Are you curious about the 0-60 mph acceleration time of the Lexus IS 350 F Sport? This high-performance variant of Lexus’ compact luxury sedan promises an exhilarating driving experience. But just how quickly can it sprint from a standstill to 60 mph?
The 0-60 mph acceleration capabilities of the Lexus IS 350 F Sport will be thoroughly examined. We’ll discuss the official 0-60 mph times provided by the manufacturer and investigate real-world test results from respected sources. You’ll also learn about the factors influencing its 0-60 times and get tips to maximize acceleration.
But that’s not all – we’ll cover other vital performance aspects like braking, handling, and top speed. By the end, you’ll have a crystal-clear understanding of whether the IS 350 F Sport’s straight-line speed lives up to the “F” (Fuji) performance badge.
What is the 0-60 MPH Time of the Lexus IS 350 F Sport?
Let’s start with the headlining act – the officially claimed 0-60 mph acceleration times for the Lexus IS 350 F Sport:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD): 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds
All-Wheel Drive (AWD): 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds
These times come directly from Lexus and are for the 2023 model year IS 350 F Sport equipped with the 3.5L V6 engine producing 311 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque.
To put those numbers into perspective, the 0-60 mph times for the regular IS 300 (non-F Sport) are 6.1 seconds for RWD and 6.3 seconds for AWD models. So the F Sport variant shaves off a substantial 0.5-0.6 seconds in the sprint to 60 mph.
Factors Affecting 0-60 MPH Acceleration
While outright 0-60 mph times are crucial performance metrics, it’s also important to understand what factors influence a vehicle’s ability to accelerate rapidly from a standstill.
Engine Power and Torque: With 311 hp and 280 lb-ft on tap from the naturally-aspirated 3.5L V6, the IS 350 F Sport has a healthy amount of power and torque for its size. These figures give it a power-to-weight ratio advantage over the less powerful IS 300.
Transmission Type and Gearing: All IS 350 F Sport models use an 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. This gearbox helps keep the V6 engine in its optimal power band for maximum acceleration.
Drivetrain Configuration: Rear-wheel drive is the standard layout, sending power solely to the rear wheels for better traction off the line. The AWD system can transfer power between the front and rear axles as needed for improved grip and stability.
Vehicle Weight and Aerodynamics: The IS 350 F Sport’s curb weight ranges from around 3,748 to 3,880 lbs lbs depending on drivetrain. While not featherlight, its sleek body design helps cut through the air more efficiently than boxier shapes.
Tires and Road Conditions: From the factory, the F Sport rides on sticky summer performance tires (available as an option) that maximize traction for accelerating and cornering. However, real-world conditions like cold temperatures or wet roads can negatively impact 0-60 times.
Testing and Real-World 0-60 MPH Times
While manufacturer claimed figures are useful references, it’s also important to look at real-world test data from respected third-party sources. Here are some examples:
- Car and Driver tested a rear-wheel drive 2021 IS 350 F Sport and recorded a 0-60 mph time of 5.6 seconds, matching Lexus’ claim exactly.
- MotorTrend achieved a slightly quicker 5.7 second 0-60 mph run in their tests of the 2022 RWD IS 350 F Sport.
- Road & Track‘s test drivers managed to hit 60 mph from a standstill in a brisk 5.3 seconds in their AWD 2023 IS 350 F Sport test car.
As you can see, the real-world results show the IS 350 F Sport can indeed meet or even beat its official 0-60 mph estimates in the right conditions and with an experienced driver behind the wheel.
However, it’s also important to note that many owners and reviewers have reported times in the 5.8-6.2 second range for 0-60 mph sprints. Factors like differing environments, driver techniques, vehicle break-in periods, and even fuel quality levels can all impact real-world acceleration times.
Performance Package and Options
To extract every last bit of performance, the Lexus IS 350 F Sport can be optioned with additional performance-enhancing upgrades:
- F Sport Handling Package: Adds an adaptive variable suspension, staggered 19″ forged alloy wheels, a Torsen limited-slip rear differential, and other chassis enhancements.
- Summer Tires: The F Sport comes standard with all-season tires, but stickier summer performance rubber is available for maximal dry grip and accelerative traction.
- Cold Air Intake: An aftermarket cold air intake can provide a small power boost by feeding the engine cooler, denser air.
With the full complement of factory and aftermarket performance modifications, some tuners and reviewers have reportedly cracked the 5-second 0-60 mph barrier in the IS 350 F Sport.
How the IS 350 F Sport’s 0-60 MPH Compares
To better evaluate the IS 350 F Sport’s straight-line performance, it’s instructive to compare its 0-60 mph times against some key segment rivals:
- BMW M340i: 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds
- Genesis G70 3.3T: 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds
- Mercedes-AMG C43: 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds
- Audi S4: 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds
Looking at those figures, it’s clear the Lexus IS 350 F Sport gives up a substantial 0.5-1.2 second advantage to its closest German competition when it comes to pure acceleration off the line.
This performance gap can be largely attributed to those rival sedans utilizing smaller displacement turbocharged engines, which can generate explosive power outputs that the Lexus’ naturally-aspirated V6 simply cannot match.
Within the Lexus IS range itself, the limited-production 472-hp IS 500 blows the IS 350 F Sport out of the water with its blistering 0-60 mph time of just 4.4 seconds.
Is the 0-60 Time Good Enough?
Whether the IS 350 F Sport’s 5.6-5.7 second 0-60 mph acceleration meets your performance expectations really depends on your individual needs and priorities as a driving enthusiast.
