Lexus Releases Pricing, Performance Data for 2022 IS 500
It's no IS F, but the IS 500 is the next best thing, anyway.
Pertinent Data
We've known for some time that the new Lexus IS 500 was going to be the V8-powered performance luxury sedan we've all been waiting for, or at least the next best thing to an IS F revival. Now, Lexus has released all of the pertinent data surrounding the old school sedan as deliveries of the LS 500 have also begun.
Photos: Lexus
Healthy Numbers
It doesn't get much better than the classic combination of a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive V8-powered vehicle, and the IS 500 certainly delivers on that front. Under the hood lies Lexus' naturally-aspirated 5.0-liter V8, which in this guise produces 472 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque - healthy numbers, indeed.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about the 2022 IS 500 right here in the Club Lexus Forum!
Solid Performance
Tipping the scales at a reasonable 3,891 pounds - 143 pounds more than the standard IS 350 F Sport - the IS 500 delivers a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds, according to AMCI testing, and has an EPA-estimated 25 mpg highway fuel economy rating, which is also rather solid.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about the 2022 IS 500 right here in the Club Lexus Forum!
Exterior Details
On the outside, the IS 500 is distinguished by a quad exhaust system with dual-stacked tailpipes (like the IS F), unique black badging on the sides to distinguish it from F Sport models, a two-inch raised hood, lengthened front fenders to accommodate the V8, exclusive 19-inch split-10-spoke Enkei alloy wheels, a revised lower rear diffuser, dark chrome window trim, and a black IS F Sport rear lip spoiler.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about the 2022 IS 500 right here in the Club Lexus Forum!
Exclusive Details
Inside, drivers are greeted with black F Sport Performance badging on the heated leather-wrapped steering wheel and door sill scuff plates. It also comes standard with the IS F SPORT accelerator pedal, brake pedal, and footrest, but the combination instrumentation meter receives an updated startup animation that is exclusive to IS 500.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about the 2022 IS 500 right here in the Club Lexus Forum!
Chassis Enhancements
Underneath, the IS 500 builds on the improvements made to the 2021 IS. It comes standard with the IS RWD F Sport's Dynamic Handling Package (DHP), which includes Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) and a Torsen Limited Slip Differential (LSD) that improves handling and performance thanks to enhanced traction when cornering or exiting turns and helps maintain straight-line stability as well. Engineers have also improved the IS chassis performance with the addition of a Yamaha Rear Performance Damper. This damper reduces dynamic structural distortion, delivering increased comfort at low speeds, and additional stability and agility at high speeds. Brake cooling enhancements have also been made over the standard IS 350 F Sport with additional aerodynamic cooling and larger 14.0-inch two-piece aluminum front rotors and 12.7-inch rear rotors.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about the 2022 IS 500 right here in the Club Lexus Forum!
Pricing and Availability
The 2022 IS 500 boasts a starting MSRP of $56,500, while the IS 500 Premium starts at $61,000, offering customers the same high-output powertrain, with the addition of convenience features like Mark Levinson 17-speaker Premium Surround Sound Audio System, navigation system, panoramic view monitor, triple beam LED headlights, and a power rear sunshade. The IS 500 Launch Edition will be limited to just 500 units in North America and will have an MSRP of $67,400. The new 2022 IS 500 is expected to arrive in dealerships later this fall.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about the 2022 IS 500 right here in the Club Lexus Forum!
Check out the how-to sections of ClubLexus.com for help keeping your car in great shape.