Lexus IS500

[David70]

Originally Posted by jmack

Very pleasantly surprised! After Mercedes butchered the next C"""63""" I thought there was no way Lexus of all brands would put out a new compact V8 sedan. I'm holding off on my Mustang purchase until this comes out now.

Originally Posted by stein_325i

Mostly because Lexus doesn't sell as much in Europe where regulations are strict. In Germany they still sell the old IS, and only in hybrid form, this "new" (refresh) isn't sold in some European countries at all.

The blame seemed to be on European regulations and what they can sell there. I don't think the regulations stop them from building V8's in Europe for the rest of the world? Lexus sells the V8 here and MB could do the same if they wanted?

[M3_WC]

Remember the days when bmw fanboys would make fun of Lexus because of their grill. Jokes on them now.

[supra93]

Anyone else seeing "$55k" being throw around a lot? I'm assuming people are using the price differences between the 3rd gen GS to predict pricing for the IS500.

2011
GS350: $46,900
GS460: $55,370

Differences: $8,470 ($9,849 with inflation)

2021

IS350: $42,900
IS500: $52,749

[M3_WC]

Originally Posted by supra93

Anyone else seeing "$55k" being throw around a lot? I'm assuming people are using the price differences between the 3rd gen GS to predict pricing for the IS500.

2011
GS350: $46,900
GS460: $55,370

Differences: $8,470 ($9,849 with inflation)

2021

IS350: $42,900
IS500: $52,749

Well it isn’t a full fledged F model. Lexus said F Performance sits between F Sport and F model. It will be cheaper than a M3. $55k seems plausible.

[JamesGames]

if this car is 55k i think it'll sell like hot cakes - no one really makes a NA v8 like that inside a luxury compact sedan with a good fit and finish. I never owned a single lexus, never thought I ever would, but I would certainly entertain this car over M340i / S4 / C43 AMG. They may be using the same old motor over and over again but the combination of a compact sedan with a NA V8 if affordable should win a lot of hearts over.

[VisualEcho]

I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm impressed. The V8 alone is worth the price of admission. But I'm not believing $55K until I see it, my '18 IS350F Sport was $52K.

Well done Lexus.

[supra93]

Just to clarify, I'm not saying it will be $xx,xxx. I was just trying to find some logic behind this price tag that seems to be thrown out by some.

[dscabra]

A fully optioned IS350 F Sport shows just over $55k in the configurator. I can imagine a $5k premium for the V8 and that is still well priced if it comes in around $60k.

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by dscabra

A fully optioned IS350 F Sport shows just over $55k in the configurator. I can imaging a $5k premium for the V8 and that is still well priced if it comes in around $60k.

That would make the most sense, especially since the RC-F is $66k starting. $60k puts it right between the two.

[syd34]

Great job Lexus! I had a chance to drive the original IS F once and the engine was incredible. The engine in this IS 500 and the RC F/GS F is even better. The sound of that V8 is one of the best sounds. This car will have great driving dynamics.

I just wish Lexus did something about their infotainment software for a car that is likely to be a daily driver. I had it on my 3rd Gen IS 350 and I got used to it. But once you use iDrive, etc. the Lexus software feels ancient.

Regardless, I think it will sell well assuming pricing is not out of whack. I would have no issues owning it outside of the warranty period.

[supra93]

Please forgive me for this stupid question. It's been a while since I brought a new car. Almost 15 years to be exact lol, but my E500 only has 40k on it so I haven't had to need for a new car.

Anyways, people are saying a fully loaded IS350 F Sport is $55k, but does that mean your average IS500 will have all those added on options/added cost already built in?

Like for example, at the time my W211 is pretty basic besides the air suspension. There were V6 models on the lot with AWD, navigation, rear window sunshade, panoramic roof, and so on.

[ntg44]

Originally Posted by supra93

Please forgive me for this stupid question. It's been a while since I brought a new car. Almost 20 years to be exact lol, but my E500 only has 40k on it so I haven't had to need for a new car.

Anyways, people are saying a fully loaded IS350 F Sport is $55k, but does that mean your average IS500 will have all those added on options/added cost already built in?

Like for example, at the time my W211 is pretty basic besides the air suspension. There were V6 models on the lot with AWD, navigation, rear window sunshade, panoramic roof, and so on.

Most likely they will be, due to how dumb Toyota and Lexus handle their ordering. Basically most of the time you're at the mercy of the regional sales manager to determine if they'll order a custom car to your spec. They order what sells. Getting a custom build is a difficult task compared to basically any other brand. Which is why their build your own tools are the only ones that force you to pick in stock package combos when you start configuring it.

[damnitBobby]

I say starting price will be $57-59k. Moderately equipped coming out at around $64-66k.

[MisterF80M3]

The IS 500 F SPORT is capable of a 4.5-second sprint to 60 MPH according to Lexus' press release today.

A bit underwhelming with 480HP and V8, IMO.

