Lexus IS 500 F Sport Review: A Luxury V8 Unicorn

[@blu_is500]

I have watched a t-o-n of YT reviews on the IS500 and this is by far one of the best. You clearly understood the mission of the car and the 'old soul' characterization was perfect. Nice job! As a 5-time Lexus owner; I do not wish to feel the road, but I do require direct (point and shoot) steering and this car provides it in spades. You are correct on the transmission, I drive mine in Manual and Sport S+ nearly 100% of the time and it's never caught flat-footed. Gas mileage suffers, but oh well. 😈 Thanks for posting!

[@AlanisKing]

Ahhhhh thank you so much! This means a lot. I hope you absolutely love your cars every day, and it sounds like you do

[@blu_is500]

Totally…I work from home, but have mysteriously clocked in 26k miles on the ODO since March 2022. Tons of unnecessary ’milk runs’ and the long way is taken to and from. 🤭😜 Thank you for doing your research, keep it up! 👍🏽

[@dacuse2009]

Spot on…like you…if you’ve owned a lexus, you understand. I love my 23 Molten Pearl 500

[@blu_is500]

@@dacuse2009 Right on. 👍🏽 👏🏽

[@AlanisKing]

I watched this review earlier this week and thought that it may be our best one yet production-wise. It's so cool to perfect little aspects and see the difference they make every week (especially because I was worried about this voiceover - my allergies were SO bad when I recorded it. Thank you all for watching what we create. I hope you love this one

[@ARentz07]

I agree. The edit and all the quality B-roll were great.

[@AlanisKing]

@@ARentz07 Thank you SO much

[@Francisco.Alvarez98]

This is the best video yet Alanis! Watching it was the perfect way to relax after a long day at work!

[@AlanisKing]

Omg! Thank you so much, Francisco. We thought so too. Really happy with it. Always appreciate your support

[@likunjian1850]

the attention to detail and video quality is so high here, appreciate these reviews

[@AlanisKing]

Thank you so much. We really try! I think it actually works that there’s only two of us because we have really productive brainstorming/editing time

[@cricket_v8]

As an ISF owner I have nothing but love for this car. Thanks for another great video Alanis!

[@AlanisKing]

Thank you so much for watching 🤠

[@JoshJCommons]

Whatever you're feeding her, keep feeding her it.

[@skc0s]

Brother, you aint lying

[@rgrant81]

F A C T S

[@consumeboxing]

thicker than a bowl of oatmeal lol!

[@jlexusjlexus8214]

I'll be feeding her this sausage

[@moonman_8935]

This car is amazing & bought 3 of them & my 1st was the actual Launch Edition & was the 1st IS500 sold in my state. Get one while you can!

[@AlanisKing]

I love that! Congratulations

[@MarcTheWatchman]

Your reviews on Cars and Bids were great, but the reviews on your channel are truly at another level. Appreciate the sim racing references in your videos too!

[@AlanisKing]

Ahhhh thank you SO much

[@tedadamgreen]

Another solid review with excellent production value, education and entertainment! This is a great Japanese Muscle Car Sedan and eventually it’ll get the appreciation it deserves and I think resale values will remain high as it’ll be one of the last good V8 Sedans backed by Lexus quality and Toyota reliability. Thanks for all you and your team (especially the camera man guy) do for the car enthusiast community

[@AlanisKing]

Awwwww thank you! That’s the whole team!

I have a 2023 IS500 F Sport and your analysis is spot on. It’s a luxury sports sedan and not a track car. It’s a joy to drive though.

[@AlanisKing]

Thank you so much for watching. I hope you absolutely love the car

@@AlanisKing Yes, it’s an enjoyable car to drive. I agree with the grade of B you gave it. It has some shortcomings as you correctly pointed out, but overall an excellent car. I look forward to watching your next car review.

