Lexus Unveils IS 500 Launch Edition with a Limited Production Run of 500 Units

By Michael S. Palmer - March 19, 2021

Same power & performance. But the IS 500 Launch Edition will feature exclusive Incognito paint & a two-tone interior scheme.

The forthcoming IS 500 F Sport Performance sedan could very well be the most exciting Lexus debut of the year. 472 hp at 7,100 rpm and 395 lb.-ft of peak torque at 4,800 rpm from a naturally aspirated 5.0 V8, stuffed into the gorgeous revamped IS sedan and weighing just under 3,900 pounds. In other words, dramatically lighter than the RC F, GS F, and LC500, but with the same power and glorious exhaust note.

(Click HERE to see the full IS 500 Launch Edition Photo Gallery!)

And now there’s already a special edition version you can preorder…

Dubbed the Launch Edition, Lexus plans to produce only 500 serialized vehicles. And, much like the IS 500 itself, this one’s a North American exclusive. (Side note: Lexus says we should get our hands on one this summer for review, just ahead of production units landing in dealerships this fall.)

Much like the standard IS 500, the Launch Edition boasts a standard Dynamic Handling Package (as is optional on the IS 350 F Sport) as well as a Torsen limited-slip differential and a revised front facia.

However, the IS 500 Launch Edition features several exclusives, including an all-new glossy-matte (is that a thing?) gray color called Incognito. Inside, owners will find two-tone Black & Gray Ultrasuede trimmed front and rear seats, door accents, and center console as well as a unique heated steering wheel. Owners also get a 1 of 500 numbered plackard as well as the same 19-inch split-seven-spoke forged alloy Matte Black BBS wheels found on the IS 350 F Sport with the optional Dynamic Handling Package. (Honestly, these wheels look way better than the standard IS 500 wheels and wish they were an option for everyone. Time to hit up eBay, it seems.)

Lexus remains mum on IS 500 (standard or Launch Edition) pricing, so we’ll update you as soon as we know more. However, we did confirm with Lexus directly that the Bridgestone Potenza tires are the “standard” tire on all IS 500 vehicles, which is a shame. If you look closely at the Lexus Racing vehicle pictured next to the IS 500 Launch Edition, you can see that car has Michelin tires. And I just attended Lexus Performance Racing School where a Michelin rep bragged about how great Lexus vehicles (and all vehicles) drive with Pilot Sport 4s tire tires. So here’s hoping Lexus will make the PS4S an option as they are on the RC-F.