Textual content by Tom Appel
2024 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Efficiency Premium
Specs
Class: Premium Compact Automotive
Coloration: Incognito
Seating Capability: 5
Miles pushed: 140
Actual-world gas financial system: 19.2 mpg
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Consolation | C+ |
| Energy and Efficiency | A |
| Match and End | A- |
| Gas Economic system | C+ |
| Worth | B- |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different automobiles in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim stage evaluated, and should not mirror Shopper Information’s impressions of all the mannequin lineup. | |
| Huge & Tall Consolation | |
| Huge Man | C- |
| Tall Man | C |
| Huge & Tall consolation scores are for entrance seats solely. “Huge” score primarily based on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” score primarily based on 6’6″-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 471-horsepower |
| Engine Kind | 5.0-liter V8 |
| Transmission | 8-speed automated |
| Drive Wheels | Rear-wheel drive |
Driving combine: 65% metropolis, 35% freeway
EPA-estimated gas financial system: 17/25/20 (metropolis, freeway, mixed)
Gas sort: Premium gasoline
Base value: $63,370 (not together with $1150 vacation spot cost)
Choices on take a look at automobile: BBS-Model 19-inch permit wheels ($2450), door-edge guards ($155), illuminated door sills ($425), carpeted trunk mat ($120), rear bumper applique ($90), sprint digicam ($375)
Value as examined: $68,135
Execs and Cons
The good: Refined efficiency, nice handing
The nice: Elegant cabin, top-notch meeting high quality
The not so good: Small door openings, restricted 2nd-row passenger area
Overview
It’s okay to have enjoyable. Significantly. If you happen to’re closing in in your Fifties, and your profession goes effectively, you pay your payments, and the children are glad and wholesome—and their faculty funds updated—take into account having some enjoyable.
Now, in case you are already of an indulgent bent, say you personal a lifted Ford F-350 with 5 digits price of added chrome bits and Banks-brand diesel efficiency upgrades, and also you simply dropped $1200 on an unlikely Draft Kings parlay, this message in all probability isn’t for you.
We’re speaking to the accountable mother or dad who hardly ever thinks of themselves. Lexus has a automotive for you, and given how a lot enjoyable it’s to drive, you’ll be happy to comprehend it’s additionally a reasonably accountable buy. It’s additionally simply nameless sufficient that it gained’t blow your cowl when parked in your workplace reserved spot.
If you happen to’re on the lookout for one thing effectively constructed, rewarding to drive, and greater than just a bit indulgent—one thing that slots someplace within the flashy spectrum between the Toyota Camry and the Chevrolet Corvette, we advocate the Lexus IS 500 F Sport.
Engines
Now, there’s an argument to be made that any of the small premium sedans that comprise the IS lineup is enjoyable to drive and no less than somewhat indulgent, however we don’t need to hear it. As a result of solely the five hundred boasts a Simmering 5.0-liter V8 beneath the hood. And the V8 is actually key to the type of indulgence we’re endorsing right here.
Beginning at $41,235, the IS lineup is commonly in comparison with the BMW 3-Sequence, an apt sufficient analogy as each automobiles are small, sporty sedans with premium cabins and compelling topline trim ranges. Although, and that is key, the BMW will not be provided with a V8, and customarily prices greater than the Lexus.
Lesser IS fashions characteristic both a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, or a clean 3.5-liter V6. And whereas 4-cylinder fashions serve up solely acceptable ranges of energy, the V6 is each refined and potent. However neither engine compares to the five hundred’s commonplace 471-horsepower V8. The big, old-school usually aspirated (no turbo) V8 mates completely to an 8-speed automated transmission and, per Lexus, revs freely to 7100 rpm. Observe that whereas different IS trim ranges are provided with AWD, the five hundred comes solely with rear-wheel drive.
F Sport Tools
Along with the V8 engine, 500 F Sport fashions additionally take pleasure in the next efficiency upgrades:
- Efficiency–tuned adaptive variable suspension
- Torsen-brand limited-slip rear differential
- Yamaha-brand rear efficiency dampers
- Two-piece aluminum 14.0-inch entrance, and 12.7-inch rear brake rotors
And for these attempting to maintain their automotive indulgence on the down low, not one of the above could be seen—save for the brakes—from outdoors of the automotive.
