How fast is a Lexus LS 500?

The Lexus LS 500 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in roughly 4.7–5.0 seconds, depending on drivetrain and tires, with a top speed electronically limited to about 130 mph.

For context, the LS 500 is the gasoline-powered variant of Lexus’s flagship sedan, powered by a turbocharged V6 and paired with a high-torque eight- or ten-speed transmission. This article breaks down the numbers behind its speed, how different configurations affect performance, and what drivers experience in real-world conditions.

Powertrain and Drivetrain

Key specifications of the LS 500’s core hardware and how it drives from the showroom to the quick lane.

• 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine delivering 416 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque.


• 10-speed automatic transmission for smooth, quick shifts.


• Rear-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option.


• Tuned variants (such as the F SPORT) optimize handling character while preserving the core power figure.

In summary, the LS 500’s pace comes from a powerful turbocharged V6, a high-torque output, and a multi-speed automatic that keeps the engine in its optimal band across a range of speeds.

Acceleration and Top Speed

What official figures and independent tests typically show for straight-line speed.

• 0–60 mph: Approximately 4.7–5.0 seconds for rear-wheel-drive versions; all-wheel-drive models are generally in the same ballpark, with some tests showing slightly quicker times on grippy tires.


• Top speed: Electronically limited to around 130 mph (210 km/h).

These numbers come from a variety of automotive outlets and reflect differences in tires, testing conditions, and model year. In everyday driving, the LS 500 delivers strong, linear acceleration without the drama some sport sedans require to reach the same speeds.

Variants and How They Affect Speed

Different trims and drivetrains influence performance feel, dynamics, and, to a degree, acceleration figures.

LS 500 (RWD) vs. LS 500 AWD

• LS 500 (RWD): 416 hp, 442 lb-ft; 0–60 around 4.8–5.0 seconds, depending on tires and conditions.


• LS 500 AWD: Same power output with all-wheel drive; 0–60 typically in the mid-to-upper 4-second range, with grip helping in slippery conditions.

While all-wheel drive can improve launch in poor grip, the core powertrain remains the same. The AWD setup emphasizes tractable acceleration in a wider range of conditions rather than dramatically lowering the 0–60 time across the board.

LS 500 F SPORT

• F SPORT trims feature sport-tuned suspension, stance, and tires that alter handling and road feel, but power figures remain close to the standard LS 500.


• 0–60 times are typically similar to the base model, with potential minor variations due to weight and tire choice. The emphasis is on sharper handling and a more aggressive on-center feel rather than outright acceleration alone.

In practice, the various configurations give buyers a trade-off between straight-line speed, cornering confidence, and ride characteristics, rather than creating dramatically different 0–60 times.

Real-World Driving Experience

Beyond the numbers, the LS 500’s speed is delivered in a refined, composed package that aligns with Lexus’s luxury ethos.

• Power delivery is smooth and linear, with ample mid-range torque for confident merging and passing.


• Turbo lag is minimal, and the engine maintains effortless acceleration at highway speeds.


• Ride quality remains comfortable and quiet, even when prioritizing performance via sport modes or sharper throttle response.


• Braking and braking feel are strong, with predictable stopping performance that complements the car’s speed potential.

Overall, the LS 500 blends luxury and speed in a way that emphasizes refinement and stride-over-spotlight acceleration, making it feel quick without compromising its serene cabin environment.

Summary

The Lexus LS 500 offers strong, refined performance for a luxury sedan. With a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 416 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic and a choice of rear- or all-wheel drive, it typically posts 0–60 mph times in roughly 4.7–5.0 seconds and a top speed around 130 mph. The F SPORT variant emphasizes handling and sportier dynamics while keeping pace in straight-line acceleration. Across model years, the LS 500 remains a compelling choice for buyers who want a fast, comfortable, and quiet luxury sedan.

Could the Lexus LS 500 be considered a luxury car?

For 36 years, the Lexus LS has defined what a flagship luxury sedan should be: a perfect balance of performance, innovation, and timeless comfort. And the 2026 LS 500 Heritage Edition continues this legacy of excellence.

What is the 0-60 time for the LS 500?

The 2025 Lexus LS 500 has a 0-60 mph time of 4.6 seconds. This time is consistent across different sources for the 2023, 2024, and 2025 models, and can be achieved with its 416 horsepower twin-turbo V6 engine, especially when using the Sport S+ drive mode. 

• 4.6 seconds: This is the widely reported 0-60 mph time for the current and recent models, including the F SPORT trim. 
• 416 horsepower: The twin-turbo V6 engine provides the power for this acceleration. 
• Variable times: Older models and different conditions (like altitude) can result in longer acceleration times. For example, the 2018 RWD model was timed at 5.3 seconds, and the 2021 model at 5.0 seconds, says MotorTrend. 
• Drive modes: The vehicle's Drive Mode Select system allows drivers to choose between different settings like Eco, Normal, and Sport S+, which can influence performance. 

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Is the LS 500 fast?

At the test track, the LS500 hit 60 mph in 5.0 seconds and managed a 13.3-second quarter-mile run with a 107-mph trap speed. Highway passing maneuvers are dispatched handily, with the LS500 jumping from 50 to 70 mph in just 3.8 seconds.

Is the Lexus LS 500 turbocharged?

"The twin-turbocharged V6 engine in the LS 500 has more than enough thrust and refinement to suit this large luxury sedan, while the automatic 10-speed transmission works almost imperceptibly in the background." "The LS 500 is a smooth, composed, and comfortable luxury sedan."