The IS500 F Sport Performance carves its own path in a very crowded space, shared with the Cadillac CT5-V, Audi S4, BMW M340i, and Mercedes C43, providing a naturally aspirated V8, rear wheel drive car. The 2022, IS500 F Sport Performance isn’t a brand new car, but one with significant updates, compelling enough to draw customers from the competition. The IS500 has fundamental flaws such as backseat space that won’t be solved until the next full redesign, but Lexus has injected fun and character into the car enough to compel buyers and enthusiasts alike.
POWERTRAIN AND PERFORMANCE
The IS500 F Sport Performance has Lexus naturally aspirated 5.0 liter V8 putting out 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft or torque mated to an eight speed automatic gearbox. Just like its sibling the RC F, it is a fairly easy rear wheel drive car to launch, getting to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, not as quick as the Germans but quick enough.
Due to the lack of forced induction, this engine doesn’t have a lot of low down shove. It is still charming at the limit, with a redline of 7300 RPM and max torque delivered at 4800, which edges you to keep your foot planted. Doing so rewards you with a sonorous sound from the staggered quad pipe exhaust, and a freight train-like acceleration. The IS 500 has an intake bypass that opens around 2800 rpm, when the throttle is pinned, creating that boisterous roar.
The Aisin eight speed automatic bangs home shifts enthusiastically during acceleration, but it's neither as quick nor as smooth in everyday driving as the ZF eight speed found in BMW and Audi. The chassis doesn’t quite live up to the performance label, and a suspension tuned to become plush that stiff, thus under hard acceleration, the rear squats dramatically.
Around town, the IS500 F is compliant and wafts along just like any Lexus product. The adaptive dampers keep it very composed over bumps, and beautifully controlled when you hit uneven pavement. The limited slip differential also works great at shifting power laterally between the two rear wheels, thus the vehicle responds well to throttle inputs mid corners.
EXTERIOR
At first glance, the IS500 looks very much like the IS350, but scratch a little deeper and interesting details come out. The front is aggressive with that huge spindle grille, with the hood raised nearly two inches, while the front bumper and fenders have been lengthened to accommodate that V8.
From the side the pronounced power bulge is more pronounced, and fits in nicely with the larger fender flares. The 19 inch, split 10 spoke alloy wheels made by Enkei add to the overall impressive and aggressive stance of the vehicle. The rear has a revised lower diffuser hugging the signature staggered exhaust pipes, while a sleek LED line travels across the width of the rear giving a very strong visual cue.
INTERIOR
The front seats are very soft and supportive and offer the most legroom in class. However, there’s limited legroom in the back as well as a lack of headroom, so taller folks will be slightly uncomfortable. Due to the vehicle's overall proportion it doesn’t have great boot space, having the lowest capacity in class.
The IS500 has a touchscreen infotainment system including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and connected services including Wi-Fi access, and Amazon Alexa integrations. The infotainment is dated and clunky which makes navigating difficult. As part of the premium package you get an upgraded audio system that boasts a 17 speaker Mark Levinson system that sounds crystal clear with great bass across all volume levels.
The interior design is a bit behind the times as well, having not changed in many years with only slight modifications to things like the air vents. The materials used are also of a lesser quality than that of Audi or Mercedes-Benz.
CONCLUSION
The IS500 F Sport Performance costs $57,575 to start, opting for the premium model costs $62,075 and comes very well equipped. The biggest advantage of the IS500 is that naturally aspirated V8. The engine and the way the vehicle makes you feel as you drive it is enough to justify its asking price and enough to set it apart from competitors.
