2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance Review: End Chat (2023)

Design|Kompfort|Technology|Performance|Security|fuel consumption|Preis|frequently asked questions

If you want an honest rear-wheel drive car and aV8 naturally aspirated engine- much luck. There are only a few vehicles left that carry the torch, and most of them with two doors and/or six-digit price tags are beyond the reach of the average consumer.

Is2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performancehold on to the dreamat least temporarily, with the brand's legendary 5.0-litre V8 engine under the hood. This high-performance sedan packs 472 horsepower and rear-wheel drive, along with a sweet, sweet soundtrack, all for the reasonable price of $57,570.

But as nice as this naturally aspirated V8 is, a more aggressive suspension and steering tune would have really outperformed this car. It's not the extreme IS F you'd expect, but the IS 500 F Sport does enough to keep the essence of the sports sedan alive. And it could be the last time we see a car like this.

A vehicle's ratings relate only to its own segment and not to the new car market as a whole. For more information on how Motor1.com rates cars, visitClick here.

Galerie: 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance Review

• Exterior Color: Infrared
• Interior color: black and white
• Wheel size: 19 inches

different than the originalDEFor even the newestGS FThere's little on the IS 500 F Sport Performance's exterior to suggest this car has a V8. Sure, the new 19-inch Enkei wheels are all silver and have spokes, the grille has a sharper diamond design, the hood has a sharp bulge, and the iconic stacked quad tailpipes live at the rear. But that's about it as far as visual updates go; that's basically oneES350with some subtle adjustments.

Some people will like the "bedroom" appeal of this sedan, and at its core, the Lexus IS is still a very attractive vehicle. But I prefer the chunky fenders and dramatic curves of previous Lexus F models. At least the infrared paint job on this car ($595) is impressive, and the aforementioned 19-inch wheels are standard on this IS, giving it great stance.

The cabin is also themeless. Some free "F Sport" badges adorn the door sills and are sewn into the headrests of each sport seat. Otherwise, the IS 500 F Sport wears soft but harmless black and white faux leather with a unique geometric pattern on the door panels. Or you can assassinate the booth with fake black. Lexus restricts moreInteresting red upholstery for certain outdoor areas, so unfortunately you can't go red on red.

• Seating capacity: 5
• Seat configuration: 2 / 3
• Cargo capacity: 10.8 cubic feet

For a compact sedan with a big V8, the Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance is surprisingly luxurious. As with other IS models, this version has great handling, excellent cushioning and a quiet cabin, as well as a new engine sound. The suspension soaks up uneven pavement and skids across roads, and while there's a hint of extra sand thanks to those 19-inch wheels, it's barely noticeable on the standard model.

The IS 500's improved front hubs are extremely comfortable; There's ample padding, great gussets, and lots of adjustment options. Combine that with the most legroom in its class, and the front compartment is a great place to sit. However, the second row suffers from a small rear opening that makes getting in and out difficult and a cramped compartment. After all, the back seat is almost as padded as the front seats, but it's still too narrow for long sitting distances.

The Lexus IS also has the worst cargo space in its class. Its 10.8 cubic feet is nearly a cubic foot shy of the second-worst Cadillac and nearly seven cubic feet worse than the BMW.M340i.

• Middle screen: 10.3 inch touch screen
• Instrument cluster screen: 8.0 inch screen
• Apple CarPlay Wireless or Android Auto: No

Isdreaded Lexus touch panelcarries over to the IS 500. With the Premium configuration, an optional 10.3-inch touchscreen is driven instead of the 8.0-inch base screen. But even with the bigger screen, the infotainment isn't that much easier to use. The touchpad is clunky and difficult to navigate; You better touch the 10.3-inch screen, which Lexus has brought closer to the driver for this generation.

Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connections come standard on both screens, as does Amazon Alexa compatibility, with the larger screen also offering navigation. Navigation is not fully available on the base F Sport Performance model and is a $2,750 option on other IS trims. But the Lexus Entune's built-in user interface isn't the best, with low-resolution graphics and a clunky start-up screen.

A welcome upgrade as part of the premium package is an upgraded audio system. The IS 500 Premium features a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system that sounds clear with great bass.

• Motor: 5,0 Liter V8
• Power: 472 hp / 395 lb-ft
• Transmission: eight-speed automatic

The big selling point of this car is of course its V8. Lexus' iconic naturally aspirated 5.0-liter engine comes to the IS for the first time since the original IS F, producing 472 horsepower and 395 pound-feet, the same as in the RC F. The IS 500 comes standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Transmission and rear wheel drive only.

