Textual content by Tom Appel
2024 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Efficiency Premium
Specs
Class: Premium Compact Automobile
Shade: Incognito
Seating Capability: 5
Miles pushed: 140
Actual-world gasoline economic system: 19.2 mpg
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Consolation | C+ |
| Energy and Efficiency | A |
| Match and End | A- |
| Gasoline Financial system | C+ |
| Worth | B- |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different autos in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim degree evaluated, and will not replicate Client Information’s impressions of all the mannequin lineup. | |
| Massive & Tall Consolation | |
| Massive Man | C- |
| Tall Man | C |
| Massive & Tall consolation rankings are for entrance seats solely. “Massive” score based mostly on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” score based mostly on 6’6″-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 471-horsepower |
| Engine Sort | 5.0-liter V8 |
| Transmission | 8-speed automated |
| Drive Wheels | Rear-wheel drive |
Driving combine: 65% metropolis, 35% freeway
EPA-estimated gasoline economic system: 17/25/20 (metropolis, freeway, mixed)
Gasoline sort: Premium gasoline
Base value: $63,370 (not together with $1150 vacation spot cost)
Choices on take a look at car: BBS-Model 19-inch permit wheels ($2450), door-edge guards ($155), illuminated door sills ($425), carpeted trunk mat ($120), rear bumper applique ($90), sprint digital camera ($375)
Value as examined: $68,135
Professionals 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 house
Overview
It’s okay to have enjoyable. Critically. If you happen to’re closing in in your Fifties, and your profession goes nicely, you pay your payments, and the children are pleased and wholesome—and their faculty funds updated—contemplate having some enjoyable.
Now, if you’re already of an indulgent bent, say you personal a lifted Ford F-350 with 5 digits value 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 not often thinks of themselves. Lexus has a automobile for you, and given how a lot enjoyable it’s to drive, you’ll be happy to realize 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 nicely 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 a minimum of 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 below the hood. And the V8 is actually key to the form of indulgence we’re endorsing right here.
Beginning at $41,235, the IS lineup is commonly in comparison with the BMW 3-Collection, an apt sufficient analogy as each vehicles are small, sporty sedans with premium cabins and compelling topline trim ranges. Although, and that is key, the BMW just isn’t provided with a V8, and customarily prices greater than the Lexus.
Lesser IS fashions function both a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, or a easy 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 normal 471-horsepower V8. The massive, old-school usually aspirated (no turbocharged) V8 mates solely to an 8-speed automated transmission and, per Lexus, revs freely to 7100 rpm. Notice that whereas different IS trim ranges are provided with AWD, the five hundred comes solely with rear-wheel drive.
F Sport Gear
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 will be seen—save for the brakes—from outdoors of the automobile.
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 contains such niceties as a navigation system, Mark Levinson-brand audio programs, and LED headlamps.
New for the five hundred for 2024 is Incognito paint (seen right here) and a Particular Look Bundle, the latter of which is just provided on the Premium.
Client Information not too long ago spent per week behind the wheel of a 2024 IS 500 F Sport in Incognito with non-obligatory BBS-brand 19-inch wheels. All informed, our take a look at automobile got here to $68,135, together with vacation spot cost.
Shade and Design
If you happen to had described this colour 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 nicely with the muted exterior hue, in a manner hiding the thrill from onlookers and passers-by.
Room and Consolation
We’ve famous this earlier than, however bigger of us (equivalent to this editor) will discover the IS’s small entrance door openings a hinderance to entering into and out of the automobile. As soon as inside, issues are cozy, however roomy sufficient, even for large guys. Second-row house is one other matter. The IS just isn’t nicely suited 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 form of manner, and for probably the most half top-notch supplies are employed within the décor, although the decrease door trim seems low-cost, particularly in crimson. We discover the solid-color door-panel speaker surrounds particularly Playskool trying.
Connectivity
The IS nonetheless employs the previous Lexus touchpad digital interface, although a touchscreen just isn’t a part of the system, so the odd contact/push pad can now largely be ignored. All that stated, the touchscreen system works nicely sufficient, although at 10-inches, its very small by modern requirements.
A be aware to music lovers: The Mark Levison sound system, normal on the five hundred Premium, is excellent, and particularly nicely suited to the mid-century jazz favored by this creator.
However, as flawed—however typically indulgent—because the IS cabin could also be, it’s its on-road efficiency that issues most, particularly in the event you’re seeking to extract somewhat enjoyable out of your each day commute.
Energy and Efficiency
We’re pleased to report that the five hundred’s massive V8 pair nicely with the automobile’s 8-speed automated, serving of all kinds of energy from a standstill, and when tasked to supply muscle underway. The five hundred makes quick and simple work of freeway and passing maneuvers, and albeit simply blasts ahead for so long as you retain the go-pedal depressed. Additionally, not that we’d know, however again of the IS will be induced to interrupt free utilizing the throttle and a fast snap of the wheel. We’re speaking old-school, V8-powered, Rockford Information type 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 parking zone coated with a minimum of an inch of snow.
Journey and Dealing with
To associate with all the facility, 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 pleased to report, that none of this efficiency appears to have taken a toll on journey high quality, which is agency, but criticism, and by no means harsh, not matter the street floor.
The IS 500 Boasts one in every of our favourite exhaust notes. The burble from the rear finish is simply aggressive sufficient, and it by no means sounds crude or synthetic. Noises ranges come down in routine driving. The truth is, the IS 500 is mostly quiet, except you the motive force give it motive to bark.
Evaluate
We frankly love the IS 500. The old-school formulation of shoe-horning an enormous engine into somewhat automobile goes again a very long time, however is never executed so successfully as Lexus has completed right here. And once more, in the event you’re open to somewhat restrained indulgence, and your pockets permits, the five hundred often is the excellent automobile for you—and consider all the cash you’ll save on remedy. We advocate ordering yours in Incognito—the right colour to masks your journey’s actual potential.
Hearken to the Automobile Stuff Podcast
2024 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Photos
Click on under for enlarged photos
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