Current Lexus Models

The RC F is the high-performance variant of the brand's luxury coupe in keeping with the brand's ethos. It is not as performance-focused as its rivals like the BMW M4 or Audi RS5. However, this is not necessarily bad, as the posh upgrades and creature comforts make it more of a daily driver. In 2023, the RC F is offered in four trims, those being the RC F, the Premium Package that adds different wheels and an upgraded interior, the Carbon Package that adds carbon fiber trim on both the interior and exterior, and the Track Edition, which gains a carbon fiber hood, a carbon fiber rear wing, carbon-ceramic Brembo brakes, and ups the power and gear rations to give the RC F a sub-4 second 0 to 60 time.

The range-topping luxury coupe does have a hybrid variant, but our pick would be the naturally aspirated option. That one puts out 471 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque, good enough for a 4.7-second sprint to 60 mph. For 2023, a new Bespoke Build option (just for the naturally aspirated variant) will allow buyers to customize their cars. It introduces options like an active rear wing, a glass or carbon-fiber roof, blacked-out exterior trim, and an optional orange-colored interior.

The Lexus LC 500h is an interesting take on performance hybrid implementation. With the 3.5L V6 providing power through an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission, the electric motor has its own 4-speed automatic transmission that pairs with the CVT. This allows for either the petrol engine or the electric motor to be the primary source of power to the rear wheels, or can combine together to give a peak of 354 HP. While over 100 HP less than the LC 500, the 500h is only 0.3 seconds slower to 60 MPH, mostly due to the enormous torque boost the electric motor provides to get the car rolling.

The LC500 gained a convertible variant in 2021, and for 2023 it now also boasts all of the performance upgrades introduced for the coupe in 2022. The convertible features a power-retractable fabric top for luxurious open-air cruising, allowing unfiltered access to the soundtrack of the naturally aspirated V8.

The Lexus RX 500h, at least on paper, doesn't sound like it would be a top-of-the-range performance model. What makes it special is that unlike the other hybrid models in the RX range, the 500h features two electric motors, one up front to help drive the front wheels with the 2.4L turbocharged inline four, and one at the rear as an "eAxle" that drives the rear axle. Both motors feed off the large under-floor lithium ion battery pack, and give the 500h permanent-but-variable Direct4 AWD, that even allows for torque vectoring. Both electric motors will provide low-end torque, with the front motor becoming a generator unit when the turbo engine is spun up to full power, keeping the battery charged at all times. Sport suspension, a 6 speed paddle-shifted automatic, and a Sport+ drive mode are just the icing on top.

After a few years away, the IS 500 F Sport Performance has returned to the sporty models from the Japanese luxury brand. It shares the same engine as the LC 500 coupe, but wraps it in a four-door sedan body that still shows the aesthetics of the LC's long and flowing body. There is a Premium version of the IS 500 that msotly adds interior trim upgrades and a larger infotainment screen, but both models will still match the LC 500's 4.4s 0 to 60 time and share the 8-speed semiautomatic paddle-shifted transmission, powering the rear wheels only.