2026 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S: All-Weather Performance Returns to the S-Level

All-wheel drive returns to the 911 S lineup with more power and enhanced all-weather capability.

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Image Credit: Porsche

Key Takeaways

Key Takeaways

  • Porsche reintroduces all-wheel drive to the 911 S lineup after years of rear-wheel-drive exclusivity.
  • Power jumps to 473 horsepower, a 30-hp increase over the previous 4S generation.
  • Starting at $156,000, the 4S bridges the gap between Carrera S and GTS models.

Porsche has answered customer demands by bringing all-wheel drive back to the 911 S lineup for 2026. The new Carrera 4S variants arrive in coupe, cabriolet, and Targa configurations, filling a crucial gap in the lineup that many buyers have been requesting.

Your 3.0-liter twin-turbo flat-six now delivers 473 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque—a meaningful 30-hp bump over its predecessor. The eight-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission remains your only gearbox option, though manual enthusiasts will need to look elsewhere in the lineup.

Porsche claims 0-60 mph acceleration in just 3.1 seconds—matching the rear-wheel-drive Carrera S despite the added complexity of AWD. This speaks to the sophisticated calibration of the launch control system and the efficiency gains in modern drivetrains.

The all-weather capability addresses a real market need. Half of S-level buyers in the U.S. choose AWD when available, particularly in regions where rain or snow make rear-wheel drive impractical for daily use.

Your $156,000 starting price for the coupe positions the 4S as a sweet spot between the standard Carrera S and the more powerful, hybrid-assisted GTS. The cabriolet starts at $170,000, while the Targa commands $171,000.

Matrix LED headlights and updated 992.2-generation styling cues mark the exterior refresh, while extended leather trim elevates the cabin beyond previous S-level interiors. You’ll find the latest Porsche Communication Management system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.

The return of AWD to the S trim acknowledges that performance and practicality don’t have to be mutually exclusive. For buyers who want 911 dynamics without sacrificing year-round usability, the 2026 Carrera 4S delivers exactly what you’ve been waiting for.

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