How fast does a Lexus LS 400 go?

In stock form, the Lexus LS 400 tops out around 137 mph (approximately 220 km/h) and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in about 7.0 seconds. Real-world results vary with year, tires, maintenance, and driving conditions.

The LS 400, Lexus’s flagship sedan produced from 1990 to 2000, is powered by a 4.0-liter V8 (1UZ-FE) delivering roughly 260 horsepower. It is primarily rear-wheel drive, paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. The combination yields confident highway performance and smooth, refined acceleration, with a top speed often limited by electronic governors in many markets.

Performance snapshot

Here are the core numbers commonly associated with stock LS 400 models:

• Engine: 4.0-liter V8 (1UZ-FE) around 260 horsepower


• Torque: roughly 260–290 lb-ft depending on year and specification


• Transmission: four-speed automatic


• Drive layout: rear-wheel drive (RWD)


• Top speed: electronically limited to about 137 mph (220 km/h) in most markets


• 0–60 mph: typically in the 7.0–7.5 second range

Note: These figures refer to stock, well-maintained examples with standard equipment and tires. Real-world results can differ based on wear, weather, and load.

Model-year variations

Year-to-year differences in official power and gearing on the LS 400 are modest. The changes across the decade focused more on refinement and technology rather than dramatic shifts in speed.

• Early models (1990–1994): baseline 260 hp with the era’s four-speed automatic and standard luxury equipment


• Mid-cycle updates (1995–1997): incremental refinements to electronics, insulation, and ride comfort


• Later years (1998–2000): continued refinement with small tweaks to systems while preserving core performance

In practice, the overall performance window remained similar across these years, with improvements centering on comfort, noise reduction, and reliability rather than large leaps in acceleration or top speed.

Real-world driving perspective

Road tests and owner reports emphasize the LS 400’s strength as a long-distance cruiser rather than a sports sedan. Its power is delivered with a broad, smooth torque curve that favors steady, confident acceleration rather than rapid bursts. Weight and tire condition can noticeably influence both top speed and 0–60 times, and regional speed governors cap maximum velocity in many markets.

Summary

The Lexus LS 400 offers measured, refined performance appropriate to a luxury flagship of its era. With a top speed around 137 mph and 0–60 times in the 7-second range when in prime condition, it prioritizes comfort, quiet operation, and highway stability over outright sportiness. For owners valuing a smooth, confident ride, the LS 400 remains a noteworthy benchmark from the 1990s-era luxury sedan segment.

Is the Lexus LS400 fast?

Yes, the LS 400 is fast enough to be considered a performance luxury car, but its speed depends on the model year, with later models being quicker. The original models were fast for their time, with a top speed of around 155155155 mph, while later models with more horsepower (like the 2000 model) could do 0−600 minus 600−60 mph in 6.46.46.4 seconds.
 
This video demonstrates the acceleration of a 1995 Lexus LS400: 53sDM Car ReviewsYouTube · Mar 23, 2024
Early models (1989-1994)

• Horsepower: Approximately 250250250 horsepower.
• 0−600 minus 600−60 mph: Around 7.87.87.8 seconds.
• Top speed: Approximately 155155155 mph. 

Later models (1998-2000)

• Horsepower: Around 290290290 horsepower.
• 0−600 minus 600−60 mph: As quick as 6.46.46.4 seconds.
• Top speed: Over 155155155 mph. 

What makes it fast?

• Engine: The LS 400 uses a 4.04.04.0-liter V8 engine that provides strong acceleration and is known for being smooth and reliable. 
• Aerodynamics: The car has a low drag coefficient, which allows it to achieve high speeds with less effort. 
• Weight: It has a relatively light curb weight for a luxury car, which helps with acceleration. 

Overall, the Lexus LS 400 is a fast car for its time and still feels quick today. While not a sports car, its acceleration is sufficient for merging with traffic or passing other vehicles on the highway.

What Lexus can go 200 mph?

This Lexus supercar is equipped with a 4.8-liter V-10 engine for 553 horsepower with an upshift ability of 200 milliseconds. The Lexus LFA has the ability to reach speeds of up to 202 mph. The Lexus LFA set the precedent for the future of performance vehicles.

Is the LS400 engine a V6 or V8?

Until its fifth generation, every Lexus LS400 came equipped with some kind of a V8 engine. While those engines did vary over the years, the uncompromising performance and power delivery of a V8 is undeniable. Especially one built by an auto manufacturer known for reliability, like Lexus.

What is the top speed of a Lexus SC400?

Performance

• 0-60 Time. 7.4 seconds.
• Top Speed. 172 mph (277 km/h)
• PWR. 12.69 lb./bhp.