There aren't many options for you if you need the grunt of a V8 engine in the compact luxury sedan segment. Many of the monikers in this segment come with the puny turbocharged inline-4 or V6 engines and they neither sound nor goes like that of a naturally aspirated V8. This makes the 2022 Lexus IS 500 an exciting proposition for the segment. Available for a base MSRP of $58,270, 2022 marks the first year of the IS 500.
Coming in three trim configurations, namely F Sport Performance, F Sport Premium, and F Sport Premium Launch Edition, this Lexus is ridiculously fast. The 0-60 mph comes in just 4.3 seconds and the aggressive design language goes well with the punchy powertrain. The unmatched reliability and luxurious cabin are the other benefits of this sedan. Competing with the likes of BMW M3 and Audi S5, here are 10 things you need to know before buying the 2022 Lexus IS 500.
10 2022 Lexus IS 500 Has A Stylish Design
While the exterior dimensions and overall design language of the 2022 Lexus IS 500 feel similar to that of the lower IS variants, the design elements such as the bulging hood, rear diffuser, quad exhaust, and trunk lid spoiler makes it look much more sporty. All of these add to the performance and driving experience too.
The 19" 10-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in performance tires and the elegant side profile with neat F Sport badging and sloping roofline add to the aggression very well. The LED headlights with LED DRLs and the blacked-out elements are available with the IS 500 F Sport. The eight exterior colors and many exterior accessories are available too.
9 2022 Lexus IS 500 Offers Mediocre Cabin Space
While the exterior dimensions of the Lexus IS 500 are in the same ballpark as the rivals such as the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4. However, the big exterior dimensions of the IS 500 do not translate to an excellent cabin room. The rear seat passengers only get 32.2" of legroom and that is much lesser than 3 Series, S60, and C-Class.
The front-row space of the 2022 Lexus IS 500 isn't the best either. Both the headroom and legroom are lower than the rivals and the shoulder room is mediocre too. There is a 10.8 cu ft of cargo space in the trunk of the IS 500 which is also nowhere as good as the rivals.
8 2022 Lexus IS 500 Has All The Driver-Assistance Techs
The Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 is onboard the 2022 Lexus IS 500 and that offers all the relevant driver-assistance techs as standard. This includes features such as a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane tracing assist, lane departure alert with steering assist, road sign assist, radar cruise control, and intelligent high beams.
The basic safety features onboard include ABS with EBD, airbags, traction control, stability control, reverse camera, parking sensors, and the tire pressure monitoring system. The 2022 Lexus IS 500 has a 5-star NHTSA crash safety rating and the 2022 top safety pick + title in the IIHS crash test.
7 2022 Lexus IS 500 Is Fast
Performance has to be one of the biggest factors that make the IS 500 such an enticing offering of the segment. Coming with a 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine with dual VVT-iE producing 472 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque, the IS 500 is a notch above its rivals in terms of performance numbers.
The 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission and the RWD drivetrain are standard for all three trims, and it also gets a limited-slip differential. The 0-60 mph comes in 4.4 seconds and the quarter-mile takes just 14.2 seconds. The adaptive variable suspension is part of the F Sport package and that will deliver impressive cornering stability.
6 2022 Lexus IS 500 Has A Comprehensive Warranty Coverage
Like the older 2021 model of the IS lineup, the 2022 Lexus IS 500 comes with comprehensive warranty coverage that will take care of any issues for quite a long time. The limited warranty is for 4 years or 50,000 miles and the powertrain warranty is for 6 years or 70,000 miles.
There is also complimentary maintenance coverage for 1 year or 10,000 miles. When it comes to the JD Power consumer survey, this model from Lexus has an impressive overall consumer rating of 90 out of 100, making it the best in the segment. There are no recalls and customer complaints according to the NHTSA as well.
5 2022 Lexus IS 500 Offers A Suite Of Interior Features
Being the highest trim of the Lexus IS lineup and coming with a hefty price tag of close to $58,000, the 2022 Lexus IS 500 comes with most of the luxury and convenience features as standard. This includes the features such as an 8" infotainment system, a 10-speaker audio system, a host of connectivity techs, and a 293w regular amplifier.
The features such as heated and powered seats, leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, power tilt & telescopic steering wheel, and heated steering wheel are all onboard the 2022 Lexus IS 500. Along with that, there are quite a few optional packages and features as well, all of which are quite a bit cheaper than the Germans.
4 2022 Lexus IS 500 Has An 8" Touchscreen Infotainment System
The 8" touchscreen infotainment system is onboard the 2022 Lexus IS 500, and it gets most of the features as standard. This includes Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, voice recognition, Bluetooth, USB ports, AUX, and a touchpad controller. You can also opt for the 10.3" touchscreen multimedia system.
Both the systems also come with the Amazon Alex integration along with an in-dash navigation system. The 10-speaker Pioneer audio system takes care of the audio duties and the 17-speaker 1800w optional audio system is available for audiophiles.
3 2022 Lexus IS 500 Isn't Very Frugal
Coming with a massive naturally aspirated V8 with no mild-hybrid assist, the fuel efficiency is one of the worst in the compact performance sedan segment. It manages to give out 17 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highways. This equates to combined gas mileage of 20 MPG.
With a fuel tank capacity of 17.4 gallons, the 2022 Lexus IS 500 could do 435 miles on the highways with a full tank. In comparison, the turbocharged V6 engine in the Audi S4 offers a superior 20 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highways.
2 2022 Lexus IS 500 Can Put The Power Down With No Issues
The IS 500 comes with the most powerful engine in the trim lineup. However, Lexus also offers quite a lot of goodies to make 2022 IS 500 to put the power down quite effectively. This RWD moniker gets a limited-slip differential and that helps to launch the car with no problems.
The naturally aspirated V8 under the hood comes with an 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission with paddle shifters and multiple driving modes. The adaptive suspension system helps in cornering more confidently than the lower IS trims, and it also comes with ventilated front and rear rotors.
1 2022 Lexus IS 500 Comes With Beefy Brakes
The 2022 Lexus IS 500 can do the 70-0 mph braking in just 159 feet, making it one of the best in the segment. The 14" and 12.7" ventilated front and rear rotors in the IS 500 make sure that you stop on a dime. The heavy curb weight of 3,891 lbs doesn't pose much of a problem too.
The braking features such as ABS with EBD, brake assist, automated emergency braking system, hill hold control, and electric parking brakes are available as standard with the IS 500. In comparison, the Audi S4 did the same 70-0 mph braking at a slightly higher 162 feet.