Lexus IS 500 F Sport Premium: The Last Naturally Aspirated Samurai

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Words and Photos by Jennifer Jensen

Lexus has long prided itself on what it calls the “relentless pursuit of perfection.” For years, that pursuit has meant quiet, comfortable cabins and smooth rides that cater to drivers looking for calm and comfort above all else. Yet, the Lexus IS 500 F Sport Premium breaks this mold, bringing in the unmistakable presence of a naturally aspirated V8—a real rarity in today’s market, especially from a brand known for its poised luxury and understated design.

The IS 500 doesn’t stray far from the DNA of the Lexus IS lineup, a model series that has been around for more than 20 years. The 2021 IS model refresh didn’t break the mold, but it did add a sleeker design and improved handling that made the car an appealing compact luxury sedan. And yet, the IS 500 with its 5.0-liter V8 ups the ante, staking its claim as the brand’s answer to the “more power” mantra.

Power on Demand

Under the hood, the Lexus IS 500 F Sport boasts a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8, delivering 472 horsepower at a lofty 7,100 RPM along with 395 lb-ft of torque at around 4,800 RPM. Lexus couldn’t just drop this engine in—the engineering team had to redesign parts of the car to accommodate this beast, including a two-inch increase in the height of the hood and lengthened front bumpers. This reconfiguration ensures the engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, sits comfortably in the well-sculpted front end.

When you start up the IS 500, you’re met with a smooth but bold exhaust note that only intensifies as you climb into the revs. It’s not quite a muscle car growl, but there’s something undeniably thrilling about hearing this V8 come to life, especially given Lexus’s penchant for quieter, more refined powertrains. Drive it hard, and you’ll realize it’s a capable performer with an engine that makes you want to wind it up just for the sheer thrill of it.

Performance Meets Lexus Comfort

The IS 500 F Sport remains, at its core, a Lexus—meaning the emphasis on comfort hasn’t been entirely abandoned in the pursuit of speed. The adaptive suspension, part of the Dynamic Handling Package, adjusts based on drive modes, allowing drivers to toggle between a cushioned ride and something sportier. Even in Sport Plus mode, however, the ride never becomes punishing, aligning well with Lexus’s identity.

For anyone looking for Lexus’s hallmark ride quality with a bit of grit, this car strikes a fair balance. It’s a comfortable road-trip companion, with ventilated and heated seats, a padded center console, and a wide cabin that remains relatively serene. On a 250-mile drive, the IS 500 felt as comfortable as you’d expect from the brand—quiet, plush, and, most importantly, accommodating for both driver and passenger comfort.

Inside the Cabin: Lexus Luxury with F Sport Touches

Once inside, Lexus continues its pursuit of subtle luxury. The IS 500 F Sport has a relatively spacious, user-friendly layout. There are some unique facets in the cabin, such as a digital gauge cluster with a sliding tachometer inspired by the Lexus LFA’s display, which offers configurable screens for monitoring everything from G-forces to gear position.

In the center, a 10.3-inch touchscreen provides access to navigation, audio, and climate settings, while also supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Lexus has retained physical HVAC controls, a smart move given the touchscreen’s placement and the infamous trackpad control, which has been met with mixed reactions over the years. My reaction is that the trackpad sucks so its best to avoid it if you can.

The Quirks: Transmission and Safety Tech

Despite all the V8 bravado, the IS 500 F Sport’s eight-speed automatic transmission could definitely be more engaging. It’s quick enough when left in automatic, but is hesitant in manual mode, where downshifts don’t come as promptly as one might hope in a car with such sporting intentions. It’s not a deal-breaker, but for enthusiasts who crave a direct shift feel, the transmission might be a sticking point.

The IS 500 is well-equipped with Lexus’s Safety System+ 2.5, which includes lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and pedestrian detection. The adaptive cruise works well, though it can be conservative in maintaining distance from the vehicle in front—a plus for safety but for me it was more than a minor frustration in heavy traffic. When the cruise control would leave enough room for a few cars to slip in front of me, they would almost always do so which resulted in me being pushed further and further back on the road.

Practical Luxury with a Twist of Thrill

While the IS 500 F Sport may not stand shoulder-to-shoulder with its German competition in outright track performance, it carves a niche for itself as a unique luxury sport sedan in a rapidly shrinking segment. With the naturally aspirated V8 and well-tuned chassis, this car finds itself bridging Lexus’s past and future. There’s an undeniable charm in having a powerful, character-driven engine in a sedan that doesn’t try to overdo it.

With a base starting point of $60,045, the Lexus IS 500 F Sport Premium isn’t exactly a bargain though it is competitive with models like the BMW M340i, which starts at $59,600. However, it offers an alternative for those who value a naturally aspirated V8, Lexus’s renowned reliability, and a driving experience that manages to be exhilarating and comfortable in equal measure.

Final Verdict: A Lexus with Character to Spare

In a world increasingly dominated by turbocharged engines and electrification, the Lexus IS 500 F Sport Premium feels like a last hurrah for the naturally aspirated V8. It’s a refined powerhouse that doesn’t need to shout, which is quintessentially Lexus yet with an edge that feels new to the brand. There’s something special about this car—not because it’s the most powerful or the fastest, but because it’s unpretentious in delivering exactly what it promises: a thrilling ride wrapped in Lexus comfort.

For anyone who’s looking for a luxury sedan with real character, this car is worth a closer look. It’s a standout in a segment where soul is sometimes overshadowed by tech specs. The IS 500 F Sport Premium is a Lexus with personality, power, and enough charm to leave a lasting impression.

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