From breaking rumours back in 2020 to getting behind the wheel in 2024, I finally get to understand the IS 500 F-Sport Performance out on some gorgeous mountain roads. Essentially the original launch spec, this 2024 IS500 is finished in Incognito with 19in BBS and a bright circuit red interior. But as we know, the highlight of the car is under the hood.
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Under the hood is the iconic Lexus 5.0L V8 making 472HP and 395 lb-ft of torque paired to an 8-speed gearbox and sending power to the rear wheels. It weighs just 3,891 lbs, just 143 lbs heavier than an IS350 F Sport. 0-60 happens around 4.5sec and somehow it can do 24MPG.
Lexus makes the F Sport trim more widely available on the IS for 2024. For the first time, the base four-cylinder IS300 can be had as an F Sport. Or, for those who are mostly interested in sporty looks, the F Sport Design trim level skips the mechanical upgrades but keeps the appearance enhancements. The IS350 adds a Blackout package that brings dark chrome trim, black exterior mirrors, and matte black wheels, plus the contents of the Memory package and the F Sport Handling package.
The IS500 gets a new Special Appearance package with an eye-catching Blue Vector exterior, blue contrast stitching on the black faux leather interior, matte black 19-inch split-spoke wheels, and a SmartAccess card key. Incognito is a new exterior colour for both the IS500 and IS350.
So.. how was it? Well to sum up the IS500 experience: HEAVY on intake sound, quieter than expected exhaust, and a charming taste of a gloriously free-revving naturally aspirated engine. But what surprised me is the IS500 is NOT an M3, RS5, or C63 level player. It is a comfortable, honestly ultra-comfortable, sports sedan.
While it may not have the aggression of the technical and precise M340i, the IS500 has an old-school sport sedan charm focused on a blend of pure fun, comfort, and daily control without breaking your back, waking up the neighbours, or overloading you with screens.
That being said, the 8-speed autos tuning could use some work (as could the paddle shifters) and heck even a more aggressive suspension would be nice on offer. But a car like this likely will never be made again so let us enjoy it while we can.
2024 Lexus IS500 F Sport Price in Nigeria
The current selling price of the 2024 Lexus IS is $41,235 and goes up to $64,000. However, the price of the 2024 Lexus IS is expected to start with a starting price in Nigeria of N55 million and go up to N75 million due to the exchange rate and import duties.
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