[@kurtstephan7039]

Want to join in here and mention how great the production (especially the audio choices, like using classical music) is on your videos. Combined with your fun reviews and upbeat style, this is fast becoming one of the best auto KZbin channels.

[@AlanisKing]

Ahhhhh thank you. This means a lot. It's literally just the two of us, and we try really hard to make it good

[@kurtstephan7039]

@@AlanisKing Any chance you might be reviewing the ND3 Miata?🤞

[@saranrathakrish8468]

You are way better than Doug demuro and other car reviewers in my opinion

[@DrummerBoi1993]

This Lexus is one of the few remaining with the V8….Man ima miss it!!! On a side note, “Intelligent Sports”? Never heard of it! lol! Of all my 31 years of living have I heard that IS means Intelligent Sports….learn something new everyday! Great job Alanis as always!

[@AlanisKing]

Hahahaha thank you so much!

[@SeanzViewEnt]

Incredible

[@AlanisKing]

Thank you for watching!

[@jaredfromsubway1733]

Alanis im only 50 seconds in but that intro was amazing. Real quality stuff so far keep it up

[@AlanisKing]

Thank you so much. My allergies were TERRIBLE while recording it and I was worried!

[@jasonlukasek2855]

I bought a 2022 Launch Edition (#275) 2 months ago and F-ing love it

[@AlanisKing]

LOVE that

[@NoHypebeastZay]

I just bought 2024 blue vector edition! 1 of 150! I’m in love as well!

[@Ricky_63e]

It's sad that most automakers are reluctant to spend resources on sedans these days... Lexus should have updated the infotainment system on this vehicle. Considering the direction of the industry, I am glad that this vehicle still exists...this will definitely be highly sought after in the near future. Great video by the way.

[@AlanisKing]

Thank you SO much for watching

[@MercOne]

In the luxury space, it's only Lexus that won't spend any money on sedans, except the cheap to build ES. Mercedes, BMW and Audi all have far newer sedans in every class than Lexus. Even Acura and Genesis have newer sedans. It's just Lexus that doesn't.

[@cdoggyd]

The IS300 gauge cluster is... perfection!

[@arlinaxelrod]

Another great review…. Thanks Alanis and “husband”. PS the trunk segment is the best, I laugh every time. It reminds me of the days I was in car sales and a customer asked me if I fit in the trunk because they carried a lot of stuff, so I climbed in… incase you care a Honda Accord was a 1 “Arlin unit” trunk

[@AlanisKing]

I LOVE this. One Arlin!

[@corismsyn]

Exterior is A+ for me! Best looking sedan out there in this class. I haven't been wowed by an exterior design for a veeeery long time.

[@AlanisKing]

It looks so nice

[@WIImotionmasher]

I was upset when you praised the touch sensitive AC controls, I wondered, what about gloves. And how can I feel how many clicks I've moved it while watching the road. But all that anger faded away when you pointed out it has a CD player. HELL YEAH BROTHER

[@AlanisKing]

HELL YEAH BROTHER

[@muddyducker3336]

Man, you don't need gloves, the steering wheel is heated! Haha....I just traded my 2023 for a 2024....had to get the spiderman spec (USB and Circuit red interior). I absolutely love this car, my commute is approx 100 kms, and I do it well under 1 hour...hint hint...in perfect comfort at any speed.

I have a 2023 IS500. Your review is spot on. Great presentation. It’s not a perfect car, but I look forward to driving it every day.

[@AlanisKing]

Thank you so much for watching. Really appreciate that you enjoyed it. Hope you love the car for many years!

[@wicked_smaaht]

You nailed it. My exact experience after an extended test drive. I believe I commented that on one of your community posts.

[@AlanisKing]

Thank you 🤠🤠 I remember that, I think!

[@wicked_smaaht]

@@AlanisKing, I shared this video with my brother, who showed interest in in IS500 and plans to replace his all original E60 V10 M5.

[@stevensilver1679]

I love the old looking interior. Very old school to me. All three generations of the IS have awesome interiors.