Unsurprisingly, this engine doesn't have a lot of oomph on the underside. Without the instant boost of a comparable turbocharger, the IS 500 takes 4.4 seconds to hit 60 mph. That's slightly slower than almost all alternatives outside of the Caddy.

Here's the good news: This engine is still absolutely beautiful at the limit. With a rev of 7,300 rpm and a maximum torque of 4,800 rpm, you basically have to keep your feet on the ground for maximum appeal. That rewards you with freight train-like acceleration and a rumbling rumble from the square exhaust tips. Yes, Lexus pumps some of that sound through the speakers, but who cares? Is great.

But aside from that nice burly V8, bigger disc brakes and a slight boost, this is basically a 350 IS with a V8. The same limited-slip differential and Bridgestone Potenza S001 tires from the 350 F Sport remain, and the eight-speed gearbox remains intact. That means this IS isn't quite as sharp as the comparable Audi or BMW, which get more significant upgrades.

My biggest complaint is that the IS 500's suspension is too soft for tight corners. While this car's structural rigidity has improved, there's still a noticeable amount of body roll. The steering doesn't feel much improved either; It's heavy, but not as talkative as I'd like.

The unmodified eight-speed automatic transmission is perfectly fine around town, that's the problemAt higher speeds it gets spongy. Unless you're fiddling with the paddle shifters on the back of the steering wheel, the transmission can be indecisive and a bit sluggish when you're really pounding this car.

• Driver assistance level: SAE Level 2 (practical)
• NHTSA Rating: Five Stars
• IIHS Rating: Best Safety Pick+

Like most Lexus models, the IS 500 F Sport is equipped with active safety equipment. The Safety System+ 2.5 includes automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection and emergency steering assistant as well as adaptive cruise control with lane departure warning and lane centering.

The IS 500 is an excellent road cruiser. Active safety systems keep the car perfectly on track, while slightly braking and accelerating if necessary. This isn't hands-free, but you can easily rest your hands on the steering wheel with little input.

The IS 500 model has not been crash tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but the IS 300 and 350 models receive high marks. The government gives it a five-star crash rating, while the nonprofit agency calls it a Top Safety Pick+.

• City: 17mpg
• Autobahn: 25 mpg
• Combined: 20 mpg

As the only V8 option in its class, don't expect impressive fuel economy numbers from this Lexus. The IS 500 F Sport only gets 17 mpg city, 25 highway and 20 combined, putting it at the bottom. The most efficient is the BMW M340i mild hybridthe group coming again up to 26 mpg combined.

• Base price: $56,500 + $1,075 destination
• Trim base price: $62,075
• Test price: $62,670

The Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance starts at $57,575, which includes the $1,075 destination fee, making it the most expensive option in the competition set (a few dollars more than the next most expensive Mercedes). Opting for the premium trim, like the one reviewed here, costs $62,075, but at least that trim is well-equipped.

The only factory option available for this premium model is the $595 infrared paint finish, bringing the final retail price to $62,670. Next to Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0, Infrared is the most expensive shade. Otherwise, the larger touchscreen, better audio system, and integrated navigation are standard with the Premium.

The IS 500 F Sport Premium is competitively priced and feels worthy of the company's demands. Well-appointed versions from Audi, BMW, and Cadillac cost $65,000, and a loaded Mercedes-AMG C43 is the priciest of them all. But Lexus has one major advantage over its rivals: a V8.

While it might not be the sharpest tool in the shed, the IS 500 F Sport Performance still charms with its old-school traits: a big V8, rear-wheel drive and a booming exhaust note. A few more tweaks here and there and this car could have been really great.

Competitive Ratings

• Acura TLX Tipo S: 8,4/10
• Audi S4: Not classified
• BMW M340i: Unclassified
• Cadillac CT4-V: Not classified
• Mercedes-AMG C43: NoQualified

frequently asked questions

Is the Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance turbocharged?

No, the Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance uses a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 that produces 472 horsepower and 395 pound-feet. Other versions of this car, like the base rear-wheel drive IS 300, are turbocharged.

Does the Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance offer all-wheel drive?

While other versions of the Lexus IS offer all-wheel drive as an option, the Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance is only available in a rear-wheel drive configuration.

How much hp has the Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance?

The Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance produces 472 horsepower from its naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.