As I creep toward middle age, I’ve started playing a new game which I’ve dubbed, “Let’s see how many of my joints pop when I get off the bed in the morning.” My record so far is five, but I’m sure as the ravages of time continue to wreak havoc on my not-very-limber-to-begin-with body that number will increase.
And that brings me to the 2023 Lexus IS500 F Sport, a sport sedan for those who don’t want performance to be equated with pain. Like its Lexus stablemates, the IS 500 coddles its passengers with a quiet cabin, upmarket appointments, and a compliant ride quality. But that’s not to say it’s a slouch.
Under its chiseled hood is a naturally aspirated V-8 offering 472 horsepower, and its underpinnings can handle that grunt along twisty tarmac. It’s not the most agile sport sedan, but it’s highly unlikely it will send you to the chiropractor after a spirited drive over less-than-ideal pavement.
Ultimately, the Lexus IS 500 is a sport sedan for those who prioritize comfort but still want performance.
2023 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance
- Naturally Aspirated V-8
- F Sport Adaptive Variable Suspension
- 10.3-Inch Touchscreen With Navigation
- 19-Inch Enkei Alloy Wheels
- NuLuxe Upholstery
- Quad Exhaust
- Mark Levinson Audio System
- Torsen Limited-Slip Differential
- Model: IS 500 F Sport Performance Premium
- Engine:: 5.0-liter V-8
- Power Output: 472-HP
- Torque: 395 LB-FT
- Range: 295-435 Miles
- Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic
- Driveline: RWD
- MSRP: $61,620
- MSRP (As Tested): $65,815
- V-8 Power WIth A Sonorous Soundtrack
- Comfortable Road Manners
- Chiseled, Attractive Styling
- Not Quite As Agile As Its Rivals
- Touchpad Control Is Difficult To Use
- Priced Slightly Higher Than Audi And BMW Equivalents
Lexus IS 500 Updates For 2023
The IS 500 F Sport returns for 2023 after debuting in 2022. It is the spiritual successor to the IS F — which was also motivated by a V-8 — that made its debut in 2008 and was nixed from Lexus’ lineup in 2014. Having made its debut in ’22, the IS 500, unsurprisingly, hasn’t changed much since the last model year.
Notably, however, the 19-inch Enkei alloy wheels that were fitted to the 2022 Launch Edition are now standard, and Lexus has introduced a Special Appearance Package. It includes an eye-catching, ultra-bright orange exterior paint dubbed Molten Pearl (no, it doesn’t make sense to me either) with black NuLuxe synthetic upholstery and matte black wheels. The Special Appearance Package is an ultra-limited run, however, with just 150 examples to be produced.
The IS 500 F Sport Packs A Big V-8 In A Little Body
The automotive industry’s push to reduce emissions has rapidly reduced the number of snail-less V-8s on the market in favor of turbo engines with smaller displacements and fewer cylinders. That is evident by its closest rivals — the BMW M340i, Cadillac CT5-V, and Audi S4 — all using six-cylinder engines with turbos. Amid that backdrop, the F Sport feels a bit like a throwback. The IS 500 F Sport is powered by a naturally aspirated, 5.0-liter V-8 delivering 472 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque. Lexus claims the sport sedan will sprint from 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds — and I won’t argue that figure after a week behind the wheel — and a top speed of 149 mph.
Though it is not encumbered by a turbo, the V-8’s full grunt does take a moment to build to full power with peak torque coming at 4,800 rpm. However, raw power delivery is smooth and predictable, with peak horsepower locked away at 7,100 rpm, just under the top of the rev range, to encourage drivers to chase the redline. Extra motivation to do so is provided by the V-8’s roaring soundtrack. Unlike many of its competitors, Lexus hasn’t fitted a variable, adjustable exhaust system to let its V-8 sing its song.
Instead, the IS 500 features a bypass valve that kicks in at around 2,500 rpm, and the effect is noticeable as the 5.0-liter’s sound transforms from a roar to a shout. There may be a bit of audio trickery here as the sound, at least from the driver’s seat, seems to emanate from the front passenger wheel. But either way, the IS 500’s sound is exceptional, and its quad, stacked exhaust tips add a bit of a visual flair to the soundtrack’s drama.