[@AlanisKing]

It’s so cool honestly

[@dacuse2009]

Great review…love my 2023 Molten Pearl IS500.

[@AlanisKing]

Thank you 🤠🤠🤠

[@mekg5430]

I'm glad you didn't get your hair caught in the trunk lid this time haha!

[@AlanisKing]

I moved it! Yay!

[@lrod312]

Fun Fact: A Lexus exec has said that this refresh is based on the outgoing GS platform which probably explains why it feels a little roomier than the previous IS models. I think it’s also why they were able to drop that glorious engine in there.

[@nas8938]

Very nice review u did very well on this , I love your jokes as well🤣 this channel is definitely going to big!

[@AlanisKing]

Thank you 🤠🤠🤠

[@rkhairajani1]

Nicely done! Drove this and a 2020 GSF that had 8k miles on it. Went with the GSF. Hope I don’t regret it later 😬

[@AlanisKing]

Also a great choice!

[@JANunes805]

Terrific review of the IS500!

[@AlanisKing]

Thank you 🤠

[@NoHypebeastZay]

New 2024 is500 owner here! I got the blue vector edition! 1 of 150!

[@AlanisKing]

That’s awesome! Congrats!

[@NoHypebeastZay]

@@AlanisKing thank you!! I love your videos!!

[@bigdlife86]

What an awesome review. You GET this posh little classic beast too👏 Bravo…and the truck is huge😂✅

[@AlanisKing]

Thank you so much!

[@Yeetmasterji]

Keep up the AMAZING content You are so awesome and talented I want to do your job I just bought a 2 stroke engine and spent a hefty amount on a brand new tool kit It’s amazing but this car is one special car

[@AlanisKing]

Thank you so much 🤠 appreciate you watching

[@AlanisKing]

And have fun with the new engine!

[@rd4809]

I agreed with everything thing. I test drove this car twice but it wasn’t what I wanted. However, now that I have my sports car and my daily, I can say this is what I want next. If I find one that’s new or CPO, I’ll be happy to buy one.

[@AlanisKing]

Ah thank you so much for watching!

[@SlipAngleG70]

You've reviewed the LC500, IS500 but what about the RCF? I would love to see you review that car.. I'm trying to decide if I should get one..

[@AlanisKing]

I haven't gotten an RC-F yet! I'll have to see if there's on in Texas

[@smoothslide]

9:02 that's dedication and I love it

[@jasonsmith1143]

I like this is500. no lies

[@AlanisKing]

I like it a lot too

[@RyanPennington87]

Keep up the great content.

[@AlanisKing]

Appreciate this. Thank you for watching

[@buddycruz7071]

my first Alanis King video! and i love it! and you are so pretty Alanis ❤!

[@AlanisKing]

Aw! Thank you so much. Glad to have you here

[@buddycruz7071]

@@AlanisKing❤❤❤

[@TheRichardF10]

I love the way you review cars. I’m a new subscriber and I’m looking forward to all your future videos.

[@AlanisKing]

Thank you so much. I really appreciate this

[@seeball]

I think you just convinced me to buy this car.

[@AlanisKing]

Thank you SO much for watching

[@blu_is500]

Do it. If you understand its mission, it'll be worth every single penny!

[@ARentz07]

As a recent subscriber of yours and IS500 owner, I have to say it is pretty cool to see your take on it. You pretty much nailed it - this car is not an IS F, but it is still fun. It's all about the V-8 and the comfy vibes. But if I'm on a back road, Sport S+ and manual mode are getting engaged for some shenanigans! It does have a nice dual personality. Good to know 2 whole Alanis can fit in the trunk. 🫣😂

[@AlanisKing]

Hahahaha I’m so glad you have the car! Thank you for watching!

