Michael Satterfield
Some cars are content to blend in; the 2025 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance Premium in Flare Yellow is not one of them. With its naturally aspirated V8, rear-wheel-drive layout, and classic sport sedan proportions, this Lexus feels like a rare breed in today’s turbocharged, hybridized market. Priced at $69,539 including delivery, it’s positioned as a driver’s car first and a luxury sedan second, and it pulls that off brilliantly. The only real blemish? A dated infotainment system that lags behind the rest of the package.
Lexus IS 500 F Sport Engine and Performance: Old-School Thrill, Modern Execution
Under the hood sits a 5.0-liter V8 producing 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. In a world dominated by turbocharged fours and sixes, this engine feels like a defiant act of passion from Lexus engineers. Power delivery is immediate, linear, and backed by a soundtrack that feels as authentic as it does addictive. Zero to sixty comes in about 4.4 seconds, which feels even quicker when you’re behind the wheel and the exhaust echoes off a tunnel wall or a Texas overpass. The steering has real weight and feedback, the chassis feels balanced, and the brakes are strong and progressive, which is everything you want from a sport sedan that still tips its hat to analog driving pleasure.
The Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance Premium carries its aggression subtly. Wider fenders, quad exhaust tips, a raised hood, and F Sport badging signal its intent, but the overall look stays refined. In Flare Yellow, however, subtlety takes a back seat; this car turns heads at every stoplight. Lexus delivers a driver-focused cabin with excellent sport seats, high-quality leather, and a clean layout that prioritizes tactile controls for climate and drive modes. Rear-seat space is adequate for adults on shorter trips but not generous, and the trunk is modestly sized. It’s a car built for the driver, and it shows.
Leading the Round Top Rally: Real-World Proof of how good the IS 500 is
We didn’t just test the Lexus IS 500 F Sport; we made it work. Our Flare Yellow press car served as the lead car for the Round Top Rally, a curated driving event through the rolling backroads of Central Texas. From dawn departures at Lake Walk to sweeping curves near La Grange and Round Top, the Lexus IS 500 F Sport had to do more than just perform; it had to set the tone for everything behind it.
With its big V8, sharp steering, and rock-solid chassis, it was ideally suited to the role. Even at brisk rally speeds, the car felt composed, predictable, and confidence-inspiring, allowing me to focus on leading rather than managing. The naturally aspirated powertrain provided seamless passing power, while the bright yellow paint made it impossible for participants to lose sight of their lead car. At every stop, drivers of everything from classic Alfa Romeos to modern Porsches gathered around, drawn by the sight and sound of the IS. In a day filled with great roads and cars, the Lexus was a genuine driver’s machine.
For all its excellence in the areas that matter to enthusiasts, the IS 500’s infotainment system is its Achilles’ heel. The interface feels dated compared to rivals, with slower response times and a clunky user experience that breaks the car’s otherwise seamless flow. It works, but it’s out of step with the rest of the car’s execution. In an age of crisp digital dashboards and instantaneous touchscreen responses, Lexus needs to bring this system up to par.
The Verdict: A Driver’s Car That’s Easy to Love
The 2025 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance Premium is a rare offering in today’s market. It combines the soulful, naturally aspirated V8 experience with Lexus reliability and refinement, wrapped in a package that still works as a daily driver. The dated infotainment is a real but minor frustration compared to how alive the car feels on the road. Using it as the lead car for the Round Top Rally underscored how capable and confidence-inspiring it is when pushed, and how much personality it has in a world of turbocharged sameness.
For drivers who value engagement, style, and old-school character with modern polish, this Lexus is one of the most rewarding sedans you can buy under $70,000. It’s a car built for enthusiasts, and after a day leading a rally through Texas backroads, it’s one we’d happily choose to drive again.
