Full Review available at www.DriveChicago.com

First Impression Summary:
Test Vehicle: 2024 Lexus IS 500 F Sport
Exterior Color: Incognito
Interior Color: Roja Red
Notable Options: 19" Matte Black BBS Forged Wheels ($2,450), Door Edge Guards ($155), Illuminated Doors Sills ($425),Rear Bumper Applique ($90.00), Dash Camera ($375)
Price as tested: $68,135 (with destination charge)

Pros: Raw power & handling, throaty exhaust, impactful but reserved styling
Cons: Dated technology (Lexus touchpad), limited cargo capacity, tight rear seat

2024 Lexus IS 500 F Sport
V8 power in a compact sedan, a true gem.

The IS has been competing in the compact luxury sedan segment since 1999. It's currently in its third generation that debuted for 2014 but received a significant makeover for 2021. The IS comes as either a rear or all-wheel drive model in three variations known as the IS 300, IS 350, or IS 500. IS 300 models have two engine options; rear drive models get a turbocharged 2 Liter 4 cylinder that makes 241 horsepower mated to an 8-speed automatic. All Wheel Drive models get a 3.5L V6 that gets 260 horsepower and a 6-speed automatic. The IS 350 comes standard with a 3.5L V6 that makes 311 horsepower. The IS 500 comes with a naturally aspirated 5.0L V8 that delivers 472 horsepower, 395 lb.-ft. of torque and goes 0-60 in 4.4 seconds.

For 2024, the IS line broadens its available options with the addition of the IS 300 F SPORT and F SPORT Design grades. IS 350 will offer an available F SPORT Blackout Package. And, back by popular demand, the Special Appearance Package will return on the IS 500 F SPORT Performance Premium grade in head-turning Blue Vector. Lexus Safety System +2.5 comes standard with features such as forward collision warning, all-speed dynamic radar cruise control, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection and more.

This Lexus starts at $41,235 for an IS 300 RWD and can climb as high as $64,520 for the IS 500 F Sport Performance Premium model. The IS sits in a highly competitive class of vehicles that include the Acura Integra, Audi A3, BMW 3-Series, Cadillac CT4, Genesis G70, Infiniti Q50, Mercedes Benz C-Class, and Volvo S60.

The IS has evolved since its inception while staying true to its core. This compact luxury sedan has attitude with aggressive looks that have already... and will continue to age well. Lexus has refined the powertrains to make it sportier and the addition of the V8 powered IS 500 is raw proof. It packs a punch on the track and on the streets while handling like a sophisticated race car. It's a comfortable car to drive with an interior that caters to the driver built from quality materials. There are a lot of great cars in this segment, but V8s are getting harder and harder to find.... Snatch one of these up while you can.

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