2024 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance Premium Review

Oh the sweet, sweet sight of an odometer with less than a 100 miles on it. It excites me even more than a new car smell. Even sweeter still is the sound you hear when you start up an engine to hear the appealing roar of a V8 - something that happens less and less these days in the move towards electrification. This week I was treated to both occurrences in the 2024 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance Premium, the 500 F Sport being the halo of the Lexus IS family.   

The IS was last refreshed in 2021 when it notably introduced the new Lexus Driving Signature designed to deliver improved driving dynamics and sharpened performance. For 2024, it receives a few updates, one of those being the F Sport designation is available on more trims.

Exterior

Sporty and sleek, the Lexus IS 500 is a head turner.  My test vehicle wears a new for 2024 Incognito hue which suits it well especially set against optional new-for-2024 19-inch matte black BBS forged wheels.  For 2024, all IS models are equipped with black outside mirrors with dark chrome trim.

The F Sport Performance features a unique raised, yet low-profile, hood. For 2024, Lexus redesigned the Premium's triple-beam LED headlights to complement it.  

F Sport Performance design elements on the exterior include a unique front bumper with functional aerodynamic enhancements, rear bumper, grille surround, rear lip spoiler, and rocker molding.  F SPORT badges further designate its status.

The tail end is striking with its L-shaped blade-style lightbar, along with a very impressive quad exhaust system.  When you see those, you know you've got some muscle under the hood.

Performance

That muscle comes in the form of a high-output naturally aspirated 5.0-Liter V8 engine with power specs that don't disappoint.  Mated to an 8-speed automatic, the system delivers a fun-inducing 472-horsepower along with an impressive 395 pound-feet of torque. Lexus cites a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. The F Sport Performance is rear-wheel drive only but all-wheel drive is available elsewhere in the lineup.  

Interior

Opening the driver's door had me quickly seeing red. As in CIRCUIT RED. The race-inspired cockpit is awash in it. Even the Mark Levinson speakers get the red treatment. It contrasts with black interior elements as well, and I was particularly partial to the F Sport Performance's exclusive satin trim.  

The cabin is well-crafted and full of soft-touch materials along with quality stitching and embossed interior door trim. 

Since it was redesigned three years ago, the IS has yet to receive Lexus' most recent technology offerings. However, somehow you don't care when surrounded by such sporty luxury and impeccable attention to detail. Super comfortable NuLuxe-trimmed F Sport bolstered seats are as divine to sit in as they look.  They sit low on purpose as they are designed to place the driver's hip point as close to the low center of gravity as possible.  The driver's seat is 10-way power adjustable and both F Sport front seats are heated and ventilated.

A digital driver gauge welcomes you with an exclusive start-up animation and features include a G Force display.  Other F Sport Performance interior goodies include a heated, leather-wrapped F Sport badged steering wheel, F Sport Performance front door-sill scuff plates and F Sport aluminum pedals.

The range-topping Premium grade features a standard 10.3-inch multimedia touchscreen with Dynamic Navigation and Dynamic Voice Command  - both of which are terrific. The system, while not Lexus' latest, nonetheless exhibits great responsiveness and graphics. It's compatible with non-wireless Apple CarpLay and Android Auto.  The screen also houses an available panoramic view monitor. You also get a WiFi Hotspot. The Premium grade's standard 17-speaker Mark Levinson Sound System sounds great.

Click on Photo to Enlarge.

The center stack and console are where the IS shows its age. The center stack is void of haptic climate controls. The console sports Lexus' Remote Touchpad interface and its gear shifter is larger than the one sported in recently redesigned models.  Still, I have to say the whole old-school vibe works for this sporty performance sedan.  That is to say, I like the IS' interior on its merits.

As this is a compact sedan, the back seat of the IS isn't terribly roomy especially when it comes to headroom.  Hidden cupholders extend out from the cushiony drop-down center armrest. Passengers get A/C vents, but no temp controls.  I found the 10.8 cubic-feet of trunk space to be ample for my shopping needs.

Standard F Sport Performance Premium features include a power moonroof and a rear power sunshade.

Ride and Drive

The IS 500 is so enjoyable to drive.  Its lower center of gravity makes you feel one with the road.   Needless to say acceleration is terrific thanks to its power specs.  There are a number of drive modes with Sport+ being the most engaging in terms of responsive steering and tighter handling. The F Sport tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension adds to the superb driving dynamics and the IS 500 F Sport Performance is also outfitted with rear Yamaha performance dampers and a Torsen limited-slip rear differential.  The ride is quiet too in terms of road noise, except of course when you're enjoying the appealing roar of its V8 engine.  Large brakes do their job splendidly.  

Safety

Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 is standard and includes Pre-Collision System, which includes Frontal Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Pedestrian Detection and Bicyclist Detection, Emergency Steering Assist,, All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Intelligent High Beams,  and Road Sign Assist.

It's additionally equipped with Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Intuitive Parking Assist with Auto Braking and Rear Cross Traffic Braking.

Options

Options include the 19-inch Matte Black BBS forged wheels ($2,450), illuminated door sills ($425), carpet trunk mat ($120) and wheel bolt locks ($95).  As equipped you'll pay roughly $67K.

Verdict

I'm not sure what's ahead for the IS in its next generation.  With Lexus' plans for electrification, it's future remains unclear at present.  In it current generation, however, the Lexus IS continues to win one over with its sporty and aggressive style, engaging driving manners, and luxurious cabin.   While the price for the 500 F Sport Performance Premium may be a bit steep for first-time luxury buyers, the  lineup starts from a much lower price point.

1. What I liked most:  Looks, sporty cabin, performance and driving dynamics, sound of exhaust. 
2. What I would change:  It's missing some tech due to its age. 
3. MSRP:  Base price: $63,370. As equipped: $67,610.
4. Fuel Economy:  17 city/25 highway/20 combined. 
5. Odometer reading when tested:  92 miles.
6. Weight: 3,891 pounds.
7. Spare Tire:  Temporary spare.
8. Length-Width-Height: 187.3” long/72.4" wide/56.5” high.
9. Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.4 gallons with filler on the driver's side.
10. Official Color:   Incognito.
11. Towing Capacity: N/A.

12. 2024 Lexus IS 500 in a few words:  A  luxury sports sedan that impresses with its performance and charms with its old school style.

13. Warranty: 4-year/50,000-mile Basic Warranty/72-month/70,000-mile Powertrain Warranty/ 72-month unlimited-mileage Corrosion Perforation Warranty. 

14. Final Assembly Location:  Tahari, Aichi, Japan
15. Manufacturer's website: Lexus