How fast can a Lexus IS F go?
The Lexus IS F can reach a top speed of 170 mph (275 km/h) with the limiter in place, and it typically accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in about 4.5–4.6 seconds. Real-world results vary with tires, weather, and maintenance.
The IS F represents Lexus’s high-performance take on the compact IS sedan, built around a high-output V8 and a sport-focused chassis. Below is a concise look at its speed-related numbers and what influences them in practice.
Performance snapshot
Below is a concise performance snapshot drawn from manufacturer specifications and independent tests.
- Engine: 5.0-liter V8 (2UR-GSE), 416 horsepower and about 371 lb-ft of torque
- Drivetrain: rear-wheel drive
- Transmission: performance-oriented automatic with paddle shifters
- Top speed: electronically limited to 170 mph (275 km/h)
- 0-60 mph: approximately 4.4–4.6 seconds, depending on model year and test method
- 0-100 mph: typically around the mid-5-second range
- Quarter-mile (est.): about 12.9–13.2 seconds at around 108–111 mph
These figures illustrate the IS F’s capability as a straight-line performer within the constraints of a luxury-sport sedan. Actual numbers can vary by tires, altitude, temperature, and vehicle condition.
What influences speed and real-world performance
Speed performance is not solely a factory specification. How fast a particular IS F feels in everyday driving depends on several factors, including tire choice, drivetrain setup, alignment, fuel quality, and the vehicle’s maintenance history. Road conditions and weather can also noticeably affect acceleration and top-end speed.
Context and comparison
When it was launched, the IS F stood out among V8-powered luxury sedans for combining a high-revving four-seat package with track-ready dynamics. In modern comparisons, it remains a strong performer for enthusiasts who want a usable daily driver with serious straight-line speed, though newer contemporaries may offer higher peak power or more advanced electronic tuning.
Summary
The Lexus IS F delivers a strong package for speed enthusiasts: a 5.0-liter V8 producing 416 hp, rear-wheel drive, and an electronically limited top end of 170 mph, with 0–60 mph times around 4.5 seconds on average. Real-world performance depends on tires, weather, and maintenance, but the IS F remains a recognizable benchmark for its era in the luxury-performance segment.
