Lexus IS500 POV Drive and V8 sounds - Test Drive | Everyday Driver 

Buy an IS500 like we did. Forget the nonsense about infotainment and speed. The V8 sound is absolutely fabulous

You’re driving on dead straight roads and complaining about it not being sports car enough? That’s why I like the car. It’s a fantastic daily and a comfortable cruiser for exactly the roads you’re on. Drive the Lotus if you’re looking for a sports car.

I'm puzzled by the extensive criticisms here; it appears that there are numerous preconceived stereotypes overshadowing a genuine evaluation of the car. 1. Initially, I am with you about the car feeling too soft in S+ mode. However, I noticed that the car becomes firmer when you push it through corners, possibly due to its adaptive suspension learning your driving style. 2. I use Apple Carplay for 99.999999% of my drives, and I believe many others do the same, so I don't really understand why you'd dismiss this car solely because of the infotainment system. Modern cars like the C-Class are packed with tech and options, and if you're a true car enthusiast, you're unlikely to spend your time fiddling with countless screens in a parking lot. 3. It's undeniable that the transmission in this car is outdated, but it performs admirably in manual mode. It may not be the smoothest, and it's frustrating in traffic, but when you push it hard, it provides an enough engaging driving experience that I thoroughly enjoy. 4. Lastly, the roads you tested the IS500 on were a perfect match for the car's capabilities, but your driving style during filming was like a grandma no offence, though understandable due to speed limits, didn't fully demonstrate the car's potential.

I don’t understand the gripe about the infotainment. It’s a touchscreen now so the touchpad being bad to use shouldn’t be a minus. As far as infotainment software, 99% of ppl use CarPlay. And for the steering, honestly, what sporty sedan these days doesn’t have lifeless steering C63 and m3 included let alone the c43 and m340i Just my two cents

I would say this car is not too soft, but that other cars are too stiff. This car handles very well in spite of being "soft". I think stiff does not mean fast - composed is fast. This car never loses its composure. Maybe that's why it is just as fast around VIR in Car and Driver's hands as an LC 500, and faster than the original IS F. Also, you seem to complain that it is not a sports car (saying that this makes it incomplete). It's... an F Sport. You said it yourself. This is not an F and is not priced like an F. You say it can't be justified at $66k, but at that price, you're not getting an F. You're not getting an Audi RS or BMW M (except for the M2 or RS3, which are smaller and far less practical than this is). You're getting an S4 or M340i. "No driving fun" get real. That is the most out-of-touch thing you've ever said. You have RWD and a 472-horspower V-8 that sounds great, and somehow that equals "no fun". Maybe you should think about how privileged you are.

you can touch the screen to control things instead of the track pad.

For first time I am in complete disagreement with you opinion. Compared to its competition, 340 M sport and "technically RS3 but not really cuz of mark up", its an unicorn that does deserve its $66k price tag.

I bought a 2023 C43 AMG. Love the interior and it was fun to rip on the back roads but I've had nothing but issues and Mercedes is in the process of buying it back. So I've been test-driving cars over the past week. 2024 Audi S5: It was cool to drive but the seats weren't comfortable, infotainment is worse than this Lexus.I really didn't think it was that fun to drive for the price tag. Then I drove the BMW 340i and that thing rips! However, it looks just like another 3 series. So I test-drove a Tesla and boy those things are FUN! The Model S ended up being priced at 83k OTD. The problem with buying that car is I wanted the $7500 tax credit and the Model S is the only Tesla that doesn't get it. I've test-driven this Lexus 3 times now and keep returning to it! The V8 sounds amazing, it's fun to use in manual mode, and if I want to cruise, it's quiet and smooth. The seats are extremely comfortable and It takes bumps and bad roads really well. The center CD player and stuff is a put-off for me ( I'm a huge tech guy and network engineer). BUT that sound system BANGS! Hands down the best stock sound system I've heard in a vehicle. I don't really understand why I enjoy driving this car so much and it puts a big smile on my face. So I think once Mercedes buys my car back, I will be purchasing the 2023 IS500! Also I'd like to add: if you want a stiffer ride just swap the springs. Its not that expensive or difficult to do. If you want it louder, get an exhaust. There's things you can do to really modify this car to really feel the way you want it to.

