Lexus is thought for cranking out snug cruisers, however they’re additionally a bonafide efficiency model as they’ve been producing F fashions for greater than a decade.

That journey started with the IS F, which debuted on the 2007 North American Worldwide Auto Present in Detroit. The sports activities sedan was principally properly obtained, however Lexus determined towards a comply with up when the third-generation IS debuted 5 years later.

Nonetheless, like quite a lot of opponents, Lexus has determined to launch their very own mild-performance sub-brand akin to BMW’s M Efficiency and Cadillac’s repositioned V-Sequence. Often known as F Sport Efficiency, the automobiles will function aggressive styling and improved efficiency, however fall in need of being a full F mannequin.

The primary member of the F Sport Efficiency household is the IS 500 and it’s a promising preview of issues to return. It won’t be as excessive as an IS F, however it mixes consolation and sport whereas additionally being a heck of lots of enjoyable.

A Correct Wanting Sports activities Sedan

The facelifted IS appears nice in commonplace kind, however the IS 500 F Sport Efficiency kicks issues up a notch as it’s distinguished by a bulging hood, a modified entrance bumper and lengthened fenders. These modifications don’t instantly bounce out, however they enabled engineers to shoehorn a 5.0-liter V8 into the engine bay.

Designers didn’t cease there because the IS 500 has been outfitted with unique 19-inch Enkei wheels, that are lighter than these discovered on the extra mainstream F Sport variant. The high-performance mannequin additionally options gloss black accents, darkish chrome trim, and black badges which point out it is a F Sport Efficiency variant.

A lot of the modifications are delicate, however there’s no mistaking the IS 500 when considered from the rear.  A stacked four-tailpipe exhaust system makes the automotive’s efficiency recognized, whereas a black rear spoiler and distinctive diffuser emphasize that message.

A Dated Inside That Feels Like It’s From A Totally different Automobile

Whereas the outside appears nice, the cabin seems like a relic from a bygone period because it’s just about an identical to the one discovered within the 2014 IS.

That is disappointing for a ‘new’ automotive and it’s age will be clearly seen within the outstanding placement of the CD participant. Additional complicating issues is subpar switchgear, a mediocre 8-inch infotainment system and a few questionable supplies.

On the brilliant aspect, it comes properly outfitted with heated and ventilated entrance sport seats wrapped in perforated NuLuxe upholstery. Patrons may even discover a dual-zone computerized local weather management system, an influence moonroof, and a heated steering wheel with an F Sport Efficiency badge. Different highlights embody alloy pedals, a 10-speaker Pioneer audio system, and an LFA-inspired digital instrument cluster.

Whereas the inside isn’t the automotive’s robust go well with, it’s extra spacious than the scale would recommend. There’s loads of room up entrance, however the rear seat is on the small aspect because it provides a mere 32.2 inches (818 mm) of legroom. Nonetheless, it feels roomier than that and I used to be capable of squeeze behind the driving force’s seat with out a lot of a difficulty. Being within the again isn’t probably the most pleasant expertise, however fast journeys round city shouldn’t be an issue as there’s ample head- and legroom for adults.

Talking of room, there’s 10.8 cubic ft (306 liters) of cargo area within the trunk and that may be elevated by folding the rear seats down. Nonetheless, that’s lower than opponents such because the Audi S4, BMW M340i and Mercedes C43.

A Naturally Aspirated V8 With 472 HP

Whereas the entire aforementioned opponents use a turbocharged six-cylinder engine, Lexus apparently believes there’s no substitute for displacement. Consequently, the IS 500 has been outfitted with a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 that pumps out 472 hp (347 kW / 479 PS) and 395 lb-ft (536 Nm) of torque.

It’s inconceivable to not love the engine as V8s are rapidly changing into an endangered species. Extra importantly, it outguns the competitors because the Germans have outputs starting from 349 hp (260 kW / 354 PS) to 385 hp (287 kW / 390 PS).

The V8 is related to an eight-speed computerized transmission which sends energy completely to the rear wheels. This setup permits the automotive to run from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 4.4 seconds, earlier than hitting a high pace of 149 mph (240 km/h). These numbers are nothing to sneeze at, however the S4 and M340i additionally hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in 4.4 seconds and have the next high pace of 155 mph (250 km/h).

