How fast IS a Lexus IS 350 F Sport?
A Lexus IS 350 F Sport typically accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in about 5.5 to 5.9 seconds, depending on drivetrain and year; the top speed is electronically limited to roughly 143 mph.
The IS 350 F Sport pairs a 3.5-liter V6 with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offering rear‑drive as standard and optional all‑wheel drive. The F Sport package adds chassis refinements, larger brakes, and sport-tuned steering, all of which influence how fast the car feels and how it grips the road, even if peak speed is capped.
Powertrain and handling
Here’s a quick look at the core components that determine its speed and how it behaves on the road.
- Engine: 3.5-liter V6 (2GR-FKS) around 311 horsepower and about 277–280 lb-ft of torque, varying slightly by year.
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic with manual shift mode; no manual option is offered.
- Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is available in certain markets and trims, affecting straight-line acceleration.
- F Sport tuning: Sport-tuned suspension, revised steering, larger wheels, and upgraded brakes; some markets offer a Performance Package with a limited-slip differential.
- Weight and aerodynamics: Curb weight generally ranges from roughly 3,600 to 3,800 pounds depending on spec and drivetrain.
These elements shape the car’s acceleration profile and overall on‑road performance, including how quickly it transfers power to the road and how it handles under load.
0-60 mph: Across years and drivetrains
The 0-60 mph time varies with drivetrain and model year. Real-world tests from established outlets show these ballparks:
- Rear-wheel-drive IS 350 F Sport: typically about 5.5–5.9 seconds.
- All-wheel-drive IS 350 F Sport: typically about 5.7–6.0 seconds, depending on tires and load.
- Year-to-year variation exists due to tire compound, weather, and whether a late-year update was applied.
In practice, the car feels quick in everyday driving and can post times close to rivals in its class, with traction and tire grip often playing a larger role than peak horsepower alone.
Top speed and caveats
The IS 350 F Sport is tuned for confident highway and spirited street driving, but it isn’t designed as a top-speed king. The manufacturer typically limits top speed to around 143 mph, with actual capability limited by tires, brake heat, and ambient conditions. The F Sport handling improvements—stiffer suspension, revised steering, and better brakes—enhance straight-line stability and cornering grip, which can influence perceived speed more than any change in top-end power.
Note that regional variations exist: markets outside the United States may have different gearing, tires, and limiter settings, so numbers can differ slightly by country or model year.
Buying tips for speed-conscious shoppers
When evaluating an IS 350 F Sport, check for the presence of the Performance Package (where offered), ensure tires are fresh, and review the braking system condition. A well-maintained car with fresh tires can feel notably quicker in practice than one with older rubber or degraded brakes.
Summary
The Lexus IS 350 F Sport typically hits 0-60 mph in the mid‑5‑second range for rear‑drive models and slightly slower figures for all‑wheel‑drive configurations, with a top speed limited to about 143 mph. Its real-world performance is shaped by drivetrain choice, tire condition, and any available sport packages, which together deliver a confident blend of acceleration, handling, and daily usability.
In brief, the IS 350 F Sport offers brisk, competitive acceleration within its segment, with the driving experience enhanced by chassis tweaks and upgraded brakes that emphasize grip and response over peak speed.
