2019 – 2024 Porsche 911 (992.1) Carrera 4S – Reviews, Pricing, Specs & Buyers Guide
If you wanted one 911 that does it all—winter confidence, road-trip comfort, devastating point-to-point pace—the 992.1 Carrera 4S Coupe was the bullseye from launch in 2019 through the end of the pre-facelift run in 2024. It pairs the S-spec twin-turbo flat-six with active all-wheel drive, modern chassis tech, and (from 2020) an available seven-speed manual, delivering the blend of speed, security, and tactility that makes the 4S a perennial sweet spot. This guide covers the story, specs, tech, how it drives, year-to-year notes, options that matter, real-world reviews, market context, and buyer tips.
Origins & Positioning
Porsche unveiled the 992 generation at the end of 2018, rolling out the Carrera S and Carrera 4S first. The headline was a reworked 3.0-liter twin-turbo flat-six rated at 443 hp and 390 lb-ft, backed by a new 8-speed PDK and a stiffer, wider platform loaded with electronics, including the debut of Porsche Wet Mode. Wet Mode uses acoustic sensors in the front wheel housings to detect spray and pre-condition the chassis and stability systems for slippery conditions—a real advantage in foul weather and a natural fit for the AWD 4S mission. From day one, the 4S sat above the base Carrera and alongside the rear-drive S, trading a few pounds of mass for superior off-the-line traction and poor-weather assurance. In April 2020, Porsche announced that a seven-speed manual could be ordered at no extra cost on all Carrera S and 4S models (coupe and cabriolet), bundled with Sport Chrono—a major win for purists who wanted AWD with a clutch pedal. Porsche’s U.S. announcement confirmed the option for the 2020 model year.
Powertrain, Driveline & Chassis
- Engine: 3.0-liter twin-turbo flat-six (M9A family)
- Output: 443 hp @ 6,500 rpm; 390 lb-ft @ 2,300–5,000 rpm (U.S. 2020 spec)
- Redline: 7,500 rpm
- Transmissions: 8-speed PDK dual-clutch (standard at launch), 7-speed manual (from MY2020, no-cost option; paired with Sport Chrono)
- All-wheel drive: Porsche Traction Management (PTM) can send most of the torque to the front axle when needed yet feels rear-biased when dry—key to the 4S’s neutral balance.
- Chassis & hardware: MacPherson strut front; multi-link rear; variable-ratio EPAS (about 15.0:1 on-center, 12.25:1 off-center) with a slightly quicker on-center when optioned with rear-axle steering; 350/350 mm steel rotors with 6-piston front/4-piston rear calipers; PCCB ceramics (410/390 mm) optional. Standard stagger: 245/35 ZR20 front and 305/30 ZR21 rear on 20/21-inch wheels.
- Dimensions & weight (2020 U.S. spec): length 177.9 in, width w/o mirrors 72.9 in, height 51.2 in, wheelbase 96.5 in, Cd 0.31, frunk 4.66 cu-ft, rear seats 9.32 cu-ft (cargo with seatbacks folded). Curb weight: 3,487 lb (PDK); 3,402 lb (manual). Fuel tank: 17.6 gal on 4S.
Performance: Paper vs. Reality
Porsche’s own numbers are—as always—conservative. Officially, the Carrera 4S PDK is good for 0–60 mph in 3.4 seconds (or 3.2 with Launch Control), 11.8–11.6 s quarter-mile, and a 190-mph top track speed. Manual cars are rated 4.0 s to 60 and 190 mph flat out. Independent tests show how savage the 4S can be with AWD traction and PDK launches: Car and Driver recorded 0–60 in 2.8 seconds in a 2020 Carrera 4S PDK, with repeatable, drama-free launches. MotorTrend’s instrumented testing put the 4S nose-to-nose with its rear-drive siblings, clocking ~3.0 s to 60 and ~11.2 s quarter-miles—evidence that the real-world gap between S and 4S is tiny and often favors the AWD car on imperfect surfaces.
