Top 10 Most Powerful Lexus Models Ever Made!

Intro

Most people recognize Lexus vehicles because of their quality craftmanship and long-term reliability. But Lexus has also served up quite a few powerful models over the years. Models that can go toe-to-toe with the best in the world. And each year Lexus models seem to get more and more powerful. But which are the most powerful in Lexus history? That is what we are here today to find out. We put together a list of the ten most powerful Lexus models of all time. Some of the most powerful models got power bumps throughout their lifetime. To keep things a bit more interesting, we only listed the final, most powerful version so we didn’t list essentially the same model over and over. Our list is based on horsepower rating and does not include aftermarket modified models.

So, do you think you know what the most powerful Lexus model of all time is? Well, you are wrong. Keep reading to find out why.

10. 2024 RX 500h, TX 500h F Sport Performance (366 Horsepower)

The 2024 RX 500h F Sport Performance and TX 500h F Sport Performance share the number ten spot on this list as they each have an identical 366 horsepower rating. 271 of those 366 horses come from a 2.4L turbocharged inline-four. The remaining power comes from an 80-kW electric motor that feeds the rear wheels. That is enough grunt to get either vehicle to 60 mph in less than 6 seconds. Not bad for a pair of sizable SUVs.

9. 2021 LX 570 (383 Horsepower)

Speaking of sizable SUVs, how about a little love for the wonderful old school LX 570 which was last built in 2021? The LX 570 was getting old, but the lovely naturally aspirated 5.7L V8 engine was a peach. It produced a silky smooth 383 horsepower. But with a combined EPA rating of just 15 mpg, it was not long for this world that is focused on efficiency and emissions more than ever.

8. 2024 LX 600 (409 Horsepower)

Good news Lexus SUV fans. If you loved the LX 570, the LX 600 that replaced it was even more powerful and much more efficient. The V8 is gone (boo) but the 3.4L V6 is twin-turbocharged and makes a healthy 409 horsepower. EPA combined rating is 19 mpg. That might not sound impressive, but it is worlds ahead of the old LX 570.  

7. 2024 LS 500, 2014 IS F (416 Horsepower)

The 2024 LS 500 and 2014 IS F are very different vehicles. Not only are they separated by ten model years, but the IS F was a sport sedan meant to take on the venerable BMW M3. The LS 500 is a big luxury cruiser. So, from behind the wheel the two vehicles will feel very different. But in the raw horsepower department the two cars are dead even. The IS F has a naturally aspirated 5.0L V8 under the hood. The newer LS 500 uses a twin-turbo V6. Different approaches, but the result is the same, which is a stout 416 horsepower.

6. 2008 LS 600h L (438 Horsepower)

A 2008 Lexus LS makes more power than the 2024 version. The 2008 LS 600h packs a 5.0L V8 which on its own is worth nearly 400 horsepower. But the electric motor chips in as well and combined the LS 600h L is rated at 438 horsepower. All this power is sent to all four wheels via a Torsen center differential. It is the oldest Lexus on this list, yet it still nearly makes it into the top five. That just shows how advanced it was back in 2008.  

5. 2020 GS F (467 Horsepower)

Now we are getting to the real performance machines. The 2020 GS F made an impressive 467 horsepower with a 5.0L naturally aspirated V8 engine. The mid-size sedan could hit 60 mph in about 4.4 seconds, and it emitted a pleasing V8 sound while doing so. Even Lexus enthusiasts tend to forget about the GS F, but it was a great car and one of the most powerful Lexus models ever made.

4. 2024 LC 500 (471 Horsepower)

If this were purely a beauty contest the LC 500 may be number one. But based on power it comes in at a very respectable fourth. And this is probably the best sounding Lexus V8 car. We feel like we need to say this every time we mention the LC 500, but this is a future classic. This is a car that will be sorely missed when it is gone. If you have the means to buy one new or used, we highly suggest you do so.

3. 2024 RC F, IS 500 (472 Horsepower)

The 2024 RC F and IS 500 eek out a mere 1 horsepower advantage over the LC 500. And while that is the slimmest of margins, it is good enough for these to land on the third step of the podium. These vehicles are both capable of hitting 60 mph in about 4 seconds flat. But they are also as well built and reliable as any other Lexus model. Manufacturers will not make V8 engines for this much longer. Enjoy it while you can.

2. 2012 LFA Nürburgring Edition (562 Horsepower)

Surprise! The LFA is not number one! The regular LFA (regular being a relative term) is good for 553 horsepower. But for the special Nürburgring Edition Lexus was able to coax a few more horses out of the stable and it is rated at 562 horsepower. And it comes with a V10 engine that emits one of the greatest exhaust notes in human history. Putting one of these machines in your garage will cost you well over $1 million. But it is worth it. And compared to the most powerful Lexus model ever, it is a bargain.

1. 2024 LY 680 (2,700 Horsepower)

OK, so this was a bit of a dirty trick, but we never said we were listing the most powerful Lexus cars. This incredible Lexus LY 680 yacht will set you back between $3.5 and $5 million dollars. But you can outfit it with a pair of Volvo Penta D13-IPS1350 engines. Each engine delivers 1,000 horsepower to the water. That is equivalent to a 1,350 horsepower engine with inboard running gear. So, you can brag to your friends that your Lexus has 2,700 horsepower and you would not be lying.

Images: Lexus