Costs and Trim Ranges
For 2024, the IS 500 F Sport is obtainable in two configurations: Base ($60,020), and Premium ($64,520). That latter consists of such niceties as a navigation system, Mark Levinson-brand audio methods, and LED headlamps.
New for the five hundred for 2024 is Incognito paint (seen right here) and a Particular Look Package deal, the latter of which is simply provided on the Premium.
Shopper Information lately spent every week behind the wheel of a 2024 IS 500 F Sport in Incognito with optionally available BBS-brand 19-inch wheels. All informed, our take a look at automotive got here to $68,135, together with vacation spot cost.
Coloration and Design
If you happen to had described this coloration mixture to us over the cellphone, we in all probability would have handed, however in particular person, we see the allure. That stark red-and-black cabin really works effectively with the muted exterior hue, in a method hiding the thrill from onlookers and passers-by.
Room and Consolation
We’ve famous this earlier than, however bigger of us (resembling this editor) will discover the IS’s small entrance door openings a hindrance to entering into and out of the automotive. As soon as inside, issues are cozy, however roomy sufficient, even for giant guys. Second-row area is one other matter. The IS will not be effectively fitted to four-adult lengthy journeys, as issues are cosy within the again, particularly behind taller front-row occupants.
The cabin is good-looking, in a man-cave type of method, and for probably the most half top-notch supplies are employed as a part of the décor, although the decrease door trim seems to be low cost, particularly in purple. We discover the solid-color door-panel speaker surrounds particularly Playskool trying.
Connectivity
The IS nonetheless employs the outdated Lexus touchpad digital interface, although a touchscreen will not be a part of the system, so the odd contact/push pad can now largely be ignored. All that mentioned, the touchscreen system works effectively sufficient, although at 10-inches, its very small by up to date requirements.
A notice to music lovers: The Mark Levison sound system, commonplace on the five hundred Premium, is excellent, and particularly effectively suited to the mid-century jazz favored by this writer.
However, as flawed—however typically indulgent—because the IS cabin could also be, it’s its on-road efficiency that issues most, particularly for those who’re seeking to extract somewhat enjoyable out of your each day commute.
Energy and Efficiency
We’re glad to report that the five hundred’s large V8 pair effectively with the automotive’s 8-speed automated, serving up of all types of energy from a standstill, and when tasked to offer muscle underway. The five hundred makes quick and straightforward work of freeway and passing maneuvers, and admittedly simply blasts ahead for so long as you retain the go-pedal depressed. Additionally, not that we’d know, however again of the IS could be induced to interrupt free utilizing the throttle and a fast snap of the wheel. We’re speaking old-school, V8-powered, Rockford Recordsdata sort of stuff right here, and stuff that ought to by no means be tried on public roads. If you happen to don’t know what we’re speaking about, wait till you possibly can apply in an empty car parking zone lined with no less than an inch of snow.
Trip and Dealing with
To go together with all the ability, the IS 500 F Sport boasts wonderful, weighty, correct steering, and impressively managed lean in corners. The brakes, too, really feel sturdy and highly effective.
We’re glad to report, that none of this efficiency appears to have taken a toll on trip high quality, which is agency, but grievance, and by no means harsh, not matter the street floor.
The IS 500 Boasts one in all our favourite exhaust notes. The burble from the rear finish is simply aggressive sufficient, and it by no means sounds crude or artificial. Noises ranges come down in routine driving. Actually, the IS 500 is usually quiet, until you the motive force give it motive to bark.
Overview
We frankly love the IS 500. The old-school method of shoe-horning an enormous engine into somewhat automotive goes again a very long time, however isn’t executed so successfully as Lexus has accomplished right here. And once more, for those who’re open to somewhat restrained indulgence, and your pockets permits, the five hundred stands out as the good automotive for you—and consider all the cash you’ll save on remedy. We advocate ordering yours in Incognito—the proper coloration to masks your trip’s actual potential.
Take heed to the Automotive Stuff Podcast
2024 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Footage
Click on under for enlarged photographs
2025 Genesis G70 2.5T Sport Status: 5 Cool Issues (Overview with Costs and Specs)
