Is the Lexus IS500 coming to Australia?

As of November 2025, there is no official confirmation from Lexus Australia about importing the IS500. The high-performance V8 variant has been a North American-focused model, and Lexus Australia has not announced plans to offer it locally.

Background: what is the Lexus IS500?

The IS500 is a performance-oriented variant of the Lexus IS sedan that uses a 5.0‑litre V8 engine to deliver higher horsepower than the standard IS lineup. Introduced for the North American market in 2021, it typically features rear‑wheel drive with an optional all‑wheel‑drive system, a bespoke suspension setup, and exhaust tuning designed for sportier character. In most regions outside the U.S., the IS500 has not been a standard or widely available model, making its arrival in Australia uncertain.

Current status in Australia

There has been no official statement from Lexus Australia about bringing the IS500 to the local market. Australia’s IS lineup has traditionally leaned on smaller-displacement and hybrid variants, with a broader emphasis on electrification and SUV models in recent years. Importing a left-hand-drive, V8-powered variant would require a dedicated local program, compliance work, and a clear business case—all of which have not been publicly pursued by Lexus Australia to date.

What follows outlines the practical considerations that shape whether the IS500 could ever reach Australia.

Key considerations that could affect the decision to import the IS500

• Market demand and pricing viability in the Australian market, including consumer interest in a V8-powered IS and the willingness to pay a premium for performance.


• Regulatory and compliance requirements for Australian roads, including homologation, safety standards, and emissions compliance for a large-displacement V8 model.


• Import economics, including duties, taxes, and potential cost to local retailers versus expected sales volume.


• Lexus Australia’s broader electrification and SUV-focused strategy, which may deprioritize niche variants like the IS500 in favor of models with stronger regional demand.


• Manufacturing and allocation realities, such as whether a global supply chain or production window would allow an Australian-focused IS500 program without disadvantaging other markets.

In short, the combination of uncertain demand, regulatory hurdles, and strategic focus on electrified models makes an IS500 arrival in Australia unlikely in the near term.

Potential paths that could enable an IS500 arrival

• A formal shift in Lexus global strategy that positions the IS500 as a core or regionally important model, accompanied by a dedicated Australian program.


• Clear evidence of strong local demand for a V8 IS variant, prompting costs and compliance work to be justified by sales projections.


• Government or industry incentives for lower-emission performance variants, or a local adaptation that meets Australian standards without compromising the V8 concept.


• Reallocation of production or allocation from other markets to support an Australian‑specific rollout, along with pricing that makes the model financially viable for retailers and customers.

Even if these conditions align, a formal import program would still require substantial engineering, certification, and market testing before it could go on sale.

Summary

At present, there is no official plan to bring the Lexus IS500 to Australia. While the model exists in North America as a high-performance variant of the IS, the Australian market has not been earmarked for its introduction, heavy regulatory and cost considerations aside. Enthusiasts should watch for any announcements from Lexus Australia or credible automotive outlets, but for now the IS500 remains unlikely to appear in Australia in the near term.

How much IS the Lexus 500 in Australia?

Priced from $194,7471 for the V8-powered LC 500 and $195,1651 for the self-charging hybrid LC 500h, the Lexus flagship Coupe welcomes up to 10 engineering changes, as well as increased luxury appointments and new colour and trim options.

Why IS Lexus not sold in Australia?

Because they didn't designed the cars specifically for Australia? It is the new safety regulations in Australia that prevent them to be sold in Australia. They are still being sold in all other countries,no worries.

Was the IS500 sold in Australia?

Lexus has confirmed to Chasing Cars that the IS500 will not be brought to Australia, even in light of the Japan-market news. The Lexus IS sedan has officially been taken off sale in Australia owing to the introduction of the ADR 85 protocol that requires vehicles to pass more stringent side intrusion testing.

IS Lexus discontinuing the 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