REVIEW: 2023 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance Premium

This week I bring you the 2023 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance Premium.  It's the Halo car of the IS lineup and one of two 500 F Sport Performance models.  The IS is also offered in a more entry-level form as the 300 and 350. 

Exterior

My Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance Premium review vehicle exudes sportiness in a striking Grecian Water hue paired with optional 19-inch matte black BBS forged wheels.    Distinguishing features of both 500 F Sport Performance models include a unique raised hood, dark chrome finish window trim, dark chrome outside mirrors and an RC F-inspired stacked quad exhaust designed to enhance the V8's sporty exhaust note.

 

 

 

 

Exterior features shared by all the IS F Sport models includes unique front and rear bumpers, grille surround, rocker moldings, rear spoiler and rear valance.  

Up front, the F Sport Performance Premium is the only IS model equipped with standard Triple Beam LED headlights.  All IS models feature a cool LED blade taillamp across the tail end.

Performance

The IS 500 F Sport Performance lives to its name with a 5.0-liter V8 engine that delivers a robust 472-horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque. It's mated to a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. (Non-performance models get a V6.) Power from the V8 delivers terrific acceleration matched to my model's roughly 3,900 pound curb weight. Lexus cites a 0-60 time of 4.4 seconds. F Sport Performance models are rear-wheel drive only, but AWD is available on other trims. 

Interior

The driver-centric, sporty IS 500 F Sport Performance Premium interior delivers the luxury you expect of Lexus.  It's available two-tone White/Black Nuluxe upholstery along with new-for-2023 satin chrome trim instantly make a great impression.

A 10-way power F Sport bolstered driver's seat provides the perfect combo of comfort and support. Both front seats are heated and ventilated. An 8-inch TFT performance-inspired cluster includes a G Force display.

 

 

 

 

Standard features on this trim include aluminum sport pedals,  an F sport heated leather trimmed steering wheel with paddle shifters, and F Sport front door scuff plates.

You control the dual zone cabin temp on the center stack using electrostatic (slide touch) controls. Outside of that,  you're dealing with traditional buttons. 

Multimedia technology isn't updated yet in the 2023 IS. This means you still get the Lexus Remote Touch Interface taking up a sizable amount of real estate on the center console. It controls a 10.3 inch-touchscreen with Lexus navigation system and Dynamic Voice Command. The system is compatible with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Bluetooth and SiriusXM. The 17-speaker Mark Levinson Sound System sounds really great.  Connectivity wise, you get a WiFi hotspot and 2 USB ports in the center console bin.

You'll find a lot on the center console along with touchpad - including the leather-wrapped gear shifter,  seat and steering wheel climate functions and drive modes. One thing you won't find is a wireless charger. 

The 60/40 rear split seat affords passengers A/C vents and a drop-down armrest with extending cupholders, but they'll have to make do without USB ports of their own.

Additional standard features on my test vehicle include carpet floor mats, power moonroof and rain sensing wipers. Lexus also equips this trim with a standard power rear sunshade.

Ride and Drive

The fun to drive and engaging Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance benefits from the brand's Lexus Driving Signature that debuted on the 2021 IS. It delivers a terrific ride and confident handling along with the high performance you expect from a V8 with 450+ horses. 

The IS 500 also comes equipped with F Sport Adaptive Variable Suspension and Yamaha rear performance dampers. Drive Mode Select offers ECO, Normal, Sport S, Sport S+ and Custom modes. Braking is also excellent thanks to large two-piece aluminum 14.0-in front and 12.7-in rear brake rotors.

Safety

The 2023 IS lineup is equipped with Lexus Safety System 2.5+ which includes pre-collision System with Pedestrian Detection,  All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Intelligent High Beam Headlamps, and Road Sign Assist. 

Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic is also standard across the lineup as is a backup camera with dynamic gridlines.

The IS 500 F Sport Performance Premium is additionally equipped with a panoramic view monitor and Intuitive parking assist with auto braking.

What You'll Pay

My test vehicle's one option - the 19-inch BBS wheels($2,450) - takes the total MSRP to $65,220 as equipped.  

Verdict

At over $65,000, the 2023 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Premium may be a hard sell for those looking for the most updated technology Lexus has to offer (including a wireless charger). But looks, luxury and performance wise, it's an impressive sports sedan that will certainly appeal to Lexus enthusiasts.