2025 Lexus IS 500 Review – The Loud, Fearless, and Unapologetically Old-School V8 Sedan You’ll Fall in Love With

🔹 Overview

⚙️ A Familiar Face with a Loud Heart

The 2025 Lexus IS 500 continues to sit on a decade-old platform — a design that has barely changed since its introduction. While competitors chase technology and digital dashboards, Lexus stays true to its roots: a massive naturally aspirated V8 under the hood.

With 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque, this car is about emotion over innovation. It doesn’t try to be perfect — and that’s why it’s special.

🎯 Performance That Feels Alive

Step on the throttle, and the IS 500 roars with an energy that few modern cars can match. Unlike turbocharged rivals, this V8 screams naturally to redline, creating an addictive soundtrack. It’s not just about speed — it’s about character.

The steering has feedback, the suspension moves naturally, and the driver feels connected — something rare in today’s cars.

🏎️ Ride and Handling: Comfort Meets Chaos

The IS 500 surprises with its comfort. Even in Sport+ mode, the ride is compliant and livable for daily driving. Push it hard, though, and it transforms — rear tires ready to dance, V8 howling, and the chassis begging for corners.

It’s not razor-sharp like the BMW M2, but every drive feels like an event.

🔉 The Soundtrack of a Dying Breed

There’s something poetic about a naturally aspirated V8 in 2025. As the world shifts to electric and turbo engines, the IS 500’s mechanical roar feels like a farewell song — deep, raw, and emotional. Every rev is an experience.

🖥️ Interior: A Mix of Classic and Outdated

Inside, the cabin design feels familiar — perhaps too familiar. The trackpad controller is still frustrating, and the infotainment looks old-school. Yet, the LFA-inspired digital gauge cluster remains stunning, with slick animations and a true driver-focused layout.

For 2025, Lexus adds small touches: BBS wheels, power-folding mirrors, and an exclusive F Sport color option. Subtle, but appreciated.

🧠 Transmission: Not Perfect, but Forgivable

The 8-speed automatic isn’t dual-clutch fast, but it’s smooth and predictable. Manual mode adds fun, and with that roaring V8, every shift feels satisfying. Imperfect? Maybe. Engaging? Absolutely.

💺 Everyday Usability

Unlike smaller coupes, the IS 500 offers usable rear seats and everyday comfort. It’s quiet on highways, easy in traffic, and can switch from calm cruiser to loud hooligan in seconds.

Fuel economy is poor, but that’s the trade-off for owning a naturally aspirated beast in 2025.

🔍 Why the 2025 Lexus IS 500 Still Makes Sense

Even with its aging platform, the IS 500 stands as a symbol of driving purity in an era of digital distractions. It focuses on feel, sound, and simplicity over lap times or screen sizes.

If you want a soulful sports sedan that connects you to the road, the IS 500 is your car.

✅ Verdict: The Last Laugh of the Naturally Aspirated Era

The 2025 Lexus IS 500 reminds us that not everything needs to evolve. It’s loud, lovable, and refreshingly simple — proof that emotional cars still exist.

While others chase technology, Lexus gives enthusiasts what they truly crave: a soulful connection between man and machine.

⭐ Final Rating (Editor’s View)