2019 Porsche 911 the new 911 Carrera Cabriolet Review

The Malaysian supercar market has never lacked classic masterpieces, but models that precisely balance the needs of driving enthusiasts and daily practicality tend to stand out more— and the 2019 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet is exactly such a highlight. As a convertible version of the 911 family, it retains its iconic sporty genes while expanding its usability through a convertible design and configuration upgrades. In this test drive, we will focus on evaluating its dynamic performance in road driving, its comfort with the top down, and its core advantages when compared to competitors in the same price range.

At first glance, the 2019 911 Carrera Cabriolet retains its classic frog-eyed silhouette but has added a modern touch through its details. The front features LED headlights with a smoked finish, sharp internal light bands, and a trapezoidal lower grille, creating a strong sporty vibe. The body side profile is streamlined, with a fastback design consistent with the 911 Coupe version, complemented by 19-inch front wheels/20-inch rear wheels paired with 235/40 ZR19 front tires and 295/35 ZR20 rear tires, offering a highly impactful visual effect. The rear has the most noticeable changes: a continuous LED tail light replaces the separated design of the old model, paired with a small ducktail spoiler, which not only enhances its recognition but also optimizes aerodynamics. The soft-top convertible mechanism is ingeniously designed—it can be opened or closed within 12 seconds and can operate at speeds below 50 km/h, offering adequate flexibility for daily use.

Sitting inside, the interior strikes a good balance between luxury and technology. The dashboard is wrapped in large areas of soft-touch materials and accented by metallic trims, delivering solid tactile quality. The 10.9-inch touchscreen in the center console is the visual focal point, offering a clean interface and smooth operation comparable to mainstream smart car systems, with configurations such as lane departure warning and dual-zone automatic climate control intuitively adjustable through the screen. The multifunction steering wheel retains Porsche's classic three-spoke design, with the left buttons controlling driver assistance functions and the right buttons handling multimedia; the button feedback feels crisp, and the touch is solid. The space performance is a pleasant surprise: despite a wheelbase of only 2,450mm, the front seats offer excellent wraparound support. Passengers standing 180cm tall will find ample headroom and legroom. The rear seats are better suited for short distances or as storage for backpacks, making their practicality better than expected. As for storage space, the front trunk provides a capacity of 132 liters, enough to fit two carry-on suitcases, and door storage slots as well as the center armrest compartment can accommodate everyday small items.

Dynamic driving is the core strength of this car. It is equipped with a 3.0T turbocharged six-cylinder engine, delivering a maximum power of 385PS and a peak torque output range of 1950-5000rpm, paired with a 7-speed DCT gearbox. In normal mode, the power output feels smooth, and there’s no sudden surge when starting, but once the accelerator is pressed down hard, the maximum torque that kicks in at 1950rpm is swiftly delivered. Mid-range acceleration for overtaking is crisp and decisive. Switching to Sport mode, the gearbox shift logic becomes visibly aggressive, with prompt rev-matching upon downshifts. The official 0-100 km/h acceleration time is 4.4 seconds, and in actual tests, flooring the accelerator maintains a strong pushback sensation even in the mid-to-high-speed range, perfectly in line with the supercar positioning.

Handling remains the strong suit of the 911. The front MacPherson independent suspension tuning leans towards firmness but isn’t harsh – when going over speed bumps, the suspension quickly absorbs the bumps with no excessive body bounce; on mountain roads, the steering is precise with almost negligible play, and the body rolls minimally when cornering. The 295mm wide rear tires provide ample grip, maintaining stability even during quick lane changes. Fuel consumption is more economical than expected: around 11L per 100km in city driving and about 8L per 100km during highway cruising. For a 3.0T supercar, these numbers are quite practical. Noise control is commendable: in hardtop mode, wind and road noise are well suppressed, and at 120km/h on the highway, inside conversations don’t require raising your voice. With the convertible top down, the wind deflector above the windshield automatically elevates, effectively reducing disruptive airflow. When driving below 80km/h with the roof open, your hair won’t get messy.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2019 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet are prominent: it inherits the sporty DNA of the 911 family while lowering the "fun barrier" with its convertible design and practical features. Compared to competitors in the same price range, such as the Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster or the BMW M8 Convertible, it offers superior handling precision and better everyday usability. This car is best suited for two types of people: first, driving enthusiasts seeking a “multi-purpose vehicle” – one that can be used for daily commuting during the week and for mountain or seaside drives on the weekends; second, young consumers who value brand sophistication – its luxury feel and recognizability fully meet the needs of social occasions.

In summary, the 2019 911 Carrera Cabriolet is not a "pure track toy" but an "all-round supercar" that balances driving pleasure with everyday practicality – it upholds the spirit of the 911 while incorporating a convertible design and thoughtful features that make supercars no longer a "weekend exclusive." If you’re looking for a luxury convertible that satisfies your desire to drive and handles everyday commuting, this is an option you can't ignore.