In 2025, the Lexus IS 500 stands tall as the most powerful sports sedan in the brand’s lineup, and it does so with a formula that feels refreshingly unapologetic. At a time when many rivals have traded displacement for downsized turbochargers or hybrid assistance, Lexus has kept faith with enthusiasts by offering a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8—an engine that’s as much about emotion as it is about numbers. With 472 horsepower on tap, the IS 500 doesn’t just deliver serious performance; it delivers it in a way that feels raw, authentic, and deeply satisfying.
- Base Trim Engine
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5L V-8 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
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8-speed automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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Rear-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
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472 HP @7100 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
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395 lb.-ft. @ 4800 RPM
But the IS 500 is more than just an ode to the past. It’s a statement of intent from Lexus, a declaration that excitement and refinement can coexist in one package. On the one hand, it offers muscle-car theatrics with a soundtrack that stirs the soul. On the other hand, it embodies Lexus’ trademark craftsmanship and luxury, making it as livable as it is thrilling. In a market increasingly filled with sterile efficiency, the IS 500 proves that passion still has a place on the road.
To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Lexus and other authoritative sources.
A Naturally Aspirated V8 In A World Gone Turbo
The 2025 IS 500’s calling card is its 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8, a powerplant that stands as a symbol of resistance in a world dominated by turbochargers and electrification. While competitors such as BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz have long since embraced turbocharging for efficiency and torque, Lexus has chosen to preserve the purity of linear, unfiltered power delivery. This decision is more than nostalgia—it’s about maintaining a visceral connection between driver and machine.
What makes the IS 500’s engine so compelling is its responsiveness. There’s no turbo lag, no artificial torque fill from hybrid systems, just a steady, predictable climb in power as the revs rise. This creates a driving experience that feels alive and authentic, something that can’t be replicated by forced induction. For purists, the naturally aspirated V8 is a reminder of a golden era of performance, when engineers prioritized sound, character, and emotion as much as numbers.
472 Horsepower Of Unfiltered Lexus Performance
At the heart of the Lexus IS 500’s appeal is its 472-horsepower output, a figure that ensures it isn’t simply coasting on nostalgia. This isn’t just about honoring the V8—it’s about delivering performance that holds its own against the best sports sedans of today. With a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds, the IS 500 may not be the quickest in its class, but it makes up for it with an experience that feels far more engaging than many turbocharged rivals.
The way the IS 500 delivers its power is just as important as the raw numbers. Peak horsepower arrives at 7,100 rpm, encouraging drivers to push the engine to its upper limits, while 395 pound-feet of torque ensures it has the muscle for everyday driving. The result is a sedan that can comfortably handle both the daily commute and weekend backroad sprints. More importantly, the powertrain feels rewarding in every situation—it’s not just about how fast you can go, but how satisfying it is to get there.
This dedication to unfiltered performance is why the IS 500 has resonated so strongly with enthusiasts. Lexus has managed to craft a car that balances raw numbers with an emotional connection, proving that horsepower is only part of the story. The IS 500 doesn’t just perform on paper—it performs in the heart of every driver lucky enough to get behind the wheel.
Bucking Modern Trends To Stay On Top
In many ways, the IS 500’s engine is the centerpiece of its identity. It allows Lexus to distinguish itself in a segment where conformity has become the norm. By refusing to abandon the V8, Lexus isn’t just offering an alternative—it’s making a bold statement that performance should excite the senses, not just satisfy a spec sheet.
Blending Luxury And Muscle In Perfect Harmony
One of the IS 500’s most impressive achievements is how seamlessly it blends brute force with luxury refinement. While its V8 soundtrack and aggressive stance suggest muscle-car DNA, the driving experience never sacrifices Lexus’ trademark smoothness. The engine may roar when pushed, but at highway speeds, the IS 500 cruises in near silence, thanks to meticulous sound insulation and advanced damping technology.
Inside the cabin, Lexus reinforces this duality by surrounding drivers with premium materials, from hand-stitched leather seats to precisely finished trim. It’s not just a performance machine—it’s a luxury sedan designed to be lived with every day. Even when unleashing all 472 horsepower, the car never feels harsh or unrefined. This makes the IS 500 an appealing option for those who want performance without giving up comfort or usability.
