What is the fastest Lexus is?
The fastest Lexus IS in production today is the IS 500 F Sport Performance, powered by a 5.0-liter V8 with 472 horsepower, delivering about 4.4 seconds to 60 mph and a top speed around 168 mph.
To understand why this model holds the crown, it helps to review how the IS lineup has evolved. Lexus has offered a range of powertrains across the IS, from earlier V8–powered performance editions to hybrid variants, and the current peak speed comes from the V8-powered IS 500 F Sport Performance. Speed can be measured by straight-line acceleration, top speed, or track capability, and in production form the IS 500 F Sport Performance currently leads in acceleration among IS variants.
Current speed king: IS 500 F Sport Performance
The IS 500 F Sport Performance represents the pinnacle of speed in the IS line today. It uses a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8, typically paired with rear-wheel drive and a limited-slip differential to maximize launch and grip. This setup is tuned to deliver strong straight-line performance while preserving the refined character Lexus buyers expect.
Key figures include 472 horsepower and roughly 395 lb-ft of torque, a 0-60 mph time around 4.4 seconds, and an electronically limited top speed near 168 mph. In daily driving and on a racetrack, these figures translate to a noticeably quicker sedan that still suits everyday use.
Note on regional availability: Some markets may have slight variations in equipment or tuning, but the IS 500 F Sport Performance is the flagship for speed in the IS lineup in most regions.
Historically fast: the IS F and the hybrid IS 500h-era
Before the IS 500, Lexus introduced the IS F in 2007 as its first high-performance IS variant. It relied on a 5.0-liter V8 producing about 416 horsepower, with 0-60 mph times in the mid-4-second range and a top speed around 168 mph, setting a benchmark for Lexus’ performance ambitions at the time.
In the 2020s the lineup also included the hybrid IS 500h, which pairs a 2.5-liter hybrid system with an electric motor to deliver system output in the low- to mid-300s horsepower. While brisk, the hybrid is typically slower to 60 mph than the V8 IS 500, reflecting a balance between performance and efficiency rather than outright acceleration.
What defines "fastest" in the IS lineup
Speed can be defined in several ways. Acceleration (0-60 mph or 0-100 km/h) measures how quickly a car can reach highway speeds, while top speed indicates the upper limit the car can reach. Track performance, handling, and power delivery also influence the feel of speed. In production IS models, the IS 500 F Sport Performance leads in straight-line acceleration, with the IS F serving as the historical benchmark for Lexus’ performance ambitions, and the IS 500h offering a more efficient alternative with different speed characteristics.
Summary
The fastest Lexus IS in current production is the IS 500 F Sport Performance, powered by a 5.0-liter V8 producing 472 horsepower, with a 0-60 mph time around 4.4 seconds and a top speed near 168 mph. Historically, the IS F held the title before the IS 500’s arrival, and the hybrid IS 500h provides a more efficient option with lower peak output. Together, they illustrate Lexus’ approach to balancing speed, refinement, and practicality in the IS lineup.
Which one IS bigger, Lexus TX or GX?
Is the Lexus GX Larger than the TX? While the 2025 Lexus GX is taller and wider, the TX is longer and designed with a longer wheelbase.
Which Lexus IS300 has a 2JZ?
In the US, the last vehicles to utilize the trusty 2JZ engine were the Lexus IS300 and GS300. The 1991-1997 GS was the first of this pair to use the famous powerplant. The second-gen from 1998-2005 then took over and continued to boast the 2JZ until it was replaced by the third-gen variant in 2005.
What IS better, Lexus IS 350 or ES 350?
ES is more executive, and the IS is more sporty. One is smaller, rwd, has taught handling. Other one is larger, roomier, more comortable ride and fwd. both legends, but thats pretty much it.
Which Lexus model IS fastest?
Lexus IS 500 F SPORT Performance
The fastest Lexus sedan in the 2025 family is the flagship Lexus IS 500 F SPORT Performance. Available in your choice of three trims, the F SPORT Performance variants are fitted with a dynamic 5.0-liter V-8 powertrain that can hit 60 mph in only 4.4 seconds and max out at a 149-mph top speed.
