2023 Lexus IS 500 Sedan

　　

2023 Lexus IS 500 Review

byMark TakahashiCorrespondent

　　Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.

　　For the most part, Lexus isn't known for producing performance vehicles. Instead, it focuses on making comfortable and luxurious cars and SUVs with a few sporty variants mixed in. Last year brought the introduction of the IS 500, a compact sedan with a big V8 engine that produces 472 horsepower. That's almost double the output of the base IS 300. It further benefits from several performance upgrades, such as a sport-tuned suspension, limited-slip differential, larger brakes and performance tires. The 2023 Lexus IS 500 returns largely the same, with only a new Special Appearance package with unique paint, wheels and interior materials.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Lexus IS 500 F SPORT Performance 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$229/mo  for IS 500 F SPORT Performance

　　IS 500 F SPORT Performance

　　F SPORT Performance 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 8A) (Most Popular) - $58,270 MSRPF SPORT Performance Premium 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 8A) - $62,770 MSRP

　　vs

　　$165/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　The IS 500 represents unusual boldness for the rather conservative Lexus brand. The V8 is an audacious choice when most other luxury sport sedans are transitioning away from large eight- and six-cylinder engines. The V8 significantly changes the sedan's character when compared to the supporting IS 300 and IS 350, but it still lags behind some rivals in the class. The IS 500 accelerates to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds, which is plenty quick for any driver, but the new Mercedes-AMG C 43 beats it by almost a full second. 

　　The IS 500 delivers sporty handling, courtesy of a sport-tuned adaptive suspension, but it's not as engaging as its European competitors. It corners well enough for most drivers, though, and as a result, it provides a more comfortable ride quality, especially when compared to the BMW M240i. For these reasons, we think of the IS 500 as a solid grand tourer rather than a genuine sport sedan.

　　Most drivers will find the 2023 Lexus IS 500's driving dynamics more than adequate, and more exciting than the typical Lexus. Those with a penchant for performance would likely find it merely adequate and would be better served by the aforementioned BMW and Mercedes or the Audi S4.

　　

Which IS 500 does zzdcar recommend?

We recommend stepping up to the Premium trim since it delivers some key upgrades for a reasonable price increase. The larger infotainment touchscreen, premium audio system and surround-view cameras system are worth it alone.

　　

Lexus IS 500 models

The 2023 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance is available in two trim levels: base and Premium. The small luxury sedan is powered by a 5.0-liter V8 that makes 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the rear wheels. Feature highlights include:

　　IS 500 F Sport Performance

　　The base trim includes:

　　19-inch wheels with performance tires Quad exhaust tips Adaptive sport suspension LED headlights Auto-dimming and heated outside mirrors Sunroof Keyless entry and ignition Synthetic leather upholstery Dual-zone climate control Heated and ventilated front sport seats Heated and power-adjustable steering wheel 8-inch touchscreen display 10-speaker Pioneer audio system Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration 8-inch digital instrument panel display Front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking The base trim also includes these advanced driver aids:

　　Automatic emergency braking (warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time) Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position) Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane) Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the IS 500 and the car in front) Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)IS 500 F Sport Performance Premium

　　Stepping up to the higher trim adds:

　　Upgraded LED headlights 10.3-inch touchscreen display Navigation system 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system 360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the IS 500 and its surroundings for tight parking situations) Power rear sunshade Special Appearance package

　　New for 2023 is the Special Appearance package for the Premium model. It's limited to 150 units with aesthetic changes that include:

　　19-inch BBS wheels Exclusive Molten Pearl paint Unique black faux suede interior

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