Is 500 F Sport Performance top speed?
In short, yes—the IS 500 F SPORT's top speed is electronically limited to 168 mph (270 km/h) in most markets.
The question centers on how fast the Lexus IS 500 F SPORT can go in factory trim and how that figure is defined across different regions. Here is what you need to know about the model’s ceiling, the factors that influence it, and how the number is applied in practice.
What is the IS 500 F SPORT?
The IS 500 F SPORT is a high-performance variant of Lexus’s IS lineup. It packs a 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 delivering about 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The model emphasizes a sport-tuned chassis, distinctive F SPORT styling, and performance-oriented dynamics that push the standard IS lineup into more aggressive territory. The “F SPORT” designation indicates both visual and dynamic upgrades, with the top speed figure serving as a performance benchmark rather than a daily-driving target for most owners.
Official top speed figures and how they’re limited
The top speed is defined by the car’s electronic limiter and the tires it wears. For the US-spec IS 500 F SPORT, Lexus lists an electronically governed top speed of 168 mph (270 km/h). Market-specific limits can vary due to homologation, tire specifications, and safety regulations, so figures in other regions may differ slightly or be less prominently published.
Before listing the key numbers, here is a quick outline of the main performance metrics that influence top speed:
- The engine: 5.0-liter V8 with around 472 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque
- Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive with an available limited-slip differential
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Tire choice and aerodynamics: Tire rating and aero kit affect live top-speed capability and stability at high speed
These factors collectively determine the car’s ability to reach and sustain its top speed as specified by the manufacturer. In practice, the actual achieved top speed can vary with tires, altitude, weather, and road conditions.
What to expect in real-world driving
Though the top speed is a fixed limiter in factory configuration, real-world performance is better understood through acceleration, handling, braking, and in-gear performance. The IS 500 F SPORT is designed to deliver strong high-speed performance with a focus on driver engagement, rather than solely chasing the maximum speed on a straight line.
Why the top speed figure matters
Top speed serves as a benchmark for engineering capability and limits, but it’s only one facet of the IS 500 F SPORT’s overall performance. Buyers — and journalists — often weigh the V8’s power, how the chassis handles high-speed scenarios, and how the car behaves under braking and cornering, all of which contribute to the overall driving experience.
The official top-speed figure, combined with the engine output and chassis tuning, provides a clear indicator of the vehicle’s performance envelope. For most owners, the exact top speed is less critical than the dynamic feel, reliability, and daily usability of the car.
Summary
The IS 500 F SPORT’s top speed is electronically limited to 168 mph (270 km/h) in the United States, with potential regional variation in other markets. This figure sits alongside a 5.0-liter V8 that delivers about 472 horsepower and a sport-tuned chassis designed for high-performance driving. In the broader context of the model’s capabilities, the top speed is one component of a well-rounded performance package that emphasizes speed, handling, and driver engagement over raw straight-line speed alone.
What IS the top speed of the Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance?
The top speed for the Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance is 149 mph, which is electronically limited. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds.
You can watch this video to see a test drive of the 2024 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance: 44sDM Car ReviewsYouTube · Jul 30, 2025
- Top Speed: 149 mph (electronically limited)
- 0-60 mph: 4.4 seconds
- Engine: 5.0-liter V8 producing 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
This video discusses the 2023 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance, including its performance and design: 58sMilesPerHrYouTube · Sep 10, 2023
IS500 F Sport Performance 0 to 60?
And then 60 to 100 5.94. And here 5.87. So even better than um what Draggy says let's look at the 1/8 mile as well.
How fast does a Lexus IS 500 go?
The top speed of the Lexus IS 500 is 149 mph, as it is electronically limited. While the car has the power to potentially go faster, the speed is capped at this figure due to the limiter, which is often a result of import regulations or a brand-level decision to distinguish it from higher-performance "F" models.
This video demonstrates the acceleration and top speed of the Lexus IS 500: 52sDM Car ReviewsYouTube · Jul 30, 2025
- Manufacturer-claimed top speed: 149 mph
- Reason for limitation: The vehicle's speed is electronically limited, likely for reasons including import regulations and positioning within Lexus's performance lineup.
How fast IS the Lexus LS 500 F Sport?
The top speed of the Lexus LS 500 F Sport is electronically limited. While sources differ slightly, it is set at either 140 mph or 155 mph depending on the model year. The LS 500 F Sport uses a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine and can accelerate from 000 to 606060 mph in about 4.64.64.6 seconds.
- Top Speed: The top speed is electronically limited to either 140 mph or 155 mph, depending on the model year.
- Engine: It is powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine.
- Horsepower: The engine produces 416 horsepower.
- Acceleration: It can go from 000 to 606060 mph in approximately 4.6 seconds.
