2023 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance Sedan Review

The Lexus IS is more than just the entry point into the Lexus range. It is a luxurious sedan that can blow your mind when you step on it.

The IS 500 F Sport Performance is the ultra-high-performance variant of the IS catalog. It has been known for being a true driver’s car, while being a great cruiser at the same time.

This year, the Lexus IS celebrates its silver jubilee with the 2023 model. So, the following is the review of its track-tearing trim – the 2023 IS 500 F Sport Performance:

Features

The Lexus IS is currently in its 3rd generation, which received a refresh back in 2020. The F Sport model was introduced last year and has been a hit so far.

The F Sport 500 is second-highest on the trim hierarchy, as it’s just below the F Sport Performance Premium.

The 2023 model gains a set of new wheels. You get a well-equipped and posh vehicle that can drive fast and comfortably.

Powertrain and Numbers

The 2023 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance is one of the few sports sedans that still feature the mighty V8 engine. Autoblog described it as “a true treat”.

The Lexus features a 5-liter V8 that makes a whopping 472 horsepower and 395 torque. This is sent to the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic with paddle shifters.

The gearbox has been described as “quick and smooth” by Edmunds.

As you’d expect, this car can deliver accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just about 4 seconds. It is also fast, as it’s limited to a top speed of 149 mph.

But despite all of this snippiness, it still gets a decent rap with the EPA. The 2023 Lexus IS 500 can do 17 mpg in the city and 25 on the highway.

If you want a 2023 Lexus IS that saves the most fuel, check out the IS300 model. It can do up to 21 mpg city and 31 mpg highway.

Interior and Technology

Cabin
The 2023 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance gets you a well-designed and intuitive interior that comes with a sleek layout and high-quality finishes.

You get NuLuxe and black geometric interior trims for the cabin. You’ll see multiple F Sport badges on the upholstery.

Autoblog has described it as “stylish and unique”, while Hagerty called it “understated and tasteful”.

Despite this being a compact executive car, there’s more than enough room for the occupants.

Storage
One wouldn’t expect such a luxurious and athletic small sedan to have a lot of cargo space. However, the 2023 IS models feature a capacious trunk and excellent in-cabin storage.

According to Cars.com, “there’s plenty of room in the trunk, and the rear seats do fold to allow for larger items.”

Amenities
The Lexus IS500 2023 comes loaded with many systems and amenities, despite skipping out on some to save weight.

You get dual-zone climate control, push-button ignition, an electronic parking brake, a heated and leather-trimmed steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a powered moonroof.

The front seats are heated and ventilated, with 10- and 8-way power adjustability for the driver and front passenger respectively.

The infotainment system comprises an 8-inch touchscreen and is compatible with Apple, Android, and Amazon Alexa.

The safety features include automated emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.

If you get the 2023 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance Premium, you get even more niceties. It adds a 10.3-inch touchscreen, a 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo, voice commands, satellite navigation, etc.

2023 Lexus IS 500 F Sport

Exterior and Driving

Looks
The 2023 Lexus IS’s exterior can be described as both stylish and functional. This is because it has aerodynamic features to enhance its performance. Also, it has a design that sets it apart from other luxury sedans.

The F Sport models are as unique as ever, with their unique bumpers, grille surround, rocker moldings, and spoiler and rear valance. 19-inch Enkei wheels are also standard.

The exterior colors on the 2023 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance are Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0, Cloudburst Gray, Infrared, Iridium, Atomic Silver, Caviar, and Grecian Water.

Drive
Anybody who’s tried out the new Lexus IS 2023 will tell you that it’s a blast to drive.

US News praised the engine, saying that it has “true get-up-and-go power”. The media outlet added that the IS 500 F Sport feels “poised around bends and that it has “powerful brakes”.

But the performance isn’t even the best thing about this vehicle. This is because all the testers have highlighted how comfortable it is.

“Cruising home on the highway, the standard suspension proves its worth.” wrote Autoblog, praising the suspension.

C & D wrote that the IS500 is “quiet at speed,” and that its “relaxed demeanor makes it an ultra-comfortable daily driver.”

Edmunds summarized its driving the best by stating the following:

“The current IS is more athletic and better to drive than ever, yet its excellent ride quality and quiet cabin make it an excellent everyday companion too.”

Reliability and Warranty

JD Power has showered the 2023 IS with praise, giving it a score of 92 out of 100 in reliability. This puts it in the ‘Best’ category, and also on the top of the organization’s executive compact car list.

Consumer Reports also approves, stating that we can expect the “2023 IS to be more reliable than other new cars”

If that’s not enough, then you should know that Lexus gives the best warranties in the industry. You’ll get a limited warranty for 4 years/50k miles, a powertrain warranty for 6 years/70k miles, and complimentary maintenance for 1 year/10k miles.

Verdict

As it stands, the Lexus IS 500 F Sport is quite a catch. It’s a true sports sedan that gets you a high-powered V8 engine and astounding driving dynamics.

It also gets you a comfortable and refined interior that’s loaded with amenities.

Lastly, the reliability, warranty, and complimentary maintenance plan are all bonus that you get with the car.

To get the 2023 Lexus IS500 F Sport Performance in Mason, Morrow, and Loveland, check out Performance Lexus here.