2024 Lexus IS 500 Review: Understated Power

The compact sedan market is shrinking, but that hasn’t stopped luxury automakers from continuing to pump them out. They used to be the entry into the brand; now that position is usually reserved for a small SUV.

Lexus, Toyota’s luxury arm established in 1989, has been producing its compact sedan, the Lexus IS, in several power levels since its inception in 1998. North America has seen just three versions since then, the last all-new model landed way back in 2014. Of course, like all its nameplates Lexus has updated the IS often, most recently in 2020.

At the top of the 2024 Lexus IS line is the 500 F Sport. For 2024, all IS 500 models will come with black outside mirrors with dark chrome trim. A Special Appearance Package is offered for buyers that want a little more flair. It comes with Blue Vector exterior paint and 19-inch matte forged alloy wheels.

F Sport versions get aggressive visual cues like a sharper front bumper with functional aerodynamic enhancements, unique rear bumper, grille surround, rear lip spoiler, rocker molding and more.

The exterior styling, updated in 2021, includes wide fenders to house the bigger wheels, also adding visual width. New headlights feature checkmark-shaped daytime running lights. Those lights visually lower the vehicle as do the low rocker panels running down the side.

In back, the rear fender lines blend into lowered rear trunk area to add to the grounded stance. Also, in back is another L-shaped blade-style lightbar that spans across the rear of the vehicle.

The heart of the 2024 Lexus IS 500 is a 5.0-liter V8. The other IS models have some form of six- or four-cylinder engines. In the IS 500 the V8 generates 472 horsepower (hp) and 395 pound-feet (lb-ft) of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters channels that power to the rear wheels and out through a quad exhaust system with dual stacked tail pipes.

This engine, which also starred in a previous version of the IS, is a literal roaring good time as bellows toward redline in any gear. It has drive modes for Eco, Normal, Comfort, Sport and Sport S, changing the throttle response, transmission shift points and steering. An adaptable suspension is available, though the option wasn’t installed on this test vehicle.

Overall the Lexus IS has a solidity to its drive, and quietness if the accelerator isn’t pressed too hard. The Sport drive mode is good for everyday driving with the right amount of steering effort and power.

Sport S mode holds the transmission in gear, almost to redline, making for a boisterous commute. The automatic transmission is far better in one of those modes, as opposed to using the paddle shifters, which just aren’t as quick as something with a dual-clutch transmission.

The cabin features 10-way power driver and 8-way power adjustable front passenger seats, a dual-zone automatic climate control system with touch-sensitive controls. New style touches in the F Sport include graphic patterns and decorative ornamentation in several finishes. Piano and matte black buttons are dispersed around the cabin while knobs are used for tuning and volume below the touchscreen.

The seats are excellent with the right amount of comfort and side support while views out of the windshield are unobstructed. The stitching too is impeccable, and the perforated NuLuxe seat material looks great. Even though this sedan is compact, the rear seat area feels spacious with room for three and the seatbelts are easy for youngsters in booster seats to attach.

The IS sedan comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment screen now placed closer to the driver for easy access. Upgraded models, including this tester, get the new 10.3-inch touchscreen, available on vehicles equipped with navigation or the Mark Levinson sound system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, along with Amazon Alexa integration are all standard.

The technology is better than it ever has been with options for control besides the touch pad. Drivers can now touch the screen, as well using steering wheel buttons and voice control. Having the Home and Menu buttons close to hand does make control easier. The drive mode dial is close too and the automatic gear selector looks cool.

The 2024 IS comes standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, including emergency braking with pedestrian detection and Emergency Steering Assist (ESA), “which is designed to assist steering within the vehicle’s lane as cued by the driver.” Adaptive cruise control is standard now with automatic lane change when the driver engages the turn signal. Lane keeping and departure warning are included along with lane tracing when adaptive cruise control is on. Though it provides steering support, it’s still a hands-on system.

As mentioned, the Mercedes-Benz C Class, BMW 3 Series and Audi A4 are competitors to the IS sedan. The most powerful IS 500 ($60,020, for the Performance, $64,520 for this Performance Premium) competes with the equally powerful versions of those German sedans, as well as the $62,195 Cadillac CT4 V Blackwing, with 472 horsepower.

The BMW M3 starts at $75,295 for the base model with 473 hp; the M3 Competition (503 hp) with all-wheel drive, is $84,300. The Mercedes-AMG C 63 is $83,900 and delivers 671 hp combined system output and 752 lb-ft combined system torque with a hybrid powertrain. Audi doesn’t offer the high-performance RS4 anymore, though the S4 comes in at $54,500.

The Lexus and Cadillac are the most interesting of the bunch. AMG is the king of all-out speed here and the BMW is also an excellent, if common, choice. The Lexus IS doesn’t have the daunting options of hundreds of suspension, transmission, steering and throttle combinations as BMW and Mercedes, and that may be a feature for some.

The Lexus is simpler, more straightforward and easier to jump in and drive than the Germans, which should appeal to many who aren’t tried and true sports car enthusiasts, especially buyers who have a Toyota in their garage already.