How long will the IS500 be in production?
The IS500 currently has no announced end date from Lexus and is expected to remain in production as part of the current IS generation. Lexus has not disclosed a timeline for discontinuation, so the model should continue alongside the rest of the IS lineup for the foreseeable future.
To understand how long the IS500 will stay in production, it helps to look at the model’s place in Lexus’ lineup, the lifecycle of the fifth-generation IS, and how automakers typically handle high-performance variants as technology and regulations evolve. Below is a rundown of the key context and the factors that influence any production window.
IS500 in the lineup today
The IS500 is the V8-powered variant of Lexus’ IS lineup, introduced for the current-generation IS. It uses a 5.0-liter V8 delivering about 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque, paired with a high-performance chassis and a rear-wheel-drive setup (with limited configurations in some markets). It sits at the top end of the IS lineup as a dedicated performance model within the fifth-generation IS family, and it has been offered in select markets, most notably the United States, since its introduction for the 2022 model year. Production status can vary by region and model year, so availability should be confirmed with a local dealership for the latest details.
Lifecycle context for the IS generation
Automakers typically align the production of a variant like the IS500 with the lifecycle of the generation it shares. The fifth-generation IS began its global rollout in 2020–2021 and has continued with updates along the way. Lexus has not publicly announced a next-generation IS timeline or a specific end date for the IS500 within this generation. In general, high-performance, low-volume variants may persist for most or all of a generation, provided demand remains and engineering support is viable.
Factors that influence how long the IS500 stays in production:
- Lifecycle length of the current IS generation (typical mid-cycle updates occur every few years).
- Market demand for a V8 performance sedan in an era of electrification and tighter emissions standards.
- Regulatory considerations and the cost of meeting evolving compliance requirements in different regions.
- Introduction of new powertrains or a redesigned IS with alternative propulsion options.
- Lexus’s overall electrification and product-planning strategy, including how long enthusiasts will be served by a V8 option.
These factors collectively shape how long the IS500 remains offered. Without an official announcement from Lexus, the variant’s production window will largely depend on how the IS generation evolves and how much demand exists for a V8-powered sedan within the lineup.
Near-term outlook for buyers and enthusiasts
For potential buyers, the IS500 represents a relatively niche option within the IS family. Availability can vary by market and model year, and limited-year allocations may affect inventory. Enthusiasts should monitor official Lexus communications and local dealers for announcements about new model years, updates, or any changes to the IS500’s availability as the company progresses with its broader electrification roadmap.
Bottom line
There is currently no published end date for the IS500’s production. Lexus has not signaled a discontinuation within the current IS generation, so the model will likely remain on sale as long as the generation is supported and demand remains steady. Prospective customers should stay in touch with official Lexus sources and local dealers for the most up-to-date availability and any generation-cycle announcements.
Summary
The IS500’s production timeline is not fixed to a public end date. It remains part of the fifth-generation IS lineup, with no official plan announced to discontinue it soon. Its longevity will depend on the IS generation’s lifecycle, market demand for a V8 performance sedan, and Lexus’s broader electrification strategy. For the latest certainty, check with Lexus directly or your local dealer as the model-year cycle evolves.