Signature Tech: Wet Mode & Infotainment
Porsche Wet Mode is unique to the 992: acoustic sensors detect water spray in the wheel housings, the car suggests Wet Mode in the cluster, and control systems (including torque distribution and aero strategy) adjust for stability—valuable for an AWD daily. Porsche’s own tech primers for the 992 dive into how it works and why it’s different from basic wiper rain sensors.
PCM 6.0 (MY2022-on): In January 2022, Porsche rolled out infotainment updates—including Android Auto support and a refreshed interface—for 911s running PCM 6.0 (model-year dependent). If Android is important to you, target 2022-on cars or confirm the head-unit/software on a used 2019–2021 example.
How It Drives
Explosive yet calm. The 4S’s character is defined by traction and composure. The small, fast-spooling turbos deliver instant shove from low revs; PDK anticipates your next move; and PTM puts the power down with relentless efficiency. Reviewers consistently note how hard the 992 hooks up and how consistently it reproduces its numbers—Car and Driver’s 2.8-second blast to 60 mph is the headline; MotorTrend’s nearly identical runs underline the car’s repeatability.
Manual magic. The 7-speed manual trades tenths for involvement. Throws are light and precise, and the bundle with Sport Chrono brings dynamic engine mounts and rev-matching. For many enthusiasts in four-season climates, a manual 4S is the perfect “forever 911”: year-round ability with the engagement of a clutch pedal. Porsche’s manual availability announcement made waves precisely because it paired AWD with a no-cost stick.
Daily breadth. Long-term impressions from Top Gear’s time with the 992 emphasize the interior’s tactile quality and how the car feels special even in routine use; Edmunds likewise calls the 992 “the middle ground between touring and scintillating performance.” That duality—effortless speed and everyday harmony—is the 4S’s calling card.
Specifications (quick reference: 2020 911 Carrera 4S Coupe, U.S.)
- Engine: 3.0-L twin-turbo flat-six — 443 hp / 390 lb-ft
- Redline: 7,500 rpm
- Transmissions: 8-spd PDK or 7-spd manual (MY2020+)
- Drivetrain: Active AWD (PTM)
- 0–60 mph (PDK): 3.4 s; 3.2 s with Launch Control
- ¼-mile (PDK): 11.8 s (11.6 w/ LC)
- Top speed: 190 mph
- Brakes: 350/350 mm steel (PCCB 410/390 mm optional)
- Wheels/Tires: 20″/21″ — 245/35 & 305/30
- Curb weight: 3,487 lb (PDK); 3,402 lb (manual)
- Cargo: 4.66 cu-ft frunk; 9.32 cu-ft behind front seats (coupe)
(Independent testing: 0–60 as quick as 2.8–3.0 s and quarter-miles near 11.2 s.)
Year-to-Year Highlights (992.1, 2019–2024)
- 2019 (launch): 992 S/4S debut with 443 hp, 8-spd PDK, wider track/body, and Wet Mode.
- 2020: 7-spd manual added as a no-cost option (with Sport Chrono) on S/4S coupes & cabs; first U.S. manual deliveries begin.
- 2021: Running changes (packages/trim) as Porsche fleshes out the broader 992 range.
- 2022: PCM 6.0 infotainment update adds Android Auto and UI refinements for applicable 911s.
- 2023–2024: Late-cycle tweaks; the basic 4S formula holds until the 992.2 refresh (MY2025+), which is outside this guide’s scope.
Options & Packages That Matter
- Sport Chrono Package. Mode switch, performance timers, Launch Control (PDK), dynamic engine mounts—standard with manual, highly recommended for PDK. It’s also what unlocks Porsche’s quicker official times.
- Rear-Axle Steering. Shrinks the car in tight bends, adds high-speed stability—especially nice on technical roads or if you regularly parallel-park.
- PASM / PASM Sport (-10 mm). Standard PASM is brilliantly judged for real roads; PASM Sport suits smooth pavement or frequent track time.