The Lexus’ powerplant pairs with an Aisin eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The Aisin box is smooth around town and will dish out quick changes at speed, but it’s not as overall competent as the ZF eight-speed that has become nearly ubiquitous for BMW and Audi.
The IS 500 Is Not As Agile As Its Rivals, But More Comfortable
The IS 500 certainly delivers in the power department and its steering provides appreciated feedback — take it out for a spirited drive and you won’t leave disappointed. Unless you have just come from testing the BMW M340i, perhaps.
The F Sport Performance tuned suspension, which includes a Torsen limited-slip diff, can handle the twisty bits with aplomb, but it doesn’t feel as composed on the edge as the Beemer. And that edge arrives at a slightly lower speed. Perhaps some of this can be attributed to the IS 500’s Bridgestone Potenza tires.
However, what little the IS 500 lacks in performance at the limit it makes up for on the daily commute. Ride quality is supremely comfortable with even stubborn potholes ironed out well by the suspension.
The IS 500 receives Lexus’ Safety System 2.5 as standard. The package includes a pre-collision system, automatic cruise control, lane departure warning and assist, a panoramic view monitor, blind spot monitoring with rear-cross traffic alert, and other driver’s aids.
Athletic Looks Compliments The F Sport’s Performance
The IS 500 may not be the most athletic of the small sport sedan bunch, but it is certainly among the best looking. It chiseled hood, razor-sharp headlights, faux-front intakes and hourglass grille make for a striking front end, and there’s just enough character in profile to make it engaging without being gaudy. The rear features an angled spoiler, rear diffuser accent, and a unique rear bumper to compliment the stacked exhaust tips. These upgrades over the standard IS are enough to separate the 500 as a performance model without any garishness.
Its Cabin Is Quiet And Awash In Upscale Appointments
The IS 500’s well-appointed, attractive, and practical cabin compliments its road manners. It’s spacious enough to easily accommodate four adults, and a large, rear-facing child seat won’t require the front passenger to cram their legs into the dash. Along the same vein, as the parent of a toddler, and one that is even talkative for a toddler, I value a quiet cabin more than most, and the IS 500 is whisper quiet at cruising speeds.
Thankfully, Lexus hasn’t locked away many common controls in the 10.3-inch touchscreen, so there are plenty of analog buttons for the climate controls, including the standard heated and ventilated front seats, the driving mode is adjusted via a rotary knob, and there’s even a CD player for those who haven’t made the digital switch yet.
Yes, it’s all nice except for the big fly in the ointment — the touchpad. Lexus’ touchpad system has never worked well in practice, requiring drivers to take their eyes off the road to work what is, effectively, a computer mouse when you can’t see the screen without the risk of crashing into something. Even while stopped it’s a pain to use. And it’s not down to it being new to the input system — I’ve tested Lexus models with the touchpad for nearly five years, and it’s still just as bad the 30th time around.
As standard, the IS 500 F Sport Performance Premium is fitted with navigation, a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, a moonroof, dual-zone climate control, power rear sunshade. My tester was also fitted with red NuLuxe synthetic leather upholstery (white and black versions are also available) that gives a visual pop to the cabin.
The IS 500 Is Priced Slightly Above Its Competitors
The IS 500 is offered in two trims, the F Sport Performance and F Sport Performance Premium. The Performance version rings it at $59,420 while the Premium model commands $63,920. Comparatively, the BMW M340i RWD model has an MSRP of $57,395 but comes with less standard equipment. The Audi S4 mid-range Premium Plus trim is similarly equipped to the top IS 500 but about $5,000 cheaper. The Lexus does present savings over the Cadillac CT4-V, which starts at about the same price as the top IS 500.
Overall Impressions Of The IS 500
The IS 500 F Sport Performance may not be the quickest, cheapest, or most agile compact sports sedan, but its brawny V-8, raucous soundtrack, and performance will still stir the nether regions of an enthusiast. Simultaneously, it stands out among its class for its everyday usability and comfort. In the past I might have complained, wanting more out of its on-the-limit performance. But as my joints creak and groan more each morning, it’s a sacrifice for overall comfort I’m now okay with.