How fast does a Lexus LC 500 go?
The LC 500 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 4.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 168 mph (270 km/h) in most markets, powered by a 5.0-liter V8 and a 10-speed automatic transmission.
To understand what that means, the LC 500 is Lexus’s flagship two-door Grand Touring coupe, pairing a naturally aspirated V8 with a traditional rear-wheel-drive layout and advanced chassis tech. While it delivers race-inspired acceleration, its appeal is as much about refined, high-speed cruising and a distinctive soundtrack as raw track numbers. The top speed is electronically limited in many regions, and real-world results depend on conditions, options, and the specific model configuration.
Performance overview
Key performance figures common to most LC 500 models are below:
- 0–60 mph: approximately 4.4 seconds
- Top speed: electronically limited to 168 mph (270 km/h)
- Engine: 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8, 471 horsepower, 398 lb-ft torque
- Transmission: 10-speed automatic
- Drive: Rear-wheel drive (with optional limited-slip differential and handling tech)
These numbers establish the LC 500 as a high-performance grand-tourer with a classic V8 character, designed for both high-speed highway cruising and spirited back-road progressions.
Real-world considerations and variants
In everyday use, how fast you go depends on conditions, equipment, and driver mode. The LC 500 offers Drive Mode settings and handling packages that influence throttle response, transmission shift timing, and suspension stiffness, which can slightly alter perceived acceleration and top-speed behavior.
Packages and market differences
Various packages (such as performance-oriented or handling-focused options) can tweak the car’s response and grip, but the fundamental specs—V8 power, 10-speed auto, and 168 mph limiter—remain the core figures for most regions. The LC 500h hybrid variant, which exists alongside the LC 500, uses a different powertrain and may have separate performance characteristics and top speeds; this article focuses on the LC 500 with the V8 engine.
What this means for potential buyers
For buyers seeking a blend of luxury and speed, the LC 500 offers a near-3,800-pound coupe with a dramatic exhaust note, confident highway acceleration, and high-speed stability, all while prioritizing comfort for longer journeys over brute-track numbers.
In summary, the Lexus LC 500 delivers roughly 4.4-second 0–60 times, a top speed of 168 mph, and a 5.0-liter V8 soundtrack that emphasizes refined performance rather than extreme cornering prowess alone.
Summary: The LC 500 is built for fast, effortless highway sprinting and confident high-speed cruising, with a measured but impressive performance profile centered on a potent V8, a responsive 10-speed automatic, and a 168 mph speed cap in most markets.
Is the Lexus LC 500 fast?
The Lexus LC is an incredibly fast and agile luxury coupe with an offered 4.4-second time to go from 0-60.
What is the fastest Lexus LC?
The 2025 Lexus LC 500
With its sonorous 5.0-liter V8 engine and 471 horsepower, the LC 500 achieves a 0-60 mph time of just 4.4 seconds. The LC's ten-speed Direct-Shift automatic transmission and a finely tuned chassis ensure that its acceleration is as smooth and controlled as it is potent.
Is the Lexus LC 500 a V8?
With a naturally aspirated 5.0L V8 engine, the LC 500 delivers 351kW of power, 540Nm of torque and a truly evocative driving experience.
What is the top speed of the Lexus LC 500 without limiter?
The Lexus LC 500 has a factory-limited top speed of 168 mph. While some modified versions may be capable of higher speeds, the LC 500 is not designed for extremely high speeds, and there is no official information on the top speed without a limiter, though figures around 180-185 mph have been theorized.
Top speed details
- Factory-limited top speed: The official top speed for the production Lexus LC 500 is 168 mph.
- Unrestricted top speed: There is no official data on the top speed without the electronic limiter. However, some unofficial sources suggest a theoretical top speed of around 180-185 mph for the coupe.
- Performance: The car is not considered a supercar and is more of a grand tourer. Its performance is more focused on comfortable cruising and a luxurious driving experience rather than pure speed. The 471-horsepower 5.0L V8 engine provides a 0-60 mph time of about 4.4 seconds, but the car's heavy weight and limited top speed prevent it from reaching supercar performance levels.
This video shows the Lexus LC 500's top speed on the Autobahn: 59sAutoTopNLYouTube · May 7, 2021
What does this mean for drivers?
- The Lexus LC 500 is a capable grand tourer, but it's not built for high-speed racing.
- If you are interested in a vehicle with a higher top speed, there are other performance cars on the market that may be more suitable.
- Some aftermarket tuning companies offer speed limiter removal modules, but this may void the warranty and is not recommended for most drivers.
