Porsche 911 coupe (2011-2019) - Interior & comfort

The latest 911’s steering setup means the car is much more comfortable on motorways than before. Comfort-spec versions are extremely refined, too; when cruising in seventh gear on a smooth surface, it feels as if you could whisper to your passenger and they’d hear you perfectly. This isn’t true of lightweight versions like the Carrera T, however, with less sound proofing resulting in noticeable tyre roar at motorway speeds. The entry-level Carrera version has a comfortable ride for a sports car and the standard adaptive dampers mean you can make the ride softer or firmer depending on how you want to drive the car.

Considering its wild looks and even wilder performance, the GT3 is still remarkably comfortable on long journeys. Granted, its firm suspension does jar over urban potholes, but smooths out with speed and settles down on the motorway. As befits a car that embodies an endurance-racing spirit, the bucket seats are comfortable even for long stints behind the wheel.

Porsche 911 dashboard

Once behind the wheel, you immediately notice the trademark five-dial layout that includes a large, centrally mounted rev counter. The whole interior looks slick and modern, with plush materials and impeccable build quality throughout.

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The low driving position is actually very comfortable and the major controls are perfectly positioned. Most of the switchgear is arranged along the car’s wide transmission tunnel, while the standard – and updated – touchscreen infotainment system is easy and clear to use and read.

Equipment

Standard equipment on the basic 911 Carrera model includes bright bi-xenon headlights, LED rear lights, two-zone climate control, sports seats, split-folding rear seats, leather upholstery, DAB digital radio, a CD player, 19-inch alloy wheels and a tyre-pressure monitoring system. All versions also get the Porsche Communication Management system as standard, which includes a seven-inch touchscreen (which recognises swipe gestures like a smartphone) an internet connection and Apple CarPlay. You also get satellite navigation and Bluetooth phone connectivity.

As well as upgraded interior materials, the more powerful Carrera S adds 20-inch alloy wheels, a feature shared by the lightweight Carrera T, which sits between Carrera and Carrera S in the price list. Unlike the S, the T has thinner side glass, less sound insulation and no rear seat, for minimal (but evidently effective) weight saving. Visual identity can be confirmed by a model script on the engine cover and doors, as well as its shortened gear lever and unique fabric inserts to the seats. If you're really serious about saving weight, you can have the infotainment system deleted, too.

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The next step up in the range is the GTS. It, too, comes with 20-inch black alloy wheels, which colour-match the front splitter and special Sport Design bumper, as well as its GTS side sills and satin-black tailpipes. The car also wears smoked lenses over the rear lights and some subtle GTS decals on the doors. Inside buyers get added aluminium trim and a stopwatch on the dash. There’s also an updated version of the Porsche Track Precision app, letting you display driving data on your smartphone

The GT3 is best seen as a model in itself – it has its own aerodynamic features and an engine that isn’t shared with any other model. Meanwhile, Porsche 911 Turbo models feature the PDK gearbox as standard, as well as four-wheel drive, 20-inch ‘Turbo’ alloy wheels, a sporty bodykit, a Bose surround-sound stereo system, rear parking assistance, fully electric sport seats, a sports steering wheel and upgraded interior materials.

The 911 Turbo S adds ceramic brakes, the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control system, 20-inch ‘Turbo S’ alloy wheels, front and rear parking assistance, LED headlights, cruise control and Adaptive Sport Seats Plus.

Options

There’s a very long list of options for the Porsche 911, ranging from alternative interior colours and materials, to different alloy wheel designs, seats and more. Ticking just a few of them is a very easy way of spending lots of money, so it’s worth exercising caution when you’re choosing. Also bear in mind that while Porsches hold their value very well, your individual example might not if you decide to spend a fortune on a personalised banana yellow leather interior.

A couple of option boxes that are worth ticking, however, are the PDK gearbox (which should boost residual values as well as performance) and the Sport Chrono package, which helps to unlock even more performance. Ceramic-composite brakes come in at just over £6,000 as an option and are worth considering if you’ll take your 911 on a racetrack regularly.

The high-performance 911 GT2 RS is available with a Weissach Pack that cuts the car’s weight by 29kg and includes a body-coloured strip over the car’s carbon bonnet and roof.