A Cabin That Balances Sportiness And Refinement
Step inside the IS 500, and it’s clear Lexus has put as much effort into the interior as it has under the hood. The driver-focused cockpit is designed to enhance engagement, with supportive bolstered seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and intuitive controls that keep the focus on the road. The digital instrument cluster, inspired by the LFA supercar, further reinforces the car’s performance pedigree.
But luxury hasn’t been forgotten. The IS 500 features Lexus’ hallmark attention to detail, with high-quality materials, ambient lighting, and an available Mark Levinson audio system that transforms the cabin into a concert hall. Technology is seamlessly integrated as well, with a large infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and advanced driver-assistance features, including:
- Forward collision mitigation
- Lane keeping system
- Adaptive cruise control
- Blind-sport warning
- Lane departure mitigation
This thoughtful balance between sportiness and refinement ensures the IS 500 appeals to both enthusiasts and luxury buyers. It’s not just about going fast—it’s about enjoying every moment behind the wheel, whether you’re on a spirited drive or stuck in traffic.
Bringing Something To The Market That Few Others Can
This balance is what makes the IS 500 unique in its segment. Competitors may lean heavily toward luxury or raw performance, but Lexus has carved out a middle ground that appeals to a wider audience. It’s proof that drivers don’t have to compromise between muscle and refinement—they can have both in one package.
Track-Ready Handling Without Sacrificing Comfort
While the V8 may be the star of the show, the IS 500’s chassis deserves equal praise. Built on the IS platform, Lexus engineers have fine-tuned the suspension and steering to deliver handling that is sharp and confidence-inspiring, without ever becoming punishing. The result is a car that feels equally at home on a racetrack as it does on city streets.
Key to this balance is the use of adaptive dampers, which adjust in real time to road conditions and driver input. In Sport S+ mode, the IS 500 tightens up, reducing body roll and increasing steering responsiveness for maximum engagement. Switch to Normal or Eco, and the sedan transforms into a comfortable daily driver, soaking up bumps and imperfections with ease. Few cars in its segment manage this level of duality so convincingly.
This ability to combine track-ready handling with everyday livability is central to the IS 500’s appeal. It shows that performance doesn’t have to come at the expense of comfort, and that a sports sedan can be both thrilling and practical. In a market where extremes often dominate, the IS 500’s versatility makes it stand out.
Rare Performance At An Attainable Price Point
Perhaps one of the IS 500’s strongest arguments is its value proposition. With a starting price in the mid-$60,000 range, it undercuts many European rivals while offering comparable performance and superior reliability. Cars like the BMW M3 and Mercedes-AMG C63 may boast higher horsepower or faster acceleration, but they often come at a significantly higher cost—both in purchase price and long-term ownership expenses.
The IS 500 also benefits from Lexus’ reputation for durability and lower maintenance costs. Where German rivals may require costly upkeep, the IS 500 provides peace of mind that extends beyond its performance credentials. This makes it a compelling choice for buyers who want a true performance sedan without the financial burden often associated with the segment.
By delivering V8 power, track-ready dynamics, and luxury appointments at an attainable price, the IS 500 stands as a rare proposition in today’s market. It proves that you don’t have to spend six figures to experience genuine sports sedan thrills.
Why The IS 500 Defines The Future Of Lexus F Performance
The IS 500’s significance extends beyond its specs; it represents the future direction of Lexus F Performance. While it may be the last naturally aspirated V8 in the lineup, its existence shows that Lexus is still committed to building cars that stir emotions, even as the brand embraces electrification. In many ways, the IS 500 serves as a bridge between the past and future, honoring traditional performance while pointing toward what’s next.
Lexus has made it clear that its performance division will eventually adopt hybrid and electric powertrains, but the IS 500 demonstrates that character and driving engagement remain non-negotiable. By focusing on delivering an emotional experience, Lexus has set a benchmark for what its future sports sedans and coupes should aspire to achieve, regardless of the propulsion system.
Ultimately, the IS 500 defines the essence of Lexus F Performance: power, precision, and luxury in perfect balance. In 2025, as the most powerful Lexus sports sedan, it doesn’t just stand out in its class—it defines what the modern sports sedan should be.