Hi M3Post,
I recently had a chance to test drive the Lexus IS 500. I've been intrigued with the IS 500 ever since it was announced, since it is the latest—and last?—way to get a high-revving NA V8 in a sports sedan. The IS 500 formula is pretty close to that of the
E90 M3 I owned for 6 years, so I hoped that the IS 500 would be the second coming of the E90 M3, without the BMW wallet lightening maintenance issues.
In my drive I was very impressed with the 5.0L V8. It sounds amazing, pulls with increasing vigor as the revs grow, and should undoubtedly make the IS 500 coveted by enthusiasts long into the future.
But I should have believed Lexus's marketing material and the car mag reviews: the IS 500 is not a next-gen IS F to do battle with the M3. Instead, it targets the comfort/performance balance of a BMW M340i, which is to say it blends in more comfort at the expense of raw performance.
I felt this in a few ways on my drive.
First, the throttle response is muted in all but Sport+ mode. I want this big NA mill to jump every time my right foot twitches, but its response is more relaxed. I'm guessing this is a tuning choice by Lexus, as the same V8 in the LC 500 is more razor’s edged.
By the numbers a 472 hp V8 should be torturing the rear tires at every throttle stomp, but that is just not so, as this is a high revving NA engine and the torque is thinner at low rpm. The IS 500 feels hooked up on dry pavement.
Second is the handling. The IS 500’s chassis is well controlled and its steering reacts with unhurried confidence, but the handling seems tuned for a mountain highway rather than a race track (and especially not an autocross). The steering feels is muted, which may be appropriate for a Lexus, but is disappointing for a sports sedan.
The third and final thing that kills the king sports-sedan vibes is the transmission. The 8-speed auto can feel dull and slurred, and it generally detracts from the exceptional engine. Left in automatic for a commute it would be great, but when paddle shifted with sporting intentions, it is a letdown.
Looking past my desire for a remake of the E90 M3, the IS 500 is still a beautiful, well-crafted sedan with a gem of an engine. I can see the IS 500 being a great daily driver for someone who loves amazing engines, though I'd expect them to have a more focused sports car for their weekend racing exploits.
Best,
Mike
(More thoughts on the
IS 500 on my blog.)
