What is the 0 to 60 on a 2023 Lexus IS500?
The 2023 Lexus IS 500 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in about 4.4 seconds under ideal conditions, making it one of the quicker options in the compact luxury sedan segment with a V8 engine. Time can vary with weather, tires, and equipment, but the IS 500 generally lands in the low-to-mid 4-second range.
What follows details the powertrain, performance figures, and the practical realities of measuring acceleration in this V8-powered IS variant. It also notes that the IS 500 is rear-wheel drive only in the U.S., and there is no factory AWD option for this model.
Performance specifications
Engine and power
The IS 500 employs a 5.0-liter V8 (engine code 2UR-GSE) delivering 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque. This powerplant is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission tuned for immediate response and a characteristic V8 soundtrack.
Drivetrain and transmission
Rear-wheel drive is standard on the IS 500, with a limited-slip setup available on certain trims or packages. All-wheel drive is not offered for the Lexus IS 500 in the U.S. market.
Before the list:
Key performance figures are summarized below to provide a quick reference for enthusiasts and shoppers evaluating this vehicle against peers.
- Engine: 5.0-liter V8 (2UR-GSE)
- Horsepower: 472 hp
- Torque: 395 lb-ft
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive (not offered with AWD in the U.S.)
Together, these specifications underpin brisk acceleration, with the IS 500 typically delivering 0-60 mph times in the low-to-mid 4-second range under favorable conditions.
Real-world testing and timing variability
In real-world testing, 0-60 times for the IS 500 generally fall within a similar band as the quoted figures, but can vary significantly with tire choice, weather, altitude, and test methodology. Independent reviews commonly report times around 4.3 to 4.6 seconds for 0-60 mph when launching from a standstill on dry pavement.
Manufacturers often publish conservative estimates, and actual times in everyday driving can vary. The IS 500’s performance is strongly influenced by how the car is launched and the conditions under which testing occurs.
Factors that influence 0-60 times include:
- Tire condition and temperature
- Surface grip and the method of launch (standard launch or use of performance modes)
- Vehicle weight and optional equipment
- Altitude and air density
- Weather conditions (temperature, humidity) and road incline
In practice, expect a range rather than a single fixed figure, with the IS 500 delivering satisfying straight-line performance in dry, grippy conditions and potential variation based on configuration and environment.
Summary
The 2023 Lexus IS 500 uses a 5.0-liter V8 producing 472 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic and standard rear-wheel drive. Real-world 0-60 times typically land in the low-to-mid 4-second range, around 4.4 seconds on ideal pavement with proper launch. Times vary with tires, weather, altitude, and equipment, but the IS 500 remains a standout option for buyers seeking a V8-powered, comparatively compact luxury sedan with strong, tunable performance.