- PCCB (ceramic brakes). Lighter unsprung mass, huge fade resistance; spectacular but expensive to repair. Steels are excellent for street use.
- Front-Axle Lift. A sanity saver for steep drives and city life.
- Driver-assist & comfort. Adaptive cruise, lane keep, heated/ventilated seats—these don’t blunt the 4S’s dynamics and make daily life better.
Reception: What the Press Said
- Car and Driver (4S PDK By the Numbers): Launch control + AWD traction = 2.8 s to 60; brutal repeatability. “Ruthless” is the right word for how the program converts fuel into forward motion
- MotorTrend (First Test): 4S runs ~3.0 s to 60 and ~11.2 s in the quarter; consistency across S and 4S models was “shocking,” with the AWD setup not hurting—and sometimes helping—straight-line results.
- Top Gear (long-term 992): Daily usability and interior tactility praised; every interaction “so satisfying,” from steering to damper control.
- Edmunds (2020 911 family): “Expertly fills the middle ground between touring and scintillating performance.” If the coupe’s soundtrack is more muted than old air-cooled cars, the dynamic completeness remains benchmark.
Buying Guide: What to Look For (Used 2019–2024 4S Coupe)
- Transmission choice & use case. PDK is devastatingly quick and effortless in traffic; 7-MT (2020+) offers engagement and a bit less mass. Manual cars include Sport Chrono by default—nice for resale and responsiveness. Try both if possible.
- PCM version & smartphone needs. If Android Auto matters, target MY2022+ or confirm PCM 6.0 on the car you’re considering; earlier cars typically don’t retrofit to full parity.
- Wheels/tires & alignment. The 20/21 stagger gives mighty traction but can hide inner-shoulder wear on the 305/30 rears. Inspect inner barrels for rash; ask for alignment records, especially on cars with rear-steer or PASM Sport.
- Brakes. Steel rotors are stout for street miles; look for lip ridges and pedal pulsation. PCCB lasts a long time on road but is costly to replace—inspect rotor faces carefully.
- Underbody & nose. Check undertrays and splitters for scrapes; front-axle lift is a worthwhile option in urban areas.
- Wet-weather systems. Wet Mode should recommend activation when you drive through standing water and the sensors detect spray; any persistent warnings deserve a diagnostic scan.
- Documentation & options. A build sheet/window sticker helps price the car correctly. Value-relevant options include Sport Chrono (standard on manuals), rear-axle steering, PASM Sport, PCCB, lift, and comfort/assist tech.
Ownership Experience
Driven gently, the 4S is a quiet, refined GT with a big-tank cruise range (17.6 gal on 4S) and a cabin that wears mileage well. Driven hard, it’s ferociously effective thanks to PTM traction and the 992 platform’s stiffness; it also feels unusually secure in the wet because of Wet Mode’s pre-conditioning and the natural advantage of AWD. Consumables are sensible for the performance on tap: rear tires will go first; steel brakes live long road lives; and fuel economy sits around 20 mpg combined (EPA, 2020).
Pricing & Value (context)
At launch, S/4S pricing landed well into six figures before options, with the 4S premium reflecting AWD hardware; exact MSRP varied by market and spec, but the 4S’s performance-per-dollar made a compelling case versus turbocharged rivals. As the pre-facelift years progressed, options and late-cycle price creep widened spread considerably. On the used market by 2024, spec, mileage, condition, and gearbox drove values more than tiny model-year deltas; PDK cars are plentiful, while manual 4S coupes are rarer and can command premiums for the right color/option combos. (When cross-shopping 992.2 news, remember the figures above refer to 2019–2024 992.1 cars.)
