Is IS500 fast?

Yes. The Lexus IS 500 is fast for a luxury sedan, delivering a 5.0-liter V8 with about 472 horsepower, a rear‑drive setup, and 0-60 mph in roughly 4.3–4.5 seconds, with a governed top speed near 168 mph.

Beyond straight-line speed, the IS 500 aims to balance daily practicality with a track-oriented character. It uses a naturally aspirated V8 shared with the RC F, pairs it with an eight-speed automatic, and relies on a stability‑oriented chassis and available sport handling hardware to translate power into real-world performance. The result is a car that appeals to enthusiasts who want a faster, more emotive Lexus sedan without stepping up to a dedicated sports car.

Powertrain and performance numbers

Here are the core specifications that define the IS 500’s speed and driving character.

• Engine: 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8


• Horsepower: ~472 hp


• Torque: ~395 lb-ft


• Transmission: 8-speed automatic


• Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive with a limited-slip differential


• 0-60 mph: ~4.3–4.5 seconds (tests vary by road and tires)


• Top speed: ~168 mph (electronically limited)


• Weight: roughly 4,000 pounds (varies by trim and options)


• EPA fuel economy: typically in the mid-teens city / mid-20s highway

The IS 500 relies on a high-revving, naturally aspirated V8 that delivers strong, linear acceleration and a distinctive exhaust note, paired with an eight-speed automatic that cues up gears quickly in sport or manual modes. While it isn’t the lightest or most agile in its class, its power delivery remains crisp and eager, especially when pushed into higher revs.

Rivals and market position

In the crowded segment of high-performance four-door sedans, the IS 500 sits alongside turbocharged six‑cylinder and other V8 offerings, often trading blows on power, sound, and daily usability. Here’s how it generally stacks up against key contenders.

• BMW M340i xDrive (turbo inline-six): quick and agile with all-wheel drive available; excels in refinement and chassis balance, but its engine sound is less V8-esque than the Lexus


• Audi S4/S5 (turbo V6): smooth, all-around performer with strong acceleration and good ride quality, but not a V8 soundtrack


• Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing (high-performance V8): tremendous straight-line speed and track capability, typically pricier and bigger, with a more aggressive ride


• Mercedes-AMG C63 or C63 S (V8): formidable performance and distinctive exhaust note, often with higher price of entry and a stiffer ride in some trims

Compared with these rivals, the IS 500 distinguishes itself with a strong V8 soundtrack, a dedicated rear-drive platform, and Lexus interior quality. Its faster times depend on driver engagement and tire choice, while some rivals may out-accelerate or out-hunt the IS 500 in certain conditions or configurations. Overall, it occupies a niche for buyers seeking a V8-powered, emotionally engaging Lexus with four doors.

Driving experience and practicality

The IS 500 aims to blend everyday practicality with performance-focused driving. It offers spacious seating for four, a usable trunk, and a cockpit designed for driver involvement. The ride can lean toward firm in sport modes, especially with performance tires and tighter suspension tuning, but adaptive dampers help mitigate rough roads. Inside, you’ll find Lexus’s upscale materials and a user-friendly infotainment system, though some buyers note the need to optimize the interface for quicker access to performance settings.

In terms of everyday usability, the IS 500 is relatively practical for a performance sedan: it seats adults comfortably, has reasonable cargo space for errands, and provides a refined daily drive when you’re not chasing the car’s top-end pace. As speeds rise, the V8’s soundtrack becomes a prominent character, which is a draw for enthusiasts who want a more evocative experience than a turbocharged four- or six-cylinder might offer.

Pros and cons

The following list captures common strengths and caveats noted by reviewers and owners.

• Pros: Thrilling V8 soundtrack, strong straight-line acceleration, rear-drive dynamics with a capable LSD, well-crafted interior, capable braking and handling in sport configurations


• Cons: Heavier curb weight than some rivals, competition’s turbocharged engines can offer sharper agility or lower running costs, fuel economy is modest, some may prefer all-wheel drive for traction in certain climates

In short, the IS 500 prioritizes speed and a visceral driving experience within a luxury sedan package. It may lag the lightest or most agile rivals in certain cornering scenarios, but it delivers onerous straight-line performance and an unmistakable engine note that appeals to enthusiasts.

Summary

The Lexus IS 500 is fast for a luxury four-door, delivering strong horsepower, urgent acceleration, and a memorable V8 soundtrack. It pairs this performance with a practical interior and Lexus build quality, though it weighs more and can be less nimble than some rivals with lighter architectures or all-wheel-drive options. For buyers who value a high-performance sedan with a distinct, emotive character, the IS 500 remains a compelling choice in its segment.

IS500 sport performance?

The Lexus IS 500 F SPORT Performance is a luxury sport sedan powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine, producing 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque. Its performance is enhanced by a Torsen limited-slip rear differential, a Sport Direct-Shift 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, and F SPORT-tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension. Key performance features include stacked quad exhaust tips, Brembo® brakes, and a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds.
 
This video demonstrates the performance of the Lexus IS 500, including acceleration and handling: 1mDM Car ReviewsYouTube · Jul 30, 2025
Engine and powertrain

• Engine: A 5.0-liter, naturally aspirated V8 engine.
• Horsepower: 472 hp.
• Torque: 395 lb-ft.
• Transmission: An 8-speed Sport Direct-Shift automatic transmission with paddle shifters.
• Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive. 

Performance and handling

• Acceleration: 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. 
• Suspension: F SPORT-tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension for improved handling. 
• Differential: Torsen limited-slip rear differential for enhanced traction. 
• Brakes: Two-piece aluminum brake rotors, with optional Brembo® calipers and 380mm discs on the Ultimate Edition. 
• Exhaust: Stacked quad exhaust tips designed for performance and sound. 
• Driving Modes: Includes ECO, Normal, Sport S, and Sport S+ modes for customizable performance. 

Additional features

• Interior: Customizable gauge cluster with an LFA-inspired design, F SPORT seats, and premium materials. 
• Technology: Equipped with a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility. 
• Safety: Includes standard driver-assistance features like Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, and Adaptive Cruise Control. 

Will IS500 hold value?

A Lexus IS 500 will depreciate 29% after 5 years and have a 5 year resale value of $44,801. The chart below shows the expected depreciation for the next 10 years. These results are for vehicles in good condition, averaging 13,500 miles per year. It also assumes a selling price of $63,395 when new.

IS the IS500 a good daily driver?

If it's a daily driver I would go with the IS500 hands down. It's going to be a much more comfortable cruiser with sufficient power to sufficient power for some fun. Obviously it's not going to handle as well on a track but how often are you going to run into a track like condition on the street.

IS Lexus discontinuing IS500?

Yes, the Lexus IS 500 has been discontinued, with the 2025 model year being the last one produced. Lexus is ending production of the IS 500, which featured a 5.0L V8 engine, and the 2026 model year will no longer include this variant. A special 2025 Lexus IS 500 Ultimate Edition was released as a final send-off for the model.
 
This video discusses the discontinuation of the IS 500 and its impact on performance sedan enthusiasts: 38sBrakeDownMediaYouTube · Sep 18, 2025

• The 2025 model year is the last chance to purchase the IS 500. 
• Production of the IS 500 is scheduled to end in November 2025. 
• The 2026 model year will no longer offer the IS 500 variant. 
• A limited-edition 2025 IS 500 Ultimate Edition was released as a final send-off for the model. 

You can watch this video to see a final review of the Lexus IS 500: 54sThe Novak ReportYouTube · Aug 9, 2025