What Is the Fastest Lexus Sedan?
Lexus has always been known for making some of the most reliable and comfortable luxury sedans and SUVs in the market. But did you know the Japanese automaker has also made a few sports cars and sporty sedans? It has. Here is the fastest Lexus sedan in the brand’s current lineup.
The fastest Lexus sedan is a new take on an old favorite
The Lexus IS has been in the company’s stable since 2001 and has evolved over the last 22 years. The IS has grown in size and gotten more aggressive over time, and for the 2023 model year, it’s available with a V8 engine. That’s right. The all-new Lexus IS 500 has joined the fleet, and it’s strapped with the same 5.0-liter V8 found in the LC and RC sports coupes.
That large engine produces 472 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque, which makes the car scoot up to 60 mph from a stop in only 4.4 seconds, according to Lexus. That means it’s just as quick as the LC 500, which is impressive. The editors at Edmunds note that the IS 500’s engine isn’t the only change that was made. Lexus added a sport-tuned adaptive suspension, which makes the car handle well “for most drivers,” but still not as well as some of its rivals.
Other luxury sports cars like the BMW M240i offer a more engaging drive, and the Mercedes-AMG C63 accelerates quicker. But that shouldn’t take away from the Lexus IS 500’s sporting capability.
How much faster is the Lexus IS 500 compared to the other trim levels?
Anyone researching the 2023 Lexus IS will find that there are a couple of lower trim levels to choose from – the IS 300 and IS 350. In terms of power, the base IS 300 is motivated by a 241-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder, and the IS 350 has a 311-hp 3.5-liter V6. In terms of 0-60 mph times, Lexus says that the IS 300 can cover the distance in 6.9 seconds, and the IS 350 can do it in 5.6 seconds.
Is the 2023 Lexus IS 500 worth the extra money over the lower trim levels?
When it comes to pricing, the 2023 IS 500 starts at $58,670, which is over $11,000 more than the IS 350 F Sport AWD. Is the extra 161 hp, adjustable suspension, and V8 bragging rights worth all of the money? Maybe, to some buyers.
However, we like to focus on the value proposition that the IS 500 brings over the LC 500. Sure, the IS is nowhere near as attractive as its supercar bigger brother, but it has the same engine and similar performance. It also costs nearly $40,000 less and has a backseat. In that case, we would say the Lexus IS 500 is worth the money – especially since it’s the fastest sedan in the lineup.
