Ever since it made its debut way back in 1999, the Lexus IS has always been one of my favorite luxury sport sedans. I’m not sure if it’s because the rear-wheel drive compact sport sedan is so much fun to be in and drive, or because it’s so different when compared to the rest of the cars in the Lexus lineup. Or maybe with its sub-$45,000 starting price it still seems to be a great bargain. Either way, it’s an exciting car and even more so when it’s fitted with a V8 engine. As I was handed the keys to a 2025 Lexus IS500, those feelings of excitement embraced me like a long-lost friend.
The IS still looks as good now as it did when this third generation first appeared more than 10 years ago. I recall Lexus referring to the design as “aggressive elegance” – and that still holds true today. There are large air intakes up front along with a pronounced spindle grille as well as spoilers at both ends of the car. Sporty, yes, but the lines of car and its attention to detail give it a very luxurious presence.
For 2025, the IS is available as the IS300 (using a turbocharged four-cylinder) and the IS350 (using a 3.5. liter V6). But for those wanting more power than the IS350’s 311 horses, the V8 powered IS500 is offered.
In today’s automotive market, going with a V8 seems strange as most automakers have ditched V8s for turbocharged six-cylinders (or four-cylinders). Heck, even Toyota has dropped the V8 in their Tundra and Sequoia for a better performing turbocharged six-cylinder. But in the IS500 – Lexus has decided to keep with eight cylinders, for now, and I am so glad they did.
Coming in at 5 liters, the V8 in the IS500 makes 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque. It is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that then sends the power to the rear wheels. No all-wheel drive, no turbocharging, just good ole fashion old school muscle.
Upon start-up, the engine doesn’t sound like anything special. Driving around town, the IS500 drives like any other Lexus – delivering a smooth, comfortable, quiet ride. But change the drive mode to one of the two Sport settings and get on the gas pedal and as the tach approaches 3,000 RPMs, the demeanor of the car changes. Occupants of the IS will feel a push in their chest as their backs get pressed into their seats. The roar of the naturally aspirated V8 is wonderful to hear – and is emitted through the IS500’s quad stacked tailpipes that are sure to turn heads and raise pulse rates. While not stupidly-fast, the IS500 is able to hit 60 mph in just a tick over 4 seconds. Plenty fast in my book.
Inside, the IS500 is equipped with sport seats that keep the driver and passenger better planted during hard cornering. The IS500 also includes F Sport badging on the steering wheel, shifter, and door sills.
The rest of the interior is typical IS that features soft touch surfaces, aluminum accents and airtight panel gaps – showcasing the refinement Lexus is known for. The infotainment screen is well-done and is controlled by a mouselike Remote Touch Controller – which has always been the center of debate. The thick rimmed steering wheel feels fantastic in the driver’s hands.
Everything that you would expect to be standard equipment is, like a moonroof, push button start, dual zone air-conditioning, and heated power seats. For the extra good life, opt for the Premium trim level and the IS500 gets options like vented seats and a Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio system. And showing it’s age, the IS is one of last remaining cars that still has a CD player.
The test car, an IS500 F Sport in Flare Yellow, carries an MSRP of $69,539.
As much as I love the IS, especially this IS500, it isn’t perfect. The backseat is tight – especially when it comes to legroom and trunk space is limited to 10.8 cubic feet – the smallest in its class. The back seats do fold down (although not flat) to provide extra room if needed.
Sadly, the IS500 is probably the last of its kind – as Lexus probably won’t offer a rear-wheel-drive, V8-powered sport sedan ever again. What a shame, because the IS500 is such a marvel of car. In years to come, we will be remembering luxury cars that had big gas-powered engines, that didn’t need turbochargers or any other power assistance, and drove the rear wheels using a transmission with gears. Cars like the Lexus IS500.
-– Christopher A. Randazzo
By The Numbers:
2025 Lexus IS 500 F Sport
Base Price:$63,670.00
Price as Tested:$69,539.00
Layout:front-engine / rear-wheel drive
Engine:5.0 liter V8
Transmission:8-speed automatic
Horsepower:472 hp
Torque:395 ft/lb
EPA Fuel Economy:17 city / 25 highway mpg
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