How fast is a Lexus IS 350?
The Lexus IS 350 typically reaches 0–60 mph in the mid‑5-second range, with all‑wheel‑drive versions often delivering a quicker launch thanks to better traction. Its top speed is electronically limited to around 143 mph.
Speed basics and measurement context
When journalists and drivers talk about a car’s speed, they usually mean two things: how quickly the car can accelerate from rest to 60 mph (a common benchmark for performance) and how fast the car can go before the engine or electronics limit it. Across its generations, the IS 350 has traded outright raw power for smooth, usable acceleration, precise handling, and refined everyday usability.
Speed by generation
First generation (2005–2013)
The earliest IS 350 models relied on a 3.5-liter V6 and a traditional automatic transmission, delivering a smooth but not theater‑like launch. Real‑world tests and brochures place 0–60 mph times in the high‑5‑to‑low‑6 seconds range, depending on tires, weight, and whether the car wore standard or sport tuning. All‑wheel-drive variants, when available in certain markets, tended to be at the higher end of that range due to extra drivetrain loss.
- 0–60 mph (RWD): typically about 5.7–6.0 seconds
- 0–60 mph (AWD): roughly 5.9–6.2 seconds
In this generation, acceleration was solid and predictable, suited to daily driving rather than outright track targeting.
Second generation (2014–2020)
With updated styling, improved chassis, and the same family V6, the IS 350 gained a bit more punch on paper. Independent testing and manufacturer figures generally place 0–60 mph in the mid‑5‑second range for rear‑drive models, with all‑wheel‑drive variants edging toward the low‑to‑mid‑5‑second marks thanks to improved traction.
- 0–60 mph (RWD): typically about 5.6–5.8 seconds
- 0–60 mph (AWD): about 5.3–5.6 seconds
Compared with the first generation, the second generation offered quicker launches, especially in AWD configurations, while preserving the sedan’s refined character.
Current generation (2021–present)
The latest IS 350 continues with the 3.5-liter V6 and an 8‑speed automatic, refining throttle response and shift logic. In daily use and on the track, most examples clock 0–60 mph in roughly the mid‑5‑second range, with AWD variants typically the quickest off the line due to improved grip.
- 0–60 mph (RWD): approximately 5.6–5.8 seconds
- 0–60 mph (AWD): approximately 5.3–5.6 seconds
These times reflect driver, road conditions, and tire choice, but they show a consistent mid‑5‑second pace across the current lineup.
Powertrain details that influence speed
The following performance fundamentals shape how fast the IS 350 can accelerate and how it feels on the road.
- Engine: 3.5-liter V6 producing about 311 horsepower and roughly 277–280 lb‑ft of torque, depending on market and model year
- Transmission: 8‑speed automatic with manual shift mode; no manual gearbox is offered
- Drivetrain options: rear-wheel drive (standard) with all-wheel drive available on many trims
- Top speed: electronically limited to around 143 mph
Across generations, the combination of refined power delivery, smooth automatic shifting, and available AWD helps the IS 350 feel more than capable in everyday driving and confident on winding roads.
Real-world considerations
Manufacturer figures and independent tests can vary based on tires, weather, elevation, and vehicle condition. Sports packages, particularly the F Sport variants, may offer tuning that sharpen throttle response and suspension behavior, subtly influencing perceived speed and acceleration behavior. Weight, cooling, and transmission programming also play roles in real‑world results.
Summary
The Lexus IS 350 trades some immediate, raw acceleration for a balanced, composed pace that suits a premium sports sedan. Across its generations, the car consistently lands in the mid‑5‑second 0–60 mph neighborhood, with AWD versions typically delivering the quickest launches thanks to enhanced traction. For buyers prioritizing everyday polish and confident highway merging over blistering sprint times, the IS 350 remains a compelling option in its class.