For sure, the V8 can also be fairly thirsty because the IS 500 has an EPA-estimated gas economic system score of 17 mpg metropolis, 25 mpg freeway and 20 mpg mixed. All the Germans publish higher numbers, even with commonplace all-wheel drive on the C43 and S4.

In fact, shopping for a sports activities sedan based mostly on gas economic system is a bit like shopping for artwork since you just like the body. As an alternative, it’s all concerning the expertise and that is the place the IS 500 excels. The engine is civilized round city however, should you mash the accelerator, it comes roaring into life and makes its presence recognized. Moreover, due to its naturally aspirated nature, there’s no ready for turbos to spool up.

It’s A Blast To Drive

The excellent news doesn’t finish with the engine because the IS 500 seems like a correct sports activities sedan. The experience provides a pleasant mixture of consolation and sport, which makes it a super every day driver. The steering can also be good because it’s responsive and properly weighted.

Barreling down again roads exterior Scottsdale was an absolute blast because the automotive felt completely balanced, regardless of having a barely worse weight distribution due to the hefty V8 up entrance. Cornering was impeccable, whereas the suspension additionally soaked up minor imperfections with out a lot fuss.

Lots of this may be credited to the rear-wheel drive platform in addition to the usual Dynamic Dealing with Bundle, which incorporates an adaptive variable suspension and a restricted slip differential. The mannequin additionally boasts a Yamaha rear efficiency damper and an upgraded braking system with bigger discs. The latter measure 14 inches (356 mm) up entrance and 12.7 inches (323 mm) on the rear, which makes them 0.8 and 1 inch (20 and 25 mm) bigger than these discovered on the usual mannequin.

Pricing Begins At $56,500

Regardless of its spectacular efficiency, the IS 500 F Sport Efficiency begins at a comparatively affordable $56,500. That’s the identical value because the Mercedes-AMG C43, however the Audi S4 and BMW 340i are cheaper as they start at $51,900 and $54,700 respectively.

It’s additionally inconceivable to disregard the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing which begins at $58,995 and includes a twin-turbo 3.6-liter V6 that produces 472 hp (352 kW / 479 PS) and 445 lb-ft (603 Nm) of torque. Whereas the horsepower score is identical because the IS 500, the Cadillac boasts an additional 50 lb-ft (68 Nm) of torque. The American can also be quicker as it could possibly hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in 3.8 seconds and high out round 189 mph (304 km/h). Moreover, it must be extra interesting to fans due to a normal six-speed guide transmission.

Placing the Cadillac apart, Lexus provides a barely extra luxurious IS 500 Premium for $61,000. It options extra commonplace gear together with premium LED headlights, a panoramic view monitor and an influence rear sunshade. Patrons may even discover a bigger 10.3-inch infotainment system with GPS navigation in addition to a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system.

Clients in search of one thing extra unique can go for the IS 500 Launch Version, which is proscribed to 500 models. It prices $67,400 and options an unique Incognito exterior with  matte black 19-inch BBS cast alloy wheels.

Shifting into the cabin, the particular version is distinguished by black and grey ultrasuede upholstery, an individually numbered badge, and a heated leather-based steering wheel with ash wooden trim. House owners may even discover a particular Launch Version animation at startup.

A Improbable Automobile, However It’s A Disgrace About The Inside

In the event you imagine ‘might have had a V8’ applies to extra than simply juice drinks, it’s arduous to not love the IS 500 and its naturally aspirated engine. It provides spectacular efficiency and is a member of a dying breed.

Fortunately, the engine isn’t the one advantage of the IS 500 because the driving expertise is exceptional. I took an RC 350 out on the observe earlier this yr and wasn’t terribly impressed, so I used to be a bit shocked by how good the IS 500 is to drive. It has an simple sporting character, however can also be completely snug round city. That’s a tough balancing act, however Lexus seems to have pulled it off.

Sadly, all the pieces isn’t excellent as the inside is woefully dated and quite a lot of opponents provide extra spacious lodging. It’s a bit just like the Cadillac on this regard as each are spectacular sport sedans, however the interiors are a letdown.

Regardless of its quirks, the IS 500 is a unbelievable addition to the lineup and it has us desirous to see Lexus develop the F Sport Efficiency household sooner or later.

Image credit: Michael Gauthier for CarScoops