Is Lexus IS 500 a V8?
Yes. The Lexus IS 500 uses a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine, making it the V8-powered option in the IS lineup. This model stands apart from the IS 350, which relies on a V6, by delivering higher performance and a distinctive V8 exhaust note.
Powertrain and performance
The IS 500 taps Lexus’s 2UR-GSE 5.0-liter V8, a well-known engine shared with other high-performance Lexus models. In the U.S. market, it produces about 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The car is rear-wheel drive as standard, with no official all-wheel-drive option for this variant in the United States. This setup yields brisk acceleration and a signature V8 roar that sets the IS 500 apart from the smaller-engined IS models.
Key specifications at a glance:
- Engine: 5.0-liter V8 (2UR-GSE), naturally aspirated
- Power output: 472 hp (SAE net) at roughly 7,000 rpm
- Torque: 395 lb-ft (535 Nm) at about 4,600 rpm
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic with manual shift mode
- Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive; no U.S. market all-wheel-drive option for IS 500
- Notable variants: IS 500 F Sport / F Sport Performance with chassis tuning
These figures contribute to the IS 500's character as a high-revving, V8-powered sedan with a more aggressive exhaust note and performance posture than the IS 350.
Engine details and tuning
Engine notes aside, the IS 500’s V8 is tuned for a balance of tractable street performance and track-ready response. It benefits from a tuned intake, exhaust characteristics, and a sport-tuned suspension that emphasizes driving dynamics over pure efficiency. The result is a distinctly different driving experience compared with the IS 350’s V6 powertrain.
Is IS 500 different from the IS 350?
To understand what makes the IS 500 unique, it helps to compare it with the IS 350—the other popular engine choice in the current IS lineup. The differences go beyond badge and sound, affecting performance, handling, and everyday usability.
Key contrasts between IS 500 and IS 350:
- Engine: IS 350 uses a 3.5-liter V6; IS 500 uses a 5.0-liter V8
- Power output: IS 350 around 311 hp; IS 500 around 472 hp
- Performance: IS 500 accelerates faster and offers sharper response; IS 350 emphasizes balance and efficiency
- Drivetrain: IS 350 offers optional all-wheel drive; IS 500 is rear-wheel drive (in the U.S.)
- Sound and character: IS 500 delivers a louder, more aggressive V8 exhaust note
The IS 500’s core appeal is its V8 soundtrack and enhanced performance, while the IS 350 remains the more practical, efficient, and potentially more affordable option within the lineup.
Why the difference matters to buyers
For buyers prioritizing outright power, a spine-tingling engine note, and track-ready dynamics, the IS 500 stands out as the more compelling choice. For those seeking strong daily usability, better fuel economy, or all-wheel-drive capability, the IS 350 remains a strong alternative.
Availability and market notes
In the current generation, the IS 500 is the V8 option available in the United States. Other regions may offer different IS configurations, often with turbocharged six- or four-cylinder engines rather than a dedicated V8. Lexus has positioned the IS 500 as the performance-leading member of the IS family in markets where it is offered, with the focus on delivering a pure V8 driving experience rather than a hybrid or turbocharged substitute.
As a rule, the IS 500 emphasizes a straightforward, non-hybrid powertrain and a chassis tuned for high-performance feel, rather than the broader efficiency and electrification strategies seen in some other Lexus models. Buyers should verify local specifications for year-to-year changes or region-specific availability.
Driving experience and features
Beyond the engine, the IS 500 benefits from F Sport-tuned chassis refinements, sport brakes, and unique exterior cues that signal its performance intent. Inside, it pairs luxury with sport-oriented touches, including supportive front seats and an array of driver-assistance and infotainment features typical of Lexus. The overall package prioritizes response, handling precision, and a purposeful driving character that resonates with enthusiasts who want a practical luxury sedan with a genuine V8 heartbeat.
Summary
The Lexus IS 500 is indeed powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine (the naturally aspirated 2UR-GSE), delivering approximately 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque. It represents the performance-focused variant of Lexus’s IS lineup, combining a refined interior with a loud, engaging V8 experience and rear-wheel-drive dynamics in the U.S. market. Availability and exact specs can vary by model year and region, but the IS 500 remains the V8-powered standout for buyers seeking ultimate V8 performance in a compact luxury sedan.