Verdict
The 992.1 911 Carrera 4S Coupe is the consummate all-round 911. It’s as fast as anyone reasonably needs a road car to be—sub-3-second 0–60s in independent testing—yet it’s also a beautifully finished, low-drama daily with genuine four-season ability. The PDK version is ruthlessly effective; the 7-speed manual trades a few tenths for an extra layer of connection and comes bundled with Sport Chrono. Add in the 992’s Wet Mode, the option of rear-axle steering, and the PASM bandwidth, and you have a car that’s both calm and brilliant wherever you drive it. Spec it thoughtfully, confirm the PCM and roof-of-garage (lift) boxes that matter to you, and you’ll own the version of the modern 911 that might just fit your life every day of the year—without ever feeling ordinary.
What We Said At Launch
Like the rest of Carrera S models, the Carrera 4S is powered by the same 3.0-liter twin-turbo flat-six that makes 443 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. It also comes standard with the same eight-speed twin-clutch automatic transmission with the same gear ratios, except the 4S with an added clutch and differential up front.
Porsche has developed an all-new Wet Mode, which is included as standard. The 4S detects water on the road, preconditions the stability control and anti-lock brake systems accordingly, and warns the driver. A camera-based warning and brake assist system detects the risk of collision with moving objects and initiates emergency braking if necessary.
The 4S all wheel drive system was further developed from the last generation 991.2 Carrera 4S. The increased performance is thanks to further development of the front axle drive. The clutch and differential unit are now water-cooled and have reinforced clutches to increase durability and load capacity. The increased actuating torques of the clutches improve the latter’s adjustment accuracy and thus the capability of the driven front axle. The enhanced front axle drive in combination with Porsche Traction Management (PTM) promote a further enhancement to the already impressive traction on snow, as well as in wet and dry conditions.
Performance-wise, all-wheel drive doesn’t make a big difference to the straight line numbers. 0 – 60 mph in the Carrera S is 3.3 seconds while the Carrera 4S does it in 3.2 seconds (both with Sport Chrono Package that gives you launch control). Over the quarter-mile, the Carrera 4S is 0.1 second slower than the Carrera S, with a crazy-fast time of 11.6 seconds. Top speed is more than enough at 190 mph.
Motortrend: The only car that I literally had to intervene with myself to stop lapping,” he said. “It’s so controllable, so right, that you keep on wanting to experience it. It’s so balanced and then re-balance-able while cornering that you can position it just where you want it.
While the numbers say you would not lose any measured performance if you opt for a 992 Carrera 4S versus the Carrera S, you certainly would gain on-throttle traction in wet or snowy conditions with AWD. What you would surrender is the intimacy a driver feels through the steering wheel if you seek the squiggly red lines on the map instead of the straight green ones. It’s a tiny difference, but it’s a difference a Porsche driver, or test driver, would notice. The benefit of the 4S is the all-weather traction in the cold and for a lot of drivers who live in colder climates, that worth the trade-off.
The current Porsche 911 Carrera 4S utilizes the same engine as the previous generation: a 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged flat-six. However, thanks to a raft of changes that includes new turbochargers, electric wastegates, new injectors and other fresh bits and baubles, output rises 13 horsepower to 443 and 22 pound-feet of torque to 390.
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Press Release
November 27, 2018
The new 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera S and 4S – more powerful, more dynamic, unmistakably a 911
The eighth generation of an icon: Spectacular world premiere in Los Angeles
Atlanta. Faster, more emotional, and more connected – the eighth generation of the Porsche 911 is here. On the eve of the Los Angeles Auto Show, the new 911 celebrated its world premiere at the Porsche Experience Center Los Angeles. With an exterior that unmistakably reflects the Porsche design DNA, a more muscular look, and a completely new interior layout, the new 911 is both timeless and modern. The next generation of flatsix turbocharged engines has been further developed to be more powerful than ever before, delivering 443 horsepower in the S models. Using an improved injection process, as well as a new layout for the turbochargers and intercoolers, the efficiency of the engine has been further optimized. Power is delivered by a new eight-speed, dual-clutch transmission. New assistance systems such as the standard Porsche Wet Mode for increased driver awareness on wet roads, and the optional Night Vision Assist with a thermal imaging camera, are part of the broadened array of available active driver assistance features. The new Porsche Communication Management (PCM) with a larger 10.9-inch touchscreen display (up from 7.0 inches in the previous car) and comprehensive connectivity, optional Adaptive 18-way Sport Seats Plus with improved lateral support, re-tuned PASM dampers, and extended digital features all ensure greater comfort and everyday usability.
