Whoever had a chance to take a peek at the Lexus introduction video for the IS 500 now wants to have one. Watching the Lexus IS 500 speed up on the road and take swift turns brings a special kind of excitement. Who wouldn't want to be on the other side, right behind the steering wheel?
Still, once the initial excitement with this beastly sedan passes, one begins to think about the specs, real-time performance, and other options. Surely, the Lexus IS 500 is a refreshment on the market overloaded with German sedans that usually steal all the fame, but is it really worth the hype?
Today, we look into the Lexus IS 500 and its main competitors. We'll list the specs of these models and give you our critical stand on the matter. If you're looking into buying a new sedan in 2022, our review may help you make up your mind and go either for one Japanese or German gem.
A Short Overview Of The Sophisticated Lexus Sports Sedan
We wrote a lot about the 2022 Lexus IS 500 during the last year, which pretty much tells you what we think about it. First and foremost, Lexus debuted the F Sports package with a naturally aspired 5-liter V8 engine that can boast up to 472-hp and 395 lb-ft of torque. Secondly, the prominent Japanese brand added eight-speed transmission and five unique drive modes for more agility. Thirdly, the Lexus IS 500 looks amazing on the road.
Now, the specs and the design of the Lexus IS 500 are impressive, we can't argue with that. However, once the initial excitement settles down, we have to admit this model may not be the best sedan out there. Don't get us wrong, we love how it performs and looks on the road, but we can hardly say it's the best option for everybody.
In the end, it all comes down to personal preferences. If you desire high-end performance, unique design, and a break from the EU sedans, the Lexus IS 500 may be a perfect option. But if you want a little more precision in performance at higher speeds and handling, you may be better with a different model. Let's see how this translates into the Lexus IS 500 ratings against the competition.
How The Lexus IS 500 Stands Against The Competition
Here are the three major Lexus IS 500 competitors (and they all come from Germany):
BMW M340i
The BMW M340i is one of the biggest Lexus IS 500 competitors, despite the somewhat lower specs. The 3-series sedan offers a 3-liter V6 engine with 382-hp and 368 lb-ft of torque. Where BMW compensates for the fewer ponies and lower torque is the programming. The M340i offers much better handling and precision tuning, equipped with advanced driving technology and some other extras.
While the Lexus IS 500 can reach higher speeds faster, it may struggle to keep the pace. On the other hand, the M340i is easy to handle and take in the corners, which makes it (we dare to say) more exciting in some situations.
Mercedes-AMG C43
Much like the BMW M340i, the Mercedes-AMG C43 offers a better feel in the corners and overall handling experience. The Lexus IS does make this coupe sweat, though, considering it beats the 3-liter V6 turbo with 385 hp. Still, in real-time, the differences are not that noticeable.
The Mercedes speeds up to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and holds the top speed pretty well. It's also swift in the corners and handles the road with high precision, so these two famous models come pretty close in overall performance.
Audi S4
Like the other two German cars on the list, the Audi S4 comes with a 3-liter V6 that outputs 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Generally speaking, it may seem the S4 fails behind the IS 500, but it holds its ground really well with good handling and control.
The Audi S4 also offers an all-wheel drive, premium features, and technology that make it truly attractive. On top of everything, Audi has a large fan base and attracts many drivers yearly due to its worldwide popularity.
Final Words
So, if we were to give a final verdict, we would say go for the German sedan for unmatched handling and choose a Japanese one for fun and excitement. Indeed, all the competitors on our list have high performance, so you can't go wrong no matter which one you choose. We only recommend you carefully weigh the specs of all models and pick the one that matches your needs and interests.