Is the Lexus IS 350 a V8?
No—the IS 350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6, not a V8.
To understand why this matters, it helps to review the IS lineup across generations and see where V8 engines appear in the family. This article lays out the engine options for the IS 350 and explains which models use V8 power and why.
What powers the IS 350?
The IS 350 relies on a 3.5-liter V6 engine (commonly cited by Lexus as a 2GR-FKS-based powerplant in modern models) that delivers roughly 311 horsepower and a similar level of torque, depending on model year and market. It is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and is offered in rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations.
Key specifications by generation
The following items summarize the engine setup for the IS 350 across major generations and market variations.
- Generation II (roughly 2006–2013): IS 350 used a 3.5-liter V6 with power in the upper 260s to around 306 horsepower, depending on the year and configuration; paired with an automatic transmission and available RWD or AWD.
- Generation III (2013–present): IS 350 continued with a refined 3.5-liter V6 (updated to the 2GR-FKS family) producing about 311 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic; available with RWD or AWD.
In summary, the IS 350 is not a V8; its performance comes from a capable V6 that has evolved over generations but does not include a V8 configuration on the IS 350 model itself.
Where does a V8 appear in the Lexus IS lineup?
For buyers seeking V8-powered IS variants, two models sit above or apart from the IS 350 in the lineup. The high-performance IS F used a V8, and Lexus later expanded the V8 option with the IS 500, offering a larger-displacement V8 for those seeking more raw power in a sport-oriented sedan.
V8 variants to note
- IS F (produced in certain years as a high-performance variant): a 5.0-liter V8 delivering a substantial horsepower figure and a focus on track-ready performance, separate from the IS 350’s V6 configuration.
- IS 500 (introduced in recent years): a dedicated V8 variant featuring a 5.0-liter V8 tuned for higher output, positioned above the IS 350 in the current lineup.
So while the IS 350 itself is not a V8, the Lexus IS family does include V8-powered options through the IS F and the IS 500 models, reflecting different performance philosophies within the same luxury sedan lineup.
Bottom line
For those specifically seeking a V8 in the IS family, focus on the IS F or the IS 500. The IS 350 remains a V6-powered model designed to balance performance, refinement, and efficiency rather than V8 power delivery.
Summary
The Lexus IS 350 is not a V8; it is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 across its production. V8-powered variants exist in the IS lineup (notably the IS F and the newer IS 500), offering different levels of performance. Understanding these distinctions helps readers identify the right model for their performance preferences within the Lexus IS family.