[@drsg9124]

I miss my 14 IS350 and definitely considering the IS500 as my next car along with the Integra Type S. Two completely different cars

[@KJ-8000]

Fantastic, balanced and informative review! Love that this thing is a grand touring luxury sled with a v8 wish this could’ve been a bit more of a true “F” car but still an incredible vehicle.

[@AlanisKing]

Thank you SO much

[@davidp2888]

I had a 2014 IS 250. It drove like it was on rails.

[@AlanisKing]

Yessss

[@MercOne]

Slow rails.

[@combatseawolf]

I got the F Sport version of that same model. It's a joy to drive and own

[@mmahtnart8986]

Thumbs up for the CD player. I'm 69'. I still have CDs and cassettes and 8 tracks stored in my sister's shed.

[@adamthompson4072]

Damn Alanis! What kinda camera did y'all use to get that amazingly close shot of the ISS?

[@AlanisKing]

iPhones are really capable these days

[@BMWEnjoyer]

Subscribed. Can’t wait to see you hit 1 million subs.

[@AlanisKing]

Ahhhhh thank you SO much

[@gamby16a]

Hell yeah, brother!!! (Sister!!!) Fantastic video. Man, would I love to own one of these. 🤩🤩🤩

[@AlanisKing]

Thank you SO much

[@columbiars]

This is the super hero (against the electric) that should not disappear AT any cost. I do love this car like...crazy!

[@AlanisKing]

Great car!

[@EvaSlash]

So would you prefer something else over the is500? What would that be?

[@AlanisKing]

My preference isn't in the same category or budget, but I personally would go Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing

[@Tvso9813]

This in red or Lexus structural blue is gorgeous. But the pearl is also great for the 350 with the circuit red interior.

[@AlanisKing]

Structural blue is sooooo good

[@Tyler_Evans0411]

I have a 2023 IS350 but am curious as to what the next ISF or "IS500" type vehicle will be from Lexus. I am also curious as to what you think Alanis? I would like to see them go the BMW route of a twin turbo Inline 6 (but reliable) and could see the "IS350" being downgraded to a twin turbo 4 [This representing the performance vehicle and sport vehicle respectively] Great video, I can see the production quality stepping up with each subsequent release!!

[@AlanisKing]

Ahhhh thank you so much. I honestly don’t know! Toyota and Lexus usually surprise me

[@blu_is500]

Turbo?! Egads. 🤮This is why I had to get my '22, I want no part of forced induction or electrification. Keep'n it natural. Aspirated that is...😀

[@Tyler_Evans0411]

@@blu_is500 I would love it if they kept a naturally aspirated v8 but sadly we all know the v8 is going away soon.

[@NoName-nb9qi]

That's a nice trunk Alanis

[@Zarifzar4]

Thoughts on this vs. the LC500?

[@AlanisKing]

LC all day

[@LCculater]

FYI the LC500 which I own stands for Lexus Challenge .

[@WayApp]

Love the sleek aerodynamic profile.

[@AlanisKing]

It looks good!

[@reclusive78]

Love the crisp review!! Its quite strange to see a 2024 car with a CD slot, i haven't seen one of those in a new car in several years.

[@AlanisKing]

Thank you! And right? It’s so funny

[@Philmoscowitz]

I wanted to love this car so bad, but after test driving it twice, I had to let it go. You're right about the squishy pedals, especially the brakes. The transmission is also subpar for a sports sedan. It's just too slow (I wonder if the RCF's trans is better). Furthermore, the cockpit is a little too cramped in the front footwells-the center console takes up so much space that you can't really move your legs laterally. That's a problem on long drives. And then there are little things that are annoying: no head up display, a lame track pad instead of a dial (I do appreciate the touch screen, though), and no wireless Apple Car Play. In this day and age, there's no excuse for these lacunae on a luxury sports sedan.

[@AlanisKing]

We totally agree. Thank you so much for watching!

[@Philmoscowitz]

@@AlanisKing Thanks for making the videos! I just subscribed.

[@noelsaw]

They should have put in the LC500’s 10 speed automatic into it.

