commuting without much issue. The trunk has a capacity of 132 liters, sufficient to fit two carry-on suitcases, meeting storage needs for short trips; the interior is also equipped with multiple storage compartments, including a central armrest box and door storage slots, providing convenient locations for items like phones and wallets.

Starting the vehicle, the 3.0T turbocharged six-cylinder engine emits a deep and refined growl—less aggressive than a large naturally aspirated engine but enough to ignite driving enthusiasm. The engine delivers a maximum power of 450PS at 6500rpm and a maximum torque that can be continuously output in the range of 2300-5000rpm, paired with an 8-speed DCT transmission. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is just 3.6 seconds. During actual driving, the power response in the initial phase is swift, the throttle pedal feels linear, and a slight press provides a noticeable push-back sensation; mid-to-late acceleration is equally strong, and overtaking on highways only requires a firm press of the throttle, with the transmission quickly downshifting and delivering power on-demand. The all-wheel-drive system adds stability during wet conditions or rapid acceleration. Even on rainy highways, pressing hard on the accelerator does not cause any skidding.

In terms of handling, the steering is precise with minimal slack, and it provides clear feedback on road conditions during cornering; the performance of the MacPherson front independent suspension is impressive. On city roads, it can filter out most minor bumps, ensuring a certain level of comfort. While driving on mountain roads, the suspension provides sufficient support and controls body roll very well. The braking system is responsive, with a moderately long brake pedal travel, providing ample confidence. As for fuel consumption, it averages around 12L per 100km for city commutes and drops to about 8L on highways. For a supercar with 450PS, this performance is quite reasonable.

Regarding driving comfort, the vehicle has excellent noise control, with wind and tire noise kept within an acceptable range during highway cruising; the seats strike a good balance between cushioning and support, allowing for long drives without causing back pain. The standard single sunroof increases interior lighting, enhancing the riding experience.

Overall, the 2019 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S has some standout advantages: First, its all-wheel-drive system provides stability, allowing it to handle various road conditions effortlessly; second, the 450PS engine delivers ample power, meeting the needs of daily commuting as well as exhilarating driving experiences; third, its relatively practical space design makes it more suitable for daily use compared to many supercars in the same class. Compared with competitors like the AMG GT or Jaguar F-Type, the Carrera 4S's all-wheel-drive system is a significant advantage, and Porsche also has a higher brand value retention rate.

This car is best suited for those who pursue driving pleasure but need a supercar that can also handle daily commuting—for instance, younger entrepreneurs with a solid financial foundation, or enthusiasts who enjoy weekend drives on mountain roads but also need a car for daily work commutes. It’s not a pure track machine but strikes a perfect balance between “practicality” and “performance.”

In summary, the 2019 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S is a supercar with “no obvious shortcomings”: it offers ample power, stable handling, and good practicality. If you’re looking for a car that can balance daily usability and exhilarating performance, it’s definitely a worthy choice.