Is the IS500 fast?

The IS500 is fast for a luxury sedan, powered by a 5.0-liter V8 and delivering roughly 472 horsepower with 0–60 mph acceleration in about 4.4 seconds. Its top speed is electronically limited to around 168 mph.

Understanding whether the IS500 feels fast depends on what you compare it to and what you value in a performance car. Here, we explore the engine and performance figures, driving dynamics, and how it stacks up against key rivals in its segment.

Performance specs at a glance

Below are the core performance numbers that define the IS500’s speed and responsiveness.

• Engine: 5.0-liter V8 (often referenced as the 2UR-GSE family), tuned to produce about 472 hp


• Torque: roughly 395 lb-ft, available across a broad rpm range for strong mid-range pull


• Transmission: 8-speed automatic with manual shift mode


• Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive (RWD) standard; no factory AWD option for the IS500


• 0–60 mph: around 4.4 seconds (varies with tires, model year, and testing conditions)


• Top speed: electronically limited to about 168 mph

These figures highlight a focused, V8-powered sedan intended for engaging driving rather than sheer track-day times. The combination of a high-revving V8 and a responsive automatic transmission contributes to quick, linear acceleration and a musical engine note that appeals to enthusiasts.

Handling, ride, and driving feel

Beyond straight-line speed, the IS500 aims to deliver a balanced, engaging driving experience with a focus on chassis playfulness and refined comfort in daily use.

• Chassis and weight: tuned for sporty handling with careful weight balance to maintain composure in corners


• Suspension: adaptive suspension (AVS) with selectable drive modes that sharpen responses in Sport and Sport+


• Steering: precise and well-weighted, offering good feedback without being overly quick or jumpy


• Braking: strong, fade-resistant brakes, with upgraded hardware on the F Sport package


• Ride comfort: supportive enough for daily driving in normal mode, firmer in sport-focused modes; tire choice influences ride quality and grip

In real-world driving, the IS500 delivers a satisfying blend of engine character and chassis stability. It rewards attentive driving with a vocal V8 soundtrack and a sense of immediacy when you tick up the pace, though it may feel more reserved than some European rivals at the limit for drivers seeking razor-edged precision.

How it compares to rivals

In the field of performance sedans, the IS500 sits between comfort-oriented luxury and outright firepower. It competes with other high-performance options that also emphasize engine character and refinement rather than only lap-time numbers.

Rivals typically offer higher peak outputs or lighter curb weights, often with sharper steering or quicker 0–60 times. However, the IS500's V8 howl, Lexus craftsmanship, and approachable power delivery appeal to buyers who want a daily driver that can still surprise on a back road.

Rivals to consider

The following models are commonly considered by buyers comparing high-performance sedans in this segment. Read as a guide to the broader landscape rather than a direct spec-by-spec comparison.

• High-performance Bavarian and Stuttgart rivals with turbocharged six- or eight-cylinder powertrains


• RWD and AWD variants offer different handling characteristics, traction, and lap-time potential


• Engine character, sound, interior quality, and everyday comfort influence overall desirability just as much as raw acceleration

Overall, the IS500 offers a compelling blend of performance and refinement, especially for buyers who value engine character and Lexus’s ride quality over the outright speed numbers posted by some rivals.

Summary

The Lexus IS500 stands out as a fast, engaging, V8-powered sedan that prioritizes a rich driving experience and everyday usability. Its 0–60 time around 4.4 seconds and a top speed near 168 mph mark strong performance for a luxury sport sedan, particularly in a market where many rivals rely on turbocharged engines or all-wheel-drive systems. If you crave a sonorous V8, sharp chassis dynamics, and Lexus durability, the IS500 delivers in spades. If your main goal is the absolute quickest sprint times or track-focused handling, you might prefer some of its competitors. Either way, the IS500 remains a distinctive option in its class.

Is Lexus discontinuing IS500?

Yes, the Lexus IS 500 has been discontinued, with the 2025 model year being the last one produced. Lexus is ending production of the IS 500, which featured a 5.0L V8 engine, and the 2026 model year will no longer include this variant. A special 2025 Lexus IS 500 Ultimate Edition was released as a final send-off for the model.
 
This video discusses the discontinuation of the IS 500 and its impact on performance sedan enthusiasts: 38sBrakeDownMediaYouTube · Sep 18, 2025

• The 2025 model year is the last chance to purchase the IS 500. 
• Production of the IS 500 is scheduled to end in November 2025. 
• The 2026 model year will no longer offer the IS 500 variant. 
• A limited-edition 2025 IS 500 Ultimate Edition was released as a final send-off for the model. 

You can watch this video to see a final review of the Lexus IS 500: 54sThe Novak ReportYouTube · Aug 9, 2025

Is the IS500 a good daily driver?

If it's a daily driver I would go with the IS500 hands down. It's going to be a much more comfortable cruiser with sufficient power to sufficient power for some fun. Obviously it's not going to handle as well on a track but how often are you going to run into a track like condition on the street.

Is the Lexus IS500 fast?

I can say for sure that the is500 is an amazing car that handles very well and definitely is fast. It to me, feels better than the isf, gsf, and rcf. We even had a track edition rcf and I would honestly take the is500 over any one of them.

IS500 sport performance?

The Lexus IS 500 F SPORT Performance is a luxury sport sedan powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine, producing 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque. Its performance is enhanced by a Torsen limited-slip rear differential, a Sport Direct-Shift 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, and F SPORT-tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension. Key performance features include stacked quad exhaust tips, Brembo® brakes, and a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds.
 
This video demonstrates the performance of the Lexus IS 500, including acceleration and handling: 1mDM Car ReviewsYouTube · Jul 30, 2025
Engine and powertrain

• Engine: A 5.0-liter, naturally aspirated V8 engine.
• Horsepower: 472 hp.
• Torque: 395 lb-ft.
• Transmission: An 8-speed Sport Direct-Shift automatic transmission with paddle shifters.
• Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive. 

Performance and handling

• Acceleration: 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. 
• Suspension: F SPORT-tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension for improved handling. 
• Differential: Torsen limited-slip rear differential for enhanced traction. 
• Brakes: Two-piece aluminum brake rotors, with optional Brembo® calipers and 380mm discs on the Ultimate Edition. 
• Exhaust: Stacked quad exhaust tips designed for performance and sound. 
• Driving Modes: Includes ECO, Normal, Sport S, and Sport S+ modes for customizable performance. 

Additional features

• Interior: Customizable gauge cluster with an LFA-inspired design, F SPORT seats, and premium materials. 
• Technology: Equipped with a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility. 
• Safety: Includes standard driver-assistance features like Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, and Adaptive Cruise Control.