The Quintessential Choice - Reviewing the 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera S [UK]

In the ever-evolving landscape of high-performance sports cars, the Porsche 911 stands as a steadfast beacon, a constant against the tide of change. The introduction of the generation brings significant updates, particularly the much-debated T-Hybrid system in the flagship GTS. But as the range adjusts, the non-hybrid 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera S, starting in the UK from £120,500, emerges as a more compelling proposition than ever a finely honed, immensely powerful distillation of the classic 911 experience.

Powertrain: Old-School Punch, New-School Power

The core of the Carrera S appeal remains its magnificent engine. It retains the 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged flat-six but, for the facelift, it has been fundamentally upgraded. Borrowing key elements and tuning previously reserved for the older GTS, the new S now produces a formidable 480 PS (473 hp) and 530 Nm (391 lb ft) of torque. This is a noticeable bump of 30 PS over its predecessor, propelling its performance well into the territory of the previous 991 and 997 generation Turbo models.

Paired exclusively with the lightning-fast 8-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission in the UK market, the S is devastatingly quick. Porsche quotes a 0-62 mph time of just 3.3 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package (3.5s without), on its way to a 191 mph top speed. Crucially, the engine’s delivery has been finessed. Thanks to new turbochargers and optimised charge-air cooling, the minimal turbo lag of the old car is all but eradicated. What remains is a prodigious, linear surge of torque available from little more than 2,000 rpm, culminating in a furious climax right up at the 7,500 rpm limiter. This gives the Carrera S a dual nature: immensely flexible and tractable for the daily commute, yet utterly ferocious when unleashed on a winding B-road or the track.

The accompanying soundtrack, delivered through the now-standard sports exhaust system, has also been improved. While perhaps not quite as raw or characterful as the new 3.6-litre hybrid GTS engine, the S still offers that distinct, metallic, flat-six snarl that is pure Porsche—a delightful roar under load, settling to a purposeful growl at idle.

Chassis: Precision Elevated

Performance in a 911 has always been about more than just straight-line speed; it’s about the chassis. The 992.2 Carrera S benefits from several key dynamic enhancements, making it arguably the most dynamic rear-wheel-drive Carrera S yet.

Standard equipment now includes Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV+), a feature previously reserved for the GTS. This electromechanical differential uses single-wheel braking and torque distribution to significantly improve cornering agility and traction. The car also gets larger, more potent brakes—discs measuring 408mm at the front and 380mm at the rear, taken from the previous GTS. The result is monumental stopping power and a reassuringly firm, predictable pedal feel that resists fade even under heavy track use.

On the UK's notoriously challenging roads, the standard Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) is a marvel. The damper programming and steering systems have been subtly refined, offering a minute but perceptible improvement in precision and responsiveness. In its Normal setting, the ride is supple and compliant, making it a genuine long-distance GT. Flick the standard rotary drive mode switch on the steering wheel to Sport or Sport Plus, however, and the body control tightens instantly, delivering a taut, communicative drive that encourages deeper exploration of its incredible grip limit. Optional features like the PASM sports suspension (lowered by 10mm) and rear-axle steering only amplify its dynamic excellence, pushing its capability closer to the GT models.

Design and Interior: Digital Integration, Classic Form

Visually, the 992.2 facelift is a subtle evolution of a timeless shape. New front and rear bumpers, revised lighting signatures (including the integration of all light functions into the main headlights), and the redesigned full-width rear light strip give it a fresh, cleaner look. The S model is distinguished by its staggered 20/21-inch wheels and red brake callipers.

The most significant change is within the cabin, where Porsche has finally succumbed to the digital age. The trademark five-dial instrument cluster, which has included an analogue central tachometer for decades, is gone. In its place is a 12.65-inch curved digital instrument cluster. While this may be a blow to purists, the digital screen is high-resolution and offers multiple display options, including a configurable five-gauge classic layout, ensuring the iconic look can be partially retained.

Thankfully, the rest of the cabin remains a masterclass in ergonomic quality. The materials are first-rate, and the driving position is perfect. The central infotainment display still governs most functions, but Porsche has wisely retained physical quick-select buttons for essential driving functions like the exhaust and suspension settings—a welcome concession to the driving experience. Crucially, the rear seats are now a no-cost option for the Coupé, reinforcing its unique position as the most practical everyday sports car.

Verdict: The Sweet Spot Reclaimed

The 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera S finds itself in a peculiar yet fortuitous position. With the GTS embracing a hybrid future, the S stands as the pinnacle of the non-electrified Carrera family. It effectively assumes the role of the old GTS, offering a significant power boost and performance hardware (like PTV+) that was previously only available further up the range.

For the UK driver, who demands a sports car capable of tackling everything from the M4 to the Highlands, the Carrera S is close to perfection. It has all the performance and dynamic hardware needed to feel incredibly special, but without the extra complexity, weight penalty, and cost of the new T-Hybrid system.

The £120,500 starting price positions it competitively between the still-brilliant-but-less-powerful entry Carrera and the more expensive, hybrid GTS. It represents the ultimate blend of performance, everyday usability, and classic 911 purity. If the question is which 911 offers the most potent and enjoyable driving experience before delving into the world of electrified propulsion, the answer is emphatically the 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera S. It is, once again, the definitive sweet spot of the entire range.