For daily driving duties and highway merging/passing maneuvers, the F Sport’s straight-line pace is more than adequate and provides a noticeable kick over the base IS 300 models. The instantaneous throttle response and linear power delivery of the naturally-aspirated V6 make it quite enjoyable to drive briskly.
However, if you’re looking to rule the stoplight drag strip or compete with the latest turbocharged performance models from Germany, the numbers clearly show the IS 350 F Sport’s 0-60 mph times aren’t quite in the same league as the segment’s elite options.
For many buyers, the Lexus’ blend of respectable acceleration with a more refined and luxurious driving experience may be a perfect compromise. But for pure drag strip bragging rights, you’ll need to look at the higher-tier IS 500 or turbocharged alternatives.
Tips to Improve 0-60 MPH Acceleration
If you’re set on extracting every last bit of straight-line performance from your Lexus IS 350 F Sport, here are some tips that can help shave precious fractions off your 0-60 mph times:
Launch Control Technique: Activate the electronic launch control, press the brake pedal firmly, floor the accelerator, then release the brake. This allows the transmission and traction control systems to optimize power delivery for maximum acceleration.
Traction Mode Settings: Put the IS 350 F Sport’s traction control system in its most permissive mode to allow a bit of rear wheel spin and wheelspin off the line for better hookup.
Maintenance and Break-In: Ensure your IS 350 F Sport is properly broken in (around 5,000 miles) and has fresh engine oil and air filters. Proper maintenance maximizes available power.
Sticky Summer Tires: Upgrade to a high-performance summer tire like the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S or Continental ExtremeContact Sport to maximize traction.
Aftermarket Performance Mods: Adding aftermarket intake, exhaust, and tuning components from reputable brands can provide moderate power increases to improve acceleration times.
While following these tips won’t magically transform the IS 350 F Sport into a sub-4 second 0-60 mph rocket, they can help you shave off a few precious tenths and extract its maximum factory performance potential.
Other Performance Aspects of the IS 350 F Sport
While 0-60 mph acceleration grabs most of the headlines, there’s more to overall performance than just straight-line speed. The Lexus IS 350 F Sport also excels in other areas:
Braking Performance: With upgraded brake pads and rotors, the F Sport can haul itself down from 60-0 mph in around 110-115 feet, which is excellent stopping power for its class.
Handling and Roadholding: The F Sport boasts a sport-tuned adaptive suspension, staggered lightweight wheels, and an optional limited-slip differential. This gives it tenacious grip and flat, composed cornering abilities pushing up to around 0.93g on a skidpad.
Top Speed and 1/4 Mile Times: At a governed top speed of 143 mph, the IS 350 F Sport won’t break any land speed records. But it can cover the 1/4 mile drag strip in the 13.9 seconds range when equipped with the handling package.
Real-World Driving Dynamics: Beyond the numbers, the F Sport offers an engaging and confidence-inspiring driving experience. The linear power delivery, sharp steering response, and buttoned-down chassis lend an air of precision and control at real-world speeds.
So while its 0-60 mph times may not rewrite the record books, the IS 350 F Sport delivers a well-rounded and genuinely sporty driving character that shines through epic canyon carving sessions or daily commutes alike.
Should You Choose the IS 350 F Sport for Performance?
After thoroughly evaluating all aspects of the Lexus IS 350 F Sport’s performance capabilities, it’s time to draw some conclusions about whether it should be your go-to pick for driving thrills.
The Pros:
- Respectable 5.6-5.7 second 0-60 mph times for the segment
- Precise, linear driving dynamics and fun-to-drive character
- Loads of chassis upgrades transform handling over base IS 300
- Advanced driver tech aids like launch control and traction management
- More refined and luxurious cabin than German muscle sedans
The Cons:
- Can’t keep up in straight lines with turbocharged German rivals
- AWD model only marginally quicker than RWD off the line
- Options and upgrades required to extract maximum performance
- Rear seats and cargo space are quite cramped for the class
- Infotainment interface is dated compared to newer competitors
Overall, if you prioritize outright drag strip acceleration above all else, the numbers suggest looking elsewhere in the class or stepping up to the more powerful IS 500 F Sport Performance model.
However, for driving enthusiasts who value an engaging, well-rounded luxury sport sedan experience that blends respectable speed with premium amenities and everyday livability, the Lexus IS 350 F Sport makes a compelling case.
Its 0-60 mph pace provides more than enough real-world thrills for most buyers. And when you factor in the impeccably tuned chassis, linear power delivery, and upscale cabin trimmings, the package is quite alluring – especially when you consider the Lexus’ value equation against its pricier German competitors.
The Bottom Lines
There you have it – a comprehensive deep dive into the scintillating world of 0-60 mph acceleration and the Lexus IS 350 F Sport. We’ve analyzed the key performance metrics, explored real-world testing results, and provided ample context by comparing it to segment rivals.
The IS 350 F Sport’s 5.6-5.7 second 0-60 mph times are certainly respectable for its premium compact sport sedan segment. However, they do fall short of the blistering pace set by the latest turbocharged German muscle sedans like the BMW M340i and Mercedes-AMG C43.
That said, straight-line acceleration tells only part of the performance story. With its rev-happy V6 engine, precise steering response, and tenacious grip from the F Sport chassis upgrades, the Lexus delivers an entertaining and rewarding driving experience that shines through on twisty backroads as much as it does on the drag strip.
So if you’re a driving enthusiast primarily concerned with ultimate stoplight-to-stoplight supremacy, you’ll likely want to look elsewhere. But if you value an ideal blend of speed, handling prowess, and daily drivability in a premium and well-appointed package, the Lexus IS 350 F Sport deserves a spot at the top of your search list.