[ntg44]

Originally Posted by MisterF80M3

The IS 500 F SPORT is capable of a 4.5-second sprint to 60 MPH according to Lexus' press release today.

A bit underwhelming with 480HP and V8, IMO.

Not defending or ragging on any specific car/brand, but after my F80 M3 experience, I consider 1/4 mile trap speed as the only relevant indicator for RWD acceleration performance. My V8 R8 Spyder is around 250-300 lbs heavier and significantly down on power compared to my M3, yet 9/10 times I was at 60mph quicker in the R8 from a dig due to the M3 always struggling for grip and being able to shift much quicker in the R8. But the M3's 1/4 mile trap speed is 10mph higher, and that's where you really feel the difference.

I'd like to hope that this IS500 will be easier to launch with an auto and a N/A engine, but if the 1/4 mile trap speed is around ~113MPH or higher, I'm in.

[kyriian]

Originally Posted by MisterF80M3

The IS 500 F SPORT is capable of a 4.5-second sprint to 60 MPH according to Lexus' press release today.

A bit underwhelming with 480HP and V8, IMO.

It's the same as the GSF claimed time from Lexus. To be honest, its Achilles heel is the outdated transmission, but 0-60 is hardly its main strength, its going to be the oldschool V8 feel in a small sized sedan. And it is inline with its main competitors like the M340i and C43.

[David70]

Originally Posted by MisterF80M3

The IS 500 F SPORT is capable of a 4.5-second sprint to 60 MPH according to Lexus' press release today.

A bit underwhelming with 480HP and V8, IMO.

I agree, not sure if weight or transmission is the problem but compare it to the M340i (RWD) at 382 hp, Car and Driver 0-60 was 3.8 seconds, 1/4 mile 12.3 seconds @ 115 mph, weight 3727 lbs. https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...y-maintenance/

Lexus LC 500 (I think same engine?) - 471 hp, 0-60 4.7 seconds, 1/4 mile 13.2 seconds @ 111 mph, 4371 lbs. https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...y-the-numbers/ Lexus is estimating a little better for this car so maybe weight is down or better tires? Can't think there are a lot of other variables to fix.

BMW did exceptionally well but I think the LC 500 did pretty poorly. Behind by almost a second for both 0-60 and 1/4 mile with BMW higher trap speed. Both RWD, LC is supposed to have 89 more hp but is a long way back in acceleration tests. I would expect M340i and Lexus IS 500 are similar price, I would probably take the M340i. Both have their positives and negatives. Guessing IS 500 will weigh considerably more than the 340i.
Biggest plus on the Lexus is probably the engine sound/feel and the reliability?

[jmack]

M340i also makes near the claimed 382hp to the wheels while the GS F & LC500 dyno closer to ~400rwhp. So really the Lexus only has a 20hp advantage, while being way down on torque, having a sluggish transmission, and being heavier.

[King Rudi]

Originally Posted by supra93

I think a number of people were expecting the fender treatment as seen on full on F models.

Yeah, I was slightly disappointed to see the fender "gills" not making an appearance.

Not a fan of the color of the car in the videos. I'd like to see it in a satin gray with black trim. The red interior, that Lexus is known for in their F sport models, I'm not a fan of either. Maybe they'll release a black edition like they did the RCF.

[Sublime00]

Originally Posted by MisterF80M3

The IS 500 F SPORT is capable of a 4.5-second sprint to 60 MPH according to Lexus' press release today.

A bit underwhelming with 480HP and V8, IMO.

We are all spoiled with this hyper focus on 0-60 times.

3.5 sec or 4.5 seconds these cars are more than fast enough. Unless your game plan is to sit at traffic lights and launch your cars to achieve manufacturer claimed 0-60 times, in which case buy a Tesla.

And if this is getting the tranny from the GSF I don't see any issues with it not being sporty enough.

Steering feel, suspension damping, interior comfort will be spot on (based on past F models). It's a more analog car (thank god) than competitor vehicles.

Also glad Lexus hasn't screwed around with their gauge cluster which is by far the best looking and functional system compared to other manufacturers. Rest of the cabin strikes a great balance between hard buttons and digital infotainment. Infotainment is garbage on all Lexus vehicles, but better than a bunch of tablets glued in everywhere.

This isn't an M3 competitor and it's a much better product than the m340i both in terms of aesthetic, and I'm hoping, in terms of driver connectedness.

Hopefully Lexus saved a bunch of R&D money and will offer a proper ISF in 3 yrs w/ this IS500 serving as a stepping stone to that end goal.

[damnitBobby]

Lol at people looking at 0-60 times.

If that's your main concern move on to another car because you won't understand the value of this car.

[David70]

I think it would be odd to pay the extra money on the V-8 close to 500 hp engine and not care about acceleration times (0-60 and 1/4 mile). I can definitely see why it might not be the focus but still relevant.

The V6 is the better value and everything you need, I'm sure it is sporty enough for most and it will be the volume model.