There’s a distinct sense of balance in this latest iteration of the Porsche 911 Turbo S — not only in terms of performance but also in the evolution of its identity. Since its inception in 1974, the 911 Turbo has been defined by its turbocharged flat-six engine. That once-iconic feature became less exclusive in 2016 when the entire 911 range, barring the naturally aspirated 991 GT3, transitioned to turbocharging. As a result, the 911 Turbo’s unique allure was diluted. It began to resemble the standard 911 Carrera more closely — but without any reduction in price. Understandably, this shift left some enthusiasts feeling that the Turbo had lost part of its essence.
Now, with the arrival of the 992-generation Turbo S, Porsche appears to be responding to years of criticism. The brand has attempted to fix a key flaw often attributed to the Turbo lineage: its somewhat numb handling. The old model, while blisteringly fast, was often viewed as too stable — lacking the agility and playful nature that many drivers associate with the 911 experience. This time, Porsche’s goal seems to have been to infuse the Turbo S with a sharper, more communicative character, drawing it closer in spirit to the Carrera.
Ironically, this makes the Turbo S conceptually overlap even more with the Carrera. It’s a curious situation where the flagship model has in many ways become a more expensive, more powerful version of its more accessible sibling. Priced at £168,900, the Turbo S costs nearly double the entry-level Carrera and places it firmly in the territory of luxury grand tourers like the Ferrari Roma.
So, what does this all mean for the latest Turbo S? Has Porsche created the ultimate expression of the all-weather supercar — one that harks back to the 1988 Porsche 959 in its everyday usability and cutting-edge performance? Or is it now an overly expensive indulgence, catering only to those who value excess and can afford it?
The Bigger Picture
The Porsche 911 family continues to expand rapidly. The imminent launch of the GT3 RS will stretch the model line even further. As it stands, the only notable absence is a 992-generation GT2 or GT2 RS — both high-performance iterations that have yet to be confirmed.
For now, the Turbo S sits at the top in terms of power output. However, it’s not the priciest model in the lineup thanks to the limited-run Sport Classic, which adds an extra layer of exclusivity and nostalgia.
The Positives
Let’s begin with what the 911 Turbo S gets right. The performance remains utterly breathtaking — even in an era where electric supercars are redefining acceleration benchmarks. Despite the onslaught of high-tech rivals, few can match the Porsche’s blend of pace, predictability, and practicality.
It’s also surprisingly usable. No other car in this segment combines such relentless performance with genuine day-to-day drivability. Whether navigating a rain-soaked motorway or tackling tight city streets, the Turbo S remains composed and capable.
Most importantly for long-time critics, the handling has taken a noticeable step forward. It feels more alive, more responsive, and more involving than the previous generation. This newfound dynamism is likely to win over many drivers who previously saw the Turbo as too refined for its own good.
The Drawbacks
But this level of performance and prestige comes at a cost — and not a small one. At nearly £170,000, the Turbo S is a serious financial commitment. The question lingers: is it truly twice as good as a Carrera 4 GTS? Some may argue not.
There’s also the issue of refinement. Like all 911 variants, road noise remains an issue on long motorway journeys. While the chassis can handle grand touring with ease, the constant tyre roar undermines its long-distance comfort credentials.
Final Thoughts
The 992-generation Porsche 911 Turbo S is arguably the most complete version of the car yet. It remains ferociously quick, now with added agility and engagement that better aligns with the 911’s iconic driving DNA. Porsche has clearly listened to the feedback and responded with a car that feels less like a blunt-force missile and more like a precision instrument.
However, as the boundaries between Turbo and Carrera continue to blur, and as electric rivals gain ground, one must ask whether the Turbo S’s high price tag is still justified. For those who want the fastest, most capable, and most versatile 911 available today, the answer is likely a resounding yes. For others, the increasingly talented Carrera range may offer more than enough — at a significantly lower cost.
