2023 Lexus IS 500 Premium Sedan: The Brand Drops A V8 Underneath The Hood

  

Highlight: The IS 500, which was introduced during the 2022 model year, spews out 472-horsepower.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $ 65,815   

Seating Capacity: 4 (the rear seating area is designed for small adults or kids)

Standard Safety Features: ABS; a rear back up camera; a pre collision system with pedestrian detection; a lane departure alert system with steering assist; a radar activated cruise control system; a first aid kit; a tire pressure monitoring system; a temporary spare tire; a blind spot monitor system; and a rear cross traffic alert system

Standard Equipment IS 500 (Test Model): 19-inch wheels; a push-button ignition system; heated outside mirrors; an 8-inch color display infotainment touchscreen; a dual-zone automatic climate control; a power tilt and slide moonroof; paddle shifters for eight-speed transmission; a raised front hood; dark chrome window trim; RC-F inspired quad exhaust system; F Sport performance badging; premium triple beam headlights; a power moonroof; exterior styling treatment for bumpers, grille, rear diffuser and rear spoiler; specific color treatment for the exterior; a variety of driving modes; heated leather trimmed steering wheel; door sill scuff plates; memory control package setting for mirror and seats; a unique performance start up animation; a navigation system; a remote touchpad interface; and a 10-speaker audio system; a 360-degree monitor; a power rear sunshade

Other Trims:

IS 300

IS 350 F Sport

 

Options: 19-inch BBS wheels and special color exterior paint

Standard Audio on Test Vehicle: a 17-speaker/1800 watt Mark Levinson audio system with AM/FM/HD/CD with SiriusXM

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 6 years/70,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower- IS 500: 5.0-liter DOHC 32 valve with dual VVT-iE, engine/ 472-hp

Recommended Fuel: Premium

Standard Fuel Mileage: 17-city/25-hwy

What’s New: For the 2023 model year, Lexus increases the wheel size, adding 19-inch wheels. Moreover, a new Special Appearance Package joins the lineup. The Special Appearance Package is only limited to 150 units.

Why:

 

An engaging driving experience

Power throaty engine

V8 pushes out 472-horsepower

Rear wheel drive configuration

395-lbs of torque

19-inch BBS wheel available

A stylish athletic design

A high level of standard safety driving aids

The top track speed is 149 mph

CD player standard

A crystal clear 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system

A power rear sunshade

Red interior (in the test model)

The spindle grille is fitting for the IS 500

 

But: 

No manual transmission

Remote touch interface will be phased out soon

Verdict:  The rear-wheel drive IS 500 brings the driving excitement the Lexus brand lacks. During the 2022 model year, Lexus finally dropped an 8-cylinder engine under the hood of the athletic sedan. The 8-cylinder engine, with its 472-horsepower engine, distinguishes itself from other IS trims, with its standard 19-inch wheels, raised hood, quad exhaust system and dark chrome window trim.

The throaty compact sedan, with its 8-speed automatic transmission, steers clear from being the quiet luxury moniker the Japanese brand is known for. With a starting price near $59,000, the IS 500 is the brand’s priciest compact to date.

Like every Lexus, this IS 500 is outfitted with a host of standard safety aids to keep this sedan under control.

Competition: Audi S4 and BMW M340i