Lexus IS500

[Germanauto]

Personally I really didn't like how the "new" IS350 F sport handles, steers, and shifts; and the general consensus so far is that the IS500 isn't any better in those areas. However, we as car enthusiasts have got to know when to stop criticizing. With the way the industry is moving, we should cherish cars like this. The Savagegeese review was great. It saddened me watching the video and knowing such a lively and raucous car is going the way of the dodo.

Long live the V8, long live the internal combustion engine.

[Germanauto]

Originally Posted by hellrotm

$56k is really good to be honest, right in line with the M340i

It ultimately comes down to leasing.

At least three months ago, Lexus was offering a whopping 0% discount on the "new" IS350. BMW dealers were still offering something on G20s.

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by DenverSteve

If this were a Lexus forum, I might be right there with you. However, after sampling every luxury car over the past decade and owning many of the best...I'll let you enjoy your Lexus whenever you get one (that's what one does when one believes in the marque) and I'll stick with what I believe is the better option - BMW all day.

I never said the Lexus was the better option. Not sure why you're taking this in such a black & white manner.

I'm just looking at strengths and weaknesses objectively. I try to not have a bias. The m340i is absolutely the better car. But there's no denying that NA V8 has tons of soul that'll put a smile on anyone's face.

Think of it this way - It's kind of like manual vs. automatic. The automatic is going to be much quicker and the much better performer. But the manual offers a level of engagement and connection that the automatic can't.

It's ok to like certain things about other brands.

[Equilibrandt]

https://www.lexus.com/build-your-lex...year/2022/trim

The IS 500 F Sport Configurator is finally live!

[ntg44]

Originally Posted by Equilibrandt

https://www.lexus.com/build-your-lex...year/2022/trim

The IS 500 F Sport Configurator is finally live!

I wonder how it will work if there's no inventory to populate the configurator


Freaking hate the Toyota/Lexus "configurator." Better off going to the dealership and getting an options sheet and praying they'll build it for you.

[dscabra]

Originally Posted by ntg44

I wonder how it will work if there's no inventory to populate the configurator


Freaking hate the Toyota/Lexus "configurator." Better off going to the dealership and getting an options sheet and praying they'll build it for you.

For the Premium -- pretty easy to configure (pick your paint and interior colors).

[Equilibrandt]

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...mance-229.html

According to the crowd over on the ClubLexus forum, people are starting to get their allocations and some are even taking delivery of the Launch Edition in December. Bunch of reports of $15k-$20k over MSRP.

Definitely want to see a side-by-side of the Launch Edition and a spec'd Premium once people get their hands on them.

[Donatello.]

Only 472 hp in 2021 for over $50k? Nope

[Burrcold]

Originally Posted by Donatello.

Only 472 hp in 2021 for over $50k? Nope

Go get a Tesla

[Donatello.]

Originally Posted by Burrcold

Go get a Tesla

No thanks!

[Equilibrandt]

Lexus of Oxnard got Launch Edition #97/500 today.

After sitting in it, first impressions:

- Comfort: Definitely cushier. Can tell it's less 'race-car' than the F8X, more about comfort.
- Size: Everything seemed to be sized almost identically to the F80X. Front seat set were nice, perfect headroom, right amount of bolster grab on your ribs and thighs. The back seats were very close to the M3, if not slightly more cramped. They did have a fold down arm rest with a pop out cupholder though, which was one of my only M3 complaints lol.
- Launch Edition: The interior (LE-only grey ultrasuede and ash wood) It looked great in comparison to the F8X and IS 500 black packages. Door cards, seats, etc.
- Infotainment: You be the judge. I'd say it looks very similar to a 2018 M3 setup which is disappointing for a 2022.

*Didn't get to drive it as they're probably scalping heavily for 1/500 LE.

[Sedoy]

Looks very nice, but that interior is def. dated for 2022...

[Donatello.]

Originally Posted by Germanauto

It ultimately comes down to leasing.

At least three months ago, Lexus was offering a whopping 0% discount on the "new" IS350. BMW dealers were still offering something on G20s.

Agree. If these do not lease well, then oof...

[Burrcold]

Originally Posted by Donatello.

Agree. If these do not lease well, then oof...

Why? Lexus has never had to rely on leasing to move their cars. This will be the same.

[x622]

Originally Posted by Equilibrandt

Lexus of Oxnard got Launch Edition #97/500 today.

After sitting in it, first impressions:

- Comfort: Definitely cushier. Can tell it's less 'race-car' than the F8X, more about comfort.
- Size: Everything seemed to be sized almost identically to the F80X. Front seat set were nice, perfect headroom, right amount of bolster grab on your ribs and thighs. The back seats were very close to the M3, if not slightly more cramped. They did have a fold down arm rest with a pop out cupholder though, which was one of my only M3 complaints lol.
- Launch Edition: The interior (LE-only grey ultrasuede and ash wood) It looked great in comparison to the F8X and IS 500 black packages. Door cards, seats, etc.
- Infotainment: You be the judge. I'd say it looks very similar to a 2018 M3 setup which is disappointing for a 2022.

*Didn't get to drive it as they're probably scalping heavily for 1/500 LE.

That steering wheel is a chunky monkey

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by x622

That steering wheel is a chunky monkey

I think this picture is distorted at the edges. The Lexus steering wheel is no more chunkier than BMW's wheels, if even less so.

[Equilibrandt]

Originally Posted by x622

That steering wheel is a chunky monkey

Wide-angle distorted a bit, judge the wheel based on the right side of it. It's not thin, but it's definitely not thicker than the BMW alcantera wheels.

[Fined]

It's a fine looking car, I think I'd be satisfied with the engine however the reviewer take on the car so far is that the transmission is a bit lazy. Which makes some sense considering Lexus previous target market. I'll still give one a test drive perhaps though I've already learned my lesson about picking a car for its engine when I wasn't sold on the transmission.

[Humdizzle]

^ yeah i drove an lc500 recently which has the better 10 speed transmission.. and it was a let down. which is a shame because the v8 is really nice. the car would have been so much better with a snappy dct. especially given its price.

[AlexFL]

Originally Posted by Humdizzle

^ yeah i drove an lc500 recently which has the better 10 speed transmission.. and it was a let down. which is a shame because the v8 is really nice. the car would have been so much better with a snappy dct. especially given its price.

never understood why some manufacturers put 10 speed transmissions in their performance cars. Way too many gears, the box is constantly searching for the right gear. 7-8 gears is all you need.

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by Humdizzle

^ yeah i drove an lc500 recently which has the better 10 speed transmission.. and it was a let down. which is a shame because the v8 is really nice. the car would have been so much better with a snappy dct. especially given its price.

It was probably a letdown because you were expecting it to be something it's not. It's not a performance car. It's a luxury grand tourer with a sweet sounding naturally aspirated V8. I absolutely love driving it whenever I get the chance to and would have strongly considered one if I didn't need usable backseats. It sounds amazing, is tail-happy and fun to drive, and looks incredible.

[EDWYER]

Originally Posted by Humdizzle

^ yeah i drove an lc500 recently which has the better 10 speed transmission.. and it was a let down.

No surprise there.