911 Carrera S models with 443 horsepower
The turbocharged flat-six engine of the 911 Carrera S and 911 Carrera 4S now produces 443 horsepower. This corresponds to an increase of 23 horsepower compared with the previous model. Equipped with the 8-speed PDK dual clutch transmission as standard, the rear-wheel-drive 911 Carrera S Coupe needs just 3.5 seconds to reach 60 miles per hour from standstill, and the 911 Carrera 4S Coupe with all-wheel drive takes only 3.4 seconds. This makes both cars 0.4 seconds faster than the previous model in each case. This advantage is increased by a further 0.2 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package, to 3.3 seconds for the Carrera S and 3.2 seconds for the Carrera 4S. The top track speeds are now 191 miles per hour (911 Carrera S) and 190 miles per hour for the all-wheel-drive version. A manual transmission will be offered at a later date.
Clear design language, unmistakable identity
The exterior design has been revamped and underlines the leap in performance of the new Porsche 911. Significantly wider wheel housings arch over large 20-inch front wheels and 21-inch rear wheels. At the front, the body width has increased by 45 millimeters (1.77 inches), making room for a wider front track. Correspondingly, the rear body width on both 911 Carrera S and 911 Carrera 4S has increased to 1,852 mm (72.91 in), the width of the previous 911 Carrera 4 and 911 GTS models. Flush integration of the electric door handles that extend outward when needed emphasizes the tapered and smooth side contour. Between the new LED headlights, the front luggage compartment lid with pronounced contours evokes the design of the first 911 generations. The rear is dominated by the significantly wider, variable-position rear spoiler and the seamless, elegant light bar which is now a feature on both two- and four-wheel drive variants. With the exception of the front and rear fasciae, the entire outer skin is now made of aluminum.
The completely new interior is characterized by the clear and straight lines of the dashboard with recessed instruments. Porsche 911 models from the 1970s provided the inspiration here. Left and right of the centrally positioned tachometer, which is characteristic for Porsche, two thin, frameless, free-form displays provide the driver with information. The PCM can be operated quickly and intuitively thanks to the new architecture. Located underneath the screen, a compact switch panel with five buttons provides direct access to key vehicle functions. In terms of digitalization, the 911 is more connected than ever before thanks to new functions and services. The standard PCM system features Porsche Connect Plus including online traffic information based on swarm data. (A subscription is required after an initial 12-month trial period.)
*The availability of Porsche Connect services is dependent on the availability of wireless network coverage which may not be available in all areas, and may be subject to eventual technology sun-set or deactivation, thus nullifying services. The vehicle equipment necessary to use Porsche Connect is only available factory-installed, and cannot be retrofitted. Likewise, the vehicle equipment may not work with future mobile networks yet to be deployed. Some functions may require separate subscriptions, or data charges may apply.
New assistance systems increase safety and comfort
As a world first, Porsche has developed the Wet Mode, which is included as standard equipment on the new Porsche 911. This function detects water on the road, preconditions the stability control and anti-lock brake systems accordingly, and warns the driver. A camera-based warning and brake assist system, also fitted as standard, detects the risk of collision with moving objects and initiates emergency braking if necessary. Night Vision Assist with a thermal imaging camera is optionally available for the 911 for the first time. The Adaptive Cruise Control option includes automatic distance control, stop-and-go functionality, and an innovative Emergency Assist function.
The 2020 911 Carrera S has a base MSRP of $113,200, while the 2020 911 Carrera 4S will be offered starting at $120,600, each not including the $1,350 delivery, processing and handling fee. The models can be ordered now and are expected to reach U.S. dealers in summer 2019. *Updated on June 28, 2019 to reflect current pricing for delivery, processing and handling.
