Downsizing engines and supplementing them with electrification has change into the brand new development, however there isn’t a day that goes by when lovers don’t mourn high-displacement, naturally aspirated engines. The lack of the V8 within the C63 AMG hit us exhausting, and we yearn for a return of the screaming 8,400 rpm S65 V8 from the E90 BMW M3. There was a time when even the Audi RS5 utilized an eight-cylinder. These days have lengthy gone, together with the period of rear-wheel drive.
The Germans and even the People have given up on shoving monstrously giant engines into their smallest rear-powered sedans. However not the Japanese. Lexus has stored this tire-burning recipe alive within the IS 500 F Sport Efficiency, their ultimate stand with a scintillating eight-cylinder warfare drum beating to the sweat and tears of orange-clad protesters.
In an period the place electrification and hybridization have begun to reign supreme, we’re unsure how this IS 500 even exists – it have to be all of the hybrids that Toyota is manufacturing. Underneath the hood is an atmospheric 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 that generates 472 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque, powering the car via an 8-speed automated transmission solely to the rear wheels. That permits the IS 500 to dash from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds, the identical because the Audi S5 Sportback, however it’s notably slower than the BMW M340i xDrive (4.4 seconds).
Paired with 19-inch solid BBS wheels and Flare Yellow paint, that are unique to the Particular Look Bundle, this IS 500 seems as speedy as its spec sheet suggests. Though it has been out there since 2022, that is the primary time we’ve correctly pushed and reviewed one. Its shortfalls are readily obvious and inherent in its setup. With out turbochargers, the IS 500 falls brief in torque in comparison with its rivals, that means it’s important to work tougher in your efficiency and rev out the engine with the right gearing, moderately than counting on compelled induction or electrical motors to do the heavy lifting.
The 8-speed gearbox is the weakest level and ages the IS platform. When left to its personal units, the shifts are easy and seamless, swapping behind the scenes with out fuss. However rowing them your self through the lever or paddles, and the downshifts lurch and jerk the car ahead because the engine struggles to transition into the required RPM. Upshifts don’t attain that degree of urgency or polish that you’d discover in a BMW ZF, and it’s total an unrefined gearbox that solely rewards at its most optimum shift factors and RPMs.
It’s a disgrace that Lexus didn’t absolutely decide to manufacturing a full-blown IS F. Some consult with this IS 500 because the non secular successor, however that declare doesn’t sit nicely with us. The components are there. Simply uprate the V8 with stronger internals, add a software program tune, enhance the cooling package deal for observe use, and equip stickier tires and a stiffer mounted suspension. Throw in a physique package with a rear wing and carbon fibre elements to cut back weight and improve downforce, and add optionally available carbon ceramic brakes. Lexus might need had a extra characterful M3 killer with the reliability of an RX SUV. The IS already has the signature quad-stacked exhausts to match. Missed alternative of the last decade? Fairly presumably.
Which brings us to the meat and potatoes of why somebody chooses to purchase an IS 500 over an Acura TLX Sort S, BMW M340i, or Mercedes-AMG C 43. It’s for the noise and driver engagement, two key components that appear to have gone lacking in lots of as we speak’s sports activities sedans, however have in some way discovered their method into this yellow Lexus.
The easiest way to explain what the IS 500 seems like is imagining a Japanese orchestral cowl of an American muscle-car soundtrack. Soulful with a robust mid-range punch, the IS 500 stays sonically pleasing all through its total rev vary with out the sharpness and harsh notes that sometimes accompany a vibrating V8 instrument. There’s a small dial on the left aspect of the steering column, labelled ASC, which stands for Lively Sound Management, that manages the quantity of artificial exhaust noise piped into the cabin via the audio system. The distinction when it’s engaged is palpable. On full blast, the notes are high-pitched like a lion wailing for its mom, however when ASC is off, it’s muted and quiet. We’re conscious of the potential of this V8 – assume RC F and LC 500 – and extremely suggest an aftermarket exhaust to unlock its full vocal potential.
The traction management is kind of restrictive and adept at retaining the rear axle locked in and gripped. Even with a Torsen limited-slip differential, it ceaselessly cuts energy because the pair of wheels wrestle to translate all that horsepower into ahead momentum. Loosening these reins by turning off TC unveils a way more playful aspect to the IS, however turning off stability management as nicely leads to a really mercurial behaviour untypical of a Lexus. Drifts, burnouts, and tail-led powerslides – that is what the IS 500 setup is made for, and what it excels in, however these playful maneuvers require your full consideration and all arms on deck.
The Lexus steers with extra texture and accuracy than the BMW or the Audi, monitoring the highway extra faithfully and following the grooves and divots that pull the wheel from left to proper. There’s a higher sense of connection to the highway because it breathes and undulates via your fingertips, all whereas the adaptive suspension retains physique roll and highway compliance in verify, justifying its use as a each day driver. And with out energy being despatched to the entrance axle, the steering is relatively pure, unfiltered, and winds with intuitive readability.
The V8 comes with larger working prices as a consequence of its penchant for gas. We averaged 15.2 L/100km over metropolis and freeway driving. The Lexus goes to devour all of your gas and certain chew via your tires as nicely. The beginning worth received’t steadiness it out – it begins at $76,840, in comparison with the Audi S5 Sportback ($73,150) and BMW M340i xDrive ($74,678). Nevertheless, the three equal out in worth with comparable choices geared up.
The Lexus IS 500 is the last word swansong for sporty sedans in-built Japan. Bringing this misplaced recipe of pure aspiration, eight cylinders, and RWD to fruition took dedication and sacrifices, however we want Lexus took issues additional with an IS F. Go massive or go house, and provides the lovers the halo product they dream of – consider what number of girls and boys had LFA posters up on their bed room partitions, ourselves included. That stated, we nonetheless need to rely our blessings that it even exists. The IS 500 stays antiquated in lots of features, reminiscent of its inside and gearbox, however its characterful engine, playful highway manners, and exhaust symphony will without end stay on within the minds of gearheads searching for their high-octane, dopamine rush.
Specs:
Mannequin: 2025 Lexus IS 500 Particular Look Bundle
Paint Sort: Flare Yellow
Base Value: $76,840
Value as Examined: $80,410
Wheelbase(mm): 2,800
Size/Width/Peak (mm): 4,758 / 1,839 / 1,435
Curb weight (kg): 1,765
Engine: 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8
Horsepower: 472 hp @ 7,100 rpm
Torque: 395 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm
Transmission: 8-speed automated
Engine & Drive Configuration: Entrance engine, RWD
Noticed Gasoline Consumption (L/100km): 15.2
Tires: 235/40R19 entrance; 265/35R19 rear
