Lexus is known for cranking out comfortable cruisers, but they’re also a bonafide performance brand as they’ve been producing F models for more than a decade.
The journey started with the IS F. It debuted in Detroit at the North American International Auto Show 2007. While the sport sedan was well-received, Lexus decided to not make another model when the third-generation IS came out five years later.
However, like a number of competitors, Lexus has decided to launch their own mild-performance sub-brand akin to BMW’s M Performance and Cadillac’s repositioned V-Series. These vehicles are known as F Sport Performance and will sport aggressive styling but not the full F model.
The first member of the F Sport Performance family is the IS 500 and it’s a promising preview of things to come. It might not be as extreme as an IS F, but it mixes comfort and sport while also being a heck of a lot of fun.
A Proper Looking Sports Sedan
The facelifted IS looks great in standard form, but the IS 500 F Sport Performance kicks things up a notch as it is distinguished by a bulging hood, a modified front bumper and lengthened fenders. These changes don’t immediately jump out, but they enabled engineers to shoehorn a 5.0-liter V8 into the engine bay.
Designers didn’t stop there as the IS 500 has been outfitted with exclusive 19-inch Enkei wheels, which are lighter than those found on the more mainstream F Sport variant. This high-performance variant also has gloss black accents and dark chrome trim.
Most of the changes are subtle, but there’s no mistaking the IS 500 when viewed from the rear. A stacked four-tailpipe exhaust system makes the car’s performance known, while a black rear spoiler and unique diffuser emphasize that message.
A Dated Interior That Feels Like It’s From A Different Vehicle
While the exterior looks great, the cabin feels like a relic from a bygone era as it’s virtually identical to the one found in the 2014 IS.
This is disappointing for a ‘new’ car and it’s age can be clearly seen in the prominent placement of the CD player. The subpar switchgear as well as the substandard 8-inch infotainment and materials system make matters more complicated.
The bright side is that it has heated and ventilated front sports seats, wrapped in NuLuxe fabric. A dual-zone automatic climate system with power moonroof and heated steering wheels will be available to buyers. Highlights include an alloy pedal, a Pioneer 10-speaker audio system and an LFA-inspired digital instrument cluster.
While the interior isn’t the car’s strong suit, it’s more spacious than the dimensions would suggest. There’s plenty of room up front, but the rear seat is on the small side as it offers a mere 32.2 inches (818 mm) of legroom. However, it feels roomier than that and I was able to squeeze behind the driver’s seat without much of an issue. Being in the back isn’t the most enjoyable experience, but quick trips around town shouldn’t be a problem as there’s adequate head- and legroom for adults.
Speaking of room, there’s 10.8 cubic feet (306 liters) of cargo space in the trunk and that can be increased by folding the rear seats down. However, that’s less than competitors such as the Audi S4, BMW M340i and Mercedes C43.
A V8 Naturally Aspirated With 472 HP
While all of the aforementioned competitors use a turbocharged six-cylinder engine, Lexus apparently believes there’s no replacement for displacement. Lexus has fitted the IS 500 with a naturally aspirated V8 of 5.0-liter capacity that produces 472 HP (347kW / 479PS) and 395 Lb-ft (536Nm).
It’s impossible not to love the engine as V8s are quickly becoming an endangered species. More importantly, it outguns the competition as the Germans have outputs ranging from 349 hp (260 kW / 354 PS) to 385 hp (287 kW / 390 PS).
Eight-speed automatic transmission is attached to the V8. It sends power only to the rear wheels. This allows the car to go from 0-60 mph (0-60 km/h), before reaching its maximum speed at 149 mph (240 km/h). The numbers above aren’t too bad, however the S4 or M340i both hit 60 mph (66.6 km/h), and have an even faster top speed at 155 mph (253 km/h).
The V8’s fuel consumption is quite high. According to the EPA, the IS 500 gets 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. It also has a combined rating of 20 mpg. Even with the standard all-wheel drive C43 or S4, the Germans have better results.
A sports car that is fuel efficient can be compared to buying art for its frame. Instead, it’s all about the experience and this is where the IS 500 excels. It is well-built and can easily be navigated around the city, but if you press the accelerator it bursts into life, making its presence known. Furthermore, thanks to its naturally aspirated nature, there’s no waiting for turbos to spool up.
It’s A Blast To Drive
The good news doesn’t end with the engine as the IS 500 feels like a proper sports sedan. It is a great daily driver because it offers both comfort and sport. The steering is also good as it’s responsive and nicely weighted.
The car was very balanced and enjoyable to ride down Scottsdale’s back roads. It was effortless to corner, with the suspension handling any imperfections well.
This can be partly attributed to both the rear-wheel platform and the Dynamic Handling package, which features an adaptive variable suspension as well as a limited slip differential. It also features a Yamaha rear performance suspension and a braking system upgraded with bigger discs. These discs measure 12.7 inches at the rear and 14 inches up front (356mm). They are 0.8 inches (20 and 25mm respectively) bigger than the ones found in the standard model.
Pricing Starts At $56,500
The IS 500 F Sport Performance is a very affordable vehicle, starting at $56,500. That’s the same price as the Mercedes-AMG C43, but the Audi S4 and BMW 340i are cheaper as they begin at $51,900 and $54,700 respectively.
It’s also impossible to ignore the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing which starts at $58,995 and features a twin-turbo 3.6-liter V6 that produces 472 hp (352 kW / 479 PS) and 445 lb-ft (603 Nm) of torque. The Cadillac’s horsepower rating is identical to the IS 500 but the Cadillac has 50 lbft (68 Nm). It can also reach 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds (96 km/h), and peak at 189 mph (394 km/h). The standard 6-speed manual transmission should also make the American more appealing for enthusiasts.
Lexus has a more expensive IS 500 Premium model for $61,000, leaving aside the Cadillac. You will also find premium LED headlights, panoramic views monitors, and a rear sunshade. The larger 10.3-inch Infotainment System with GPS Navigation and a Premium Audio System from Mark Levinson (17-speakers) will be available to buyers.
The IS 500 Launch Edition is available for customers who want something more special. It’s limited to 500 pieces. It costs $67,400 and features an exclusive Incognito exterior with matte black 19-inch BBS forged alloy wheels.
The cabin features a special edition with black and grey ultrasuede upholstery and an individual numbered badge. There is also a heated leather steering column and trim made of ash wood. At startup, owners will find the Launch Edition animation.
A Fantastic Car, But It’s A Shame About The Interior
If you believe ‘could have had a V8’ applies to more than just juice drinks, it’s hard not to love the IS 500 and its naturally aspirated engine. It is an old breed that offers incredible performance.
Thankfully, the engine isn’t the only good thing about the IS 500 as the driving experience is remarkable. I took an RC 350 out on the track earlier this year and wasn’t terribly impressed, so I was a bit shocked by how nice the IS 500 is to drive. While it has a distinct sporting personality, the IS 500 feels very comfortable in town. That’s a difficult balancing act, but Lexus appears to have pulled it off.
Unfortunately, everything isn’t perfect as the interior is woefully dated and a number of competitors offer more spacious accommodations. It’s a bit like the Cadillac in this regard as both are impressive sport sedans, but the interiors are a letdown.
Although it does have its faults, we think the IS 500 is an amazing addition to Lexus’ line-up. It makes us excited to see Lexus continue to grow F Sport Performance.
CarScoops – Picture credit to Michael Gauthier
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