The Porsche 718 Boxster is one of the world’s most desirable convertibles – a car that combines open-top freedom with true sports car performance. Let’s take a closer look at its design, features and driving experience.
Porsche 718 Boxster Design and Style
The name “Boxster” comes from the combination of “boxer” (engine type) and “roadster” (convertible design). The “718” pays homage to Porsche’s legendary 550 racing car that scored over 1,000 victories. The 718 Boxster’s compact, low-slung design gives it incredible road presence. It looks stunning on the road.
At the front, it gets Porsche’s signature bi-xenon LED headlights with DRL, four parking sensors and headlight washers. The car’s air intake not only adds aggression but also improves cooling for the mid-mounted engine. Ground clearance is 128 mm, low, but suitable for Indian roads due to the short wheelbase.
Both the front and rear luggage compartments open electrically. The front “frank” offers 150 liters of space, while the rear offers 130 liters – practical enough for weekend trips.
Convertible roof
The biggest highlight, of course, is the soft-top roof. It can be opened or closed in just 9 seconds and operates at speeds up to 50 km/h. Porsche has also included a wind deflector to reduce cabin turbulence and a roll-over protection bar for safety when driving upside down.
Engine and performance
The 718 Boxster is powered by a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder turbocharged boxer engine that produces 300 hp and 380 Nm of torque. It revs up to 7,500 rpm and sprints from 0-100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds. The engine is mounted just 30 cm behind the driver, which helps to keep the center of gravity low and increases cornering balance.
You can choose between a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed PDK automatic gearbox, one of the fastest and most intelligent transmissions on the market. It knows exactly when to shift, offers instant throttle response and lightning-fast gear changes.
Ride and handling
The 718 Boxster is built for pure driving pleasure. Its steering is razor-sharp, providing direct feedback and precise control. Cornering stability is exceptional, with almost no body roll. The stiff suspension setup ensures superb handling, although it can feel firm on rough roads – a trade-off that most sports car enthusiasts will happily accept.
The sport exhaust system (an optional extra) adds to the thrill, delivering a deep, sharp sound that perfectly complements the engine note. The car’s braking performance is equally impressive, thanks to powerful four-piston calipers and ventilated discs.
Interior and features
Inside, the Boxster feels truly premium. Every surface is soft-touch, and the build quality is top-notch. The seating position is extremely low, immersing you in the sports car experience. The 3-dial instrument cluster focuses on a large central tachometer, which emphasizes performance.
The 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system supports modern connectivity features, although Apple CarPlay is optional. Dual-zone climate control, sport mode selector, adaptive suspension, ceramic brakes and a premium Burmester sound system are all available options, but at an additional cost.
Car safety includes six airbags, ABS, EBD, traction control, and a two-stage airbag deployment system that adjusts based on the severity of the impact.
Real-world usability
Despite its low stance, the Boxster handles Indian road conditions surprisingly well. Fuel efficiency is not its strong point, expect 4-5 km/l on the highway and 2-3 km/l in the city. But this is not a car you buy for mileage, it is about emotion, style and performance.
Verdict
The Porsche 718 Boxster is not just a car – it is an experience. With its responsive handling, exciting power delivery and open-top thrill, it is a convertible dream machine for enthusiasts. While it comes with a hefty price tag of ₹1.52 crore (ex-showroom) and expensive options, the driving pleasure it offers is priceless.
If you are looking for a sports car that combines daily utility, iconic design and unparalleled fun-to-drive character, the Porsche 718 Boxster stands out as one of the best choices in its class.
