There’s something undeniably special about a naturally aspirated V-8 in a sports sedan. The roar, the immediacy, the raw connection between driver and machine, few things on four wheels offer the same visceral experience. It’s the kind of car that lets you know of its power every time you press the start button and hear it come to life. The 2025 Lexus IS 500 reminds us just how much fun a V-8 sedan truly is and why we’ll miss it in its absence.
- Base Trim Engine
-
5L V-8 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
-
8-speed automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Rear-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
472 HP @7100 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
-
395 lb.-ft. @ 4800 RPM
- Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
-
17/25/20 MPG
- Base Trim Battery Type
-
Lead acid battery
- Make
-
Lexus
- Model
-
IS 500
That’s exactly what the Lexus IS 500 has delivered, and 2025 marks the final model year for this beloved V-8 sedan. It’s a car built for those who still value raw sound, instant throttle response, and the emotional connection between driver and machine, something no turbo or EV can quite replicate. For enthusiasts, this is more than just a car; it’s the end of an era, a farewell to one of the last naturally aspirated V-8s available in a compact luxury sports sedan.
To provide the most accurate and up-to-date information, this article uses data sourced from various manufacturers and authoritative sources.
A V-8 That Commands Attention
At the heart of the IS 500 lies a 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 that produces 472 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque. Unlike turbocharged engines, which can sometimes feel delayed or filtered, this V-8 delivers power instantly. Paired with a quick-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission, the IS 500 can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just over 4.4 seconds, making it not only an emotional car to drive but also a serious performer in its class.
2025 Lexus IS 500 Technical Specifications
|
Engine |
5.0-liter V8 |
|
Transmission |
8-speed Automatic |
|
Driveline |
RWD |
|
Horsepower |
472 hp |
|
Torque |
395 lb-ft |
|
0-60 mph |
4.4 seconds |
What sets this V-8 apart is the immediacy of the throttle response and the linear power delivery. Every press of the accelerator gives instant feedback, allowing the driver to feel every bit of the car’s power and torque. The exhaust note, aggressive yet refined, ensures that the driving experience isn’t just about speed; it’s about emotion.
And it’s still nothing short of absolutely spectacular. With no forced induction, there’s no turbo lag or loss of steam as found with a supercharger. It’s just pure, smooth, unbridled, naturally aspirated V-8 power, all the way to its lofty 7,000+ RPM redline.
Driving Experience That Thrills
The IS 500 is more than raw power. Its chassis, tuned by Lexus’s F division, offers sharp handling and composure that make winding roads a thrill. Adaptive suspension keeps body roll in check while allowing the car to remain comfortable over longer journeys.
A Driving Purist’s Dream Car
For enthusiasts, the IS 500 represents the type of driving experience that is becoming increasingly rare. In a world dominated by turbocharged engines and electrification, the naturally aspirated V-8 in a sedan is a purist’s dream. Every gear change, every rev, every shift in weight feels purposeful and immediate, turning a routine commute into a memorable event.
Design: Aggressive Yet Refined Inside And Out
The IS 500’s design perfectly balances aggression with elegance, signaling its performance credentials without feeling over-the-top. Its signature spindle grille dominates the front fascia, complemented by sharp LED headlights that give the sedan a purposeful, athletic stance. Muscular wheel arches and sculpted body lines create a sense of motion even when the car is standing still, while subtle aerodynamic touches enhance both stability and visual appeal.
Interior Luxury Allows Drivers To Push The Limits In Comfort
Common for Lexus vehicles, the IS 500 features premium materials, supportive sport seats, and a logically laid-out 10.3-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making every journey comfortable. High-quality leather, soft-touch surfaces, and optional upgrades like a premium audio system or performance gauges create an interior that feels as special as the engine itself. The layout keeps the driver in control, while passengers enjoy the luxury and comfort expected from a premium sedan. Standard features include:
- Dual-zone climate control
- Heated, cooled, and ventilated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Illuminated entry system
- Loaded driver assistance suite
Why 2025 Marks The End For This Icon
It’s a story we know all too well; downsized turbo engines, hybridization, and electrification dominate the market, for better or for worse. Manufacturers are prioritizing efficiency, emissions, and technological integration, often at the cost of mechanical purity and raw driving experience. Lexus is no exception, and with the 2025 model year, the IS 500 will be the last naturally aspirated V-8 sedan in the lineup.
For collectors and enthusiasts, the 2025 IS 500 is more than just a car; it’s a piece of automotive history. Its departure signals the end of an era where a compact luxury sedan could deliver a raw, naturally aspirated V-8 experience. With all this being said, we won’t definitively say a V-8 Lexus Sedan will never return one day, considering the V8 has made a comeback in recent times with other manufacturers.
Legacy Of The IS 500
The IS 500 represents the culmination of Lexus’s dedication to creating engaging, driver-focused sports sedans. It carved out a niche for buyers seeking both a luxury sedan and the visceral joy of a V-8. Its competitors may offer similar acceleration or technology, but few can match the combination of mechanical purity, precise handling, and luxury craftsmanship found in the IS 500.
With its discontinuation, the IS 500 will undoubtedly become a collector’s item. It marks the closing chapter for naturally aspirated V8 sedans from Lexus, an engine type that has long been a favorite among purists. For those who value the sound of a V-8, the feel of instant torque, and the engagement of a traditional automatic transmission tuned for performance, this is the last opportunity to experience it new from the factory.
The V-8 Sedan That Will Be Missed By Many
The Lexus IS 500 is more than just a car; it’s the swan song of the V-8 era in the compact luxury sedan segment. Its 5.0-liter engine, driver-focused handling, and luxurious interior make it a standout in a market increasingly dominated by hybrids and turbos. While there may still be a handful of V-8 sedans on the market, it hurts to see another one bite the dust in an already limited market.
For anyone seeking a visceral, unfiltered driving experience wrapped in luxury and sportiness, the 2025 IS 500 is a last chance. Once production ends, the roar of this naturally aspirated V8 will live on only in memories, videos, and the growing number of collectors who will treasure it for years to come. This is not just a farewell, it’s a reminder of the pure joy that a V8 can bring, and why the IS 500 will be remembered as one of the last great naturally aspirated sedans in automotive history. We salute you, Lexus IS 500. Get one while you still can.