Hi, from Japan. I learned paddle shift or manual mode often bring a boring car to life. What a savor!!

I’ve driven the is500 I honestly couldn’t care less about the infotainment system. I was enjoying the sound of the v8. The transmission is definitely outdated, but it’s quick enough to have fun in while in manual mode. When flooring it the transmission shifts more aggressively in my opinion. I took the car through twisty roads and felt the handling was pretty good. All in all this is a great daily driver. Leaves a smile on my face every time. Hence why I bought one!

The monologue about other drivers is so true!

I don’t know why people keep complaining with the touch pad it works for me yeah it should have more for the price but the car just works and does not break down this is a keep it car. Had bmw with lots of tech very very fast. But my off days from work were spent in the service department

If that pad keeps you from buying this car you need some duck tape with a cup holder to cover it up. The car is awesome.

There are lower control arm bushings you can change out that reportedly increases steering feel significantly. Brand name are Figs and RR racing both sell them. Some owners reported squeaking during winter temperatures. The other option is to change to RCF LCA bushings, which has a higher durometer These are not urethanes compared to Figs and RR racing. RCF bushings has a minor improvement whereas the urethane has a much noticable improvement in feel

I drove one at the Lexus Chicago event, a year or so ago. Went up there specifically for this car. I wanted to like this engine in this car more than I ended up liking it. I personally find it in the RC-F and the LC500 to seemingly be more aggressive. Not sure why. But I certainly would enjoy it as a little bit tamer alternative of my current daily driver.

A 'throwback' luxury muscle V8. Haven't owned a V8 in 42 years. Picking mine up soon.

Thanks Paul, for keeping it real.

75 is 75 and “just a Lexus” damn right LEXUS

Love the honest review!

where is he driving? what states or city is this?

What did he mean when he said it is not a real F sport?

I assume the V6 is more suitable for the IS...?

But the BMW 340i then. If Lexus made this an F car it would cost 75k-85k priced out of most people’s budget.

I test drove this car two weeks ago, and this was my exact take away feeling. I went to really like the car, but the drive was so unfulfilling.

Aftermarket fixes this car. RR Racing Lower control arm bushings will give it way more feel. Swift springs higher spring rates or RR racing coil overs that keep the damping adjustability.

Buy

Nice Tudor

Correct, it's a Lexus, see ya on down the road Paul...............

Oh nooo the Lexus is so bad it has great traction and feels smooth on high speeds and my touch thingy is old 😢😢🙄🤦🏼‍♂️

I gotta agree... sounds like he's been spoiled by driving all these high end cars and FORGETS that not many ppl have the money to pay, maintain, and insure cars like an M3.... RS3 etc... if you want to KEEP the CAR And ACTUALLY OWN IT! get the IS500 F SPORT Performance... its the only sedan in it's class that is WORTH KEEPING

How is this car no worth it? it's not priced unreasonably. You're getting a powerful V8 that's reliable and made in Japan, for under 70k. What do other car manufactors have to offer that matches this vehicles price, performance and quality? You can go with a BMW or Mercedes but then you'd be driving around in a 4 banger twin turbo that's got a life span of 3 years. Or you can get an Infinity and drop the tranmission in 2 years for a new one. you Opinon on this is based somone who's expecting race car performance. MOST people who buy this aren't looking to track this car looking for best lap times. They want luxary with power and reliablity that won't break the bang and last for many years.

What a boring video. I'm not sure you understand the point of the car, but I'm glad you liked the engine.

Yes... it's a Lexus 🎉 This has to be the most boring route and review ever.

Poor review

infotainment keeping someone from buying this is dumb

Glad Lexus is offering a V8 in the IS, but they really need to update the 80’s-90’s interior.

Stopped watching your review when you said this car is not worth it. Happy you don’t own one. At least I hope you don’t cause you don’t seem to know how to enjoy it. My opinion after watching and hearing your comments.

Almost bought one, but that interior was way too boring and Toyota for $66K.