has always pushed harder when it comes to performance and luxury. The IS 300 and 350 are testimony to this. However, its 2022 IS 500 is unlike the rest of the line and at par with most high-tech performance cars in 2021 and beyond.

This automaker has made a high-end luxury car that is neither a track beast nor a four-door sports car. Instead, it delivers a delightful mix of horsepower with the driving experience of any race car in a sedan, which you only find in the most expensive supercars. Let's look at the major highlights of this road monster.

The Lexus IS 500 trims and engine size

According to

Lexus

, the IS 500 comes in three trims: the F Sport Performance, the F Sport Performance Premium, and the F Sport Performance Launch Edition. They are all powered by a naturally aspirated 5.0L V8 engine that produces 472 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 RPMs. Besides, the engines are fitted with DOHC, 32-valve, with dual Variable Valve Timing valve trains with intelligence (VVT-i), and are Certified Ultra-low Emission Vehicles (ULEV III).

The standard edition Lexus IS 500 starts at $57,575 while the Premium starts at $62,075. There are only 500 units of the launch edition, which are going at $68,475. The Premium trim has triple beam LED lamp lights, while the launch edition has an exclusive incognito exterior color along with a black and gray Ultrasuede interior.

This vehicle runs on an automatic, eight-speed Sport Direct-Shift transmission that comes with paddle shifters. It has a rear-drive drivetrain for enhanced speed and acceleration.

While not very fuel-efficient, all trim levels give a considerable 17 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. In terms of acceleration, the model can get from rest to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds and has a top speed of 149 mph.

The carmaker has also moved from the independent multi-link type suspension to an adaptive variable suspension that comes with Yamaha rear performance dampers and a stabilizer bar, which gives a smoother ride. In addition, it still maintains its best-in-class ABS braking system mated with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) with Brake Assist technology.

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The Lexus IS 500’s design

MORE: The Off-Road Version of the Lexus LX 600 Is Only Available in Japan

JD Power

explains that to give room for the large V8 engine, Lexus gave the front hood of the IS 500 a new look by raising it, lengthening the front fenders, and revising the front fascia to enhance cooling and clearance. The automaker then added a low diffuser at the back that houses quad exhaust outlets provided in two pairs. There is also a black lip spoiler that covers the decklid.

The Lexus IS 500 rides on 19-inch wheels that are not present in the 300 and 350 models. It also has dark chrome inserts around the windows. Everything else looks like the earlier models of the same line.

What is the IS 500 interior like?

The Lexus IS 500 interior is where the trims differ. However, there are various luxurious features that are found across the board. The new IS line comes with a touchscreen infotainment system, a change from the remote touch interface system in earlier models that had received awful user reviews.

Its base model has an 8-inch touchscreen, with both the premium and launch editions receiving 10.3-inch screens, smaller than those of the 2019 Lexus GS 300. These two higher trims also come with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround sound system.

All the trims of the Lexus IS 500 have a voice-recognition system that is pretty accurate in understanding queries and commands.

Lexus has also upgraded the front bucket seats and offered lots of padding for maximum comfort. The model also has a whisper-quiet cabin and great damping. As for the upholstery, the synthetic leather is standard across all trims with trim-specific badges on specific locations in the cabin. In addition, the steering wheel and front seats are heated.

Get the right cover for your luxury sedan

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