[@Philmoscowitz]

@@noelsaw Yup.

[@blu_is500]

@@noelsaw It was impossible unless the entire chassis was re-engineered to fit the larger 10 speed. Not going to happen on a outgoing model/archtecture from 2014. The 500 was a nod to those Lexus owners who were pretty happy with our IS350s, but wanted a little more power. A new generation will probably be released in 2026 with all the gripes addressed, but this IS500 was for their current customers. 🙂

[@noelsaw]

Great review!

[@AlanisKing]

Thank you so much!

[@GOD999MODE]

Thick and beefy... The V8 ofc. In all honesty, a really good review. Well done on the production as well!

[@AlanisKing]

Thank you for watching! Glad you liked it

[@Bart-m4p]

Enjoyed the Presentation.

[@AlanisKing]

Thank you so much!

[@ltkwok]

Where is the manual transmission?

[@AlanisKing]

That’s a question for Lexus

[@madpistol]

Fantastic review! Thank you for sharing it with us. As a previous owner of this car... it wasn't my cup of tea. They feel like more touring cars or muscle cars than actual performance. It feels like Lexus might be trying to appeal to that Mustang GT or Camaro owner that is looking to move up market. In that regard, they nailed it. However, drive any German competitor to this car and it just feels like it's missing something. My biggest issue with this car was its suspension. It felt a bit floaty and disconnected. Drive a BMW, and they don't feel floaty, but they're still comfortable. I don't know, this car just didn't work for me, even with the amazing V8.

[@AlanisKing]

Thank YOU so much for watching. Appreciate your interest despite having owned the car already 🤠

[@billyrossi4661]

Alanis is Jeff Gordon your celebrity crush 😍 😂

[@AlanisKing]

Criss Angel

[@purplehazeffc]

Ohh this just popped up, but unfortunately it’s almost 11pm for me so, I promise I’ll watch it in the morning. PS: I’m predicting that 1.35 Alanis’s will fit in the boot.

[@AlanisKing]

Ahhhh see you tomorrow!

[@jeffo2427]

One of the negative review for the is500 is wired Apple CarPlay. When I picked up my is500 I said the same thing this is lame. But now I am happy with it because you can connect a USB dongle and can allow you to do more like watch Netflix and few other apps that you can’t do if the car would be wireless CarPlay.

[@AlanisKing]

A lot of car reviewers like wired! I would probably be fine with it (if not thrilled) in a car I owned, but it’s a chore when you switch cars all the time

[@bbkandsons]

Kooky channel. I love it!

[@AlanisKing]

Thank you!

[@mmahtnart8986]

I just watched your review of the Bentley Bentayga. I have to say I was enamored by the old building behind you. Again, well done granddaughter.

[@AlanisKing]

Thank you! We have a very cool downtown area to film in

[@zakpritchard4595]

Loved the ISS was already taken, and the shot up to space. My instant reaction was the line from Jurassic Park "clever girl" 🎉

[@AlanisKing]

Thank you! I told husband that idea randomly one night and he was like: "Yes. That's great"

[@timwallace6379]

So what does the RC stand for?

[@VTCharley13]

Royal Crown. Or Remote Control. Maybe actually Radical Coupe

[@user-ex9zm7bg3x]

the "Alanis trunk test" cracked me up

[@AlanisKing]

We do it every review! It’s fun!

[@mononeo]

What people don't get about this car and Lexus writ large is that they may not be the 100% top racecar on a racetrack from stock, but day in and day out this car will be a rewarding endeavor for the long term in a way that a BMW or Mercedes-Benz can't be. This is a better daily driver. I went through 8 sets of tires on my Lexus IS RWD on the way to 30,000 miles. Drifting is fun.

[@AlanisKing]

I think I communicated that it’s a rewarding car!

[@mononeo]

@@AlanisKing I didn’t say you didn’t! You are a gem!!

