While visiting Cambridge, Ontario—home to the production of two of Lexus’ most popular models, the NX and RX—I had the chance to get behind the wheel of the IS 500 and its roaring V8. Strangely, driving it felt like being on the dance floor at 2:45 a.m., clinging to the last fast songs before the lights come up and the party ends. It’s that kind of final, frenzied joy. This is my last dance with the IS.

The V8 develops 472 hp and 394 lb-ft of torque.
As the final update, production will end in November.
Its configuration guarantees a fun-to-drive experience.

The current generation of the Lexus IS traces its roots back to 2012 for the 2013 model year, making it one of the oldest vehicles still on the market. Lexus has made efforts to soften the impact of time, first with a refresh in 2017 and then a more significant overhaul in 2021. While some might say Lexus is stretching things, sales have remained steady.

As the compact luxury sedan segment continues to shrink, Lexus has confirmed that it will end production of the IS in November 2025. The Germans will have the field to themselves, and Lexus will focus on the ES—a nameplate that continues to thrive globally and is being thoroughly revamped for 2026 with an all-new lineup of powertrains.

The IS 500 debuted in Canada in 2022 with a mighty V8, essentially the same one found in the mad IS-F. However, the 500’s styling is more restrained—less cartoonish than the IS-F, with its bulging hood and oversized exhausts. The 2022 redesign gave the IS a clean, assertive look that quickly made it one of the sexiest sedans on the market.

Its design is mature, sharp, and confident. Signature Lexus elements are all present, like the arrow-shaped LED daytime running lights and the prominent spindle grille. For 2025, Lexus is treating enthusiasts with a limited-run Special Appearance Package. The name may be dull, but the details are not: black 19-inch BBS wheels contrast beautifully with the bright Flare Yellow paint.

The attention to detail is impressive. The exterior mirrors are inspired by the legendary LFA, and black accents on the bumpers and a subtle trunk lip spoiler add flair. But the real highlight? A pair of satin aluminum diagonal exhaust tips—just enough to say this IS isn’t ordinary.

Frozen in Time

The IS is a compact car with surprisingly large doors. Taller drivers like myself will struggle to get in without brushing against the B-pillar—and watch your head, because the steeply raked A-pillar doesn’t help. Once seated, the ultrasuede-covered seats wrap around you like a performance suit. It’s the kind of physical connection I love in a true driver’s car—the sense that the machine wants what you want.

This special edition adds yellow contrast stitching in a few spots. Considering the car’s exclusive nature, Lexus could’ve pushed the styling even further—everything else inside is black.

The IS feels like a product of the analog era. The dashboard is filled with physical buttons, which can be jarring in this digital age—but personally, I like the simplicity. The compact digital instrument cluster has Lexus’ distinctive look, but it feels dated. The 10.3-inch infotainment screen, both in interface and graphics, is far behind the times.

Lexus IS to End Production in November 2025 After Three Generations

Interior space has never been the IS’s strong suit. Up front, everything feels close. In the back, with the front seat set to my driving position, legroom was almost nonexistent. It’s tight across all rear dimensions, and the trunk isn’t much better at just 306 litres.

Our tester, based on the Performance+ trim, included a premium 17-speaker Mark Levinson surround sound system. Overall material quality is solid, but the IS still feels more like an entry-luxury sedan than a prestige vehicle—you don’t get the same upscale feel as you would in a German or even South Korean rival.

A Spiritual Successor to the IS-F

The main reason to choose this version of the IS sits under the hood: a naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 producing 472 horsepower and 394 lb-ft of torque. For a car this size, that’s a lot. And it’s not just powerful—it’s pure. This is a rear-wheel-drive machine aimed at driving purists. Unlike other IS models that use a six-speed auto, the 500 gets a competent eight-speed automatic. A manual transmission would’ve been a dream.

Helping manage all that power to the rear wheels is a Torsen limited-slip differential. Adaptive suspension lets you tailor the ride firmness, and let’s be honest: you’re going to hit Sport mode every time you start it.

Despite its age, the IS 500 still knows how to light up the dance floor. Steering is sharp and responsive. Where the old IS-F’s V8 often caused understeer, the 500 feels far better balanced for daily use—and still plenty fun when you push it.

Old-School Cool

The IS is far from modern. With its button-filled interior and big naturally aspirated V8, it’s a throwback to a different era—but one I happen to love. Yes, the fuel economy is rough, but that comes with the territory when you’re packing eight cylinders.

At $82,750, the IS 500 isn’t cheap, especially given its outdated tech. But what it offers is rare: character, reliability, and lower ownership costs than its limited number of direct rivals.

Think of it as a toy. A pricey one, yes—but what a way to play.

Comparable	Lexus IS 500	Cadillac CT4 Blackwing	Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S

Base price	79 915 $	74 733 $	75 000 $
Engine	5.0L V8	3.6L Twin Turbo V6	2.0L inline-4 Turbo
HP	472 hp	472 hp	416 hp
LB-FT	394 lb-pi	445 lb-pi	369 lb-pi
Transmission	8AT	6MT/10AT	8AT
Drive	RWD	RWD	AWD
0-100km/h	4,5 sec	4,2 sec	4,1 sec
Fuel Econ combine	11,9L/100km	12,6L/100km	10,2L/100km
Trunk volume	306L.	303L.	460L.