[@hattorihongzo]

Sold my F10 M5 and bought an IS500 a little over a year ago. It’s def not meant as a high performance car, so don’t get one if being quick fast is your priority. But the car has plenty of fun power and it’s a clear level up in quality. Happy with mine - but I’m not selling my other AMG car either 😂

[@AlanisKing]

That’s awesome. Happy for you 🤠

[@169abr]

The only thing I have against the car is the exhaust could be a little louder, even the RCF is too quiet for my own preference.

[@AlanisKing]

It still sounds soooooo good

[@chaimshamza5850]

I'm put off by the size to me it sounds like a 5 series which is great but this segment has past a point that defined them. If suv's were not a thing would Lexus be making a smaller saloon 'coupe?

[@AlanisKing]

This is technically the small sedan! It just feels so big when driving it

[@ARentz07]

I've driven a 5er and own one of these... The 5er is much larger, lol. I think maybe the IS feels bigger than it is because the suspension is pretty soft.

[@mmahtnart8986]

The color is "rock chip gray" (-; It's blacked out like my silver CT4. Well done granddaughter.

[@AlanisKing]

Thank you so much!

[@M5WithSubs]

This car is an absolute beast. The only ugly thing on it is the long tail light bar.

[@AlanisKing]

Thanks for watching!

[@Jindsing]

I hear it's got one of those state of the art cd players

[@AlanisKing]

You bet

[@somphothbsiratsamy3748]

You should see specs on how cold the car can be driven in

[@erwinsoriano7942]

WIRED Car Play is a major asset for one very important reason if you care about Sound Quality, it simply sounds better, even to the untrained ear.

[@AlanisKing]

Tons of people love it!

[@martinvargas4523]

I noticed most people who bought this wasnt that impressed and was of for sale a few thousand miles later. Atleast from what I've seen on the lexus IS pages on FB.

[@ridge_r4cer]

Thanks Alanis :)

[@AlanisKing]

Thank you so much!

[@DodgerBlueRobert]

That "sharp" headlight is actually just the drl and turn signal, not the headlight itself.

[@whisperwhipper2240]

cant go wrong with a v8

[@AlanisKing]

Agree

[@myhandlewastakenandIgaveup]

This is the only car the large lexus grill looks good on.

[@AlanisKing]

LC!

[@myhandlewastakenandIgaveup]

@@AlanisKing true. Cant argue there.

[@knightrider571]

Sushi coyote , looking forward to mustang reviews 😀

[@kahfigitar]

This car will look amazing as an estate

[@CarsofGlasgow]

Great video, can you ask Lexus to send them to the UK

[@Ride_Runner]

Lexus sure likes their red interior. Me not so much.

[@AlanisKing]

Hahahaha

[@TWHISPERER]

I saw it in a race against the LC500 and it wasn't any faster than the heavy LC is. Guess it's good as a DD though.

[@AlanisKing]

LC rocks though

[@TWHISPERER]

@@AlanisKing It's a good looking car

[@johnlee-jk3ke]

you are the best.

[@AlanisKing]

Omg thank you!

[@redman8767able]

No way that’s a 2024! The infotainment system looks like something out of an 2009! Wow!

[@divyv20]

Hey Alanis , very good video . I can do better editing in your videos which can help you to get more engagement in your videos . Pls lmk what do you think ?

[@robertsanssouci2093]

Trading in my 21 IS 350 F for the 24 500

[@AlanisKing]

Love that

[@robertsanssouci2093]

@@AlanisKing 🙌🏼❤️

[@timbrown9731]

I’m sort of sad it’s not a true ISF, I own a 13 ultrasonic blue and I love the car however, the other half of me is happy that this engine is still around or was still around in this car is still in some form… i’m still hoping daddy Doug will do an ISF review soon and well he’ll probably just say it’s a V-8 Camry, which it sort is

[@AlanisKing]

LOVE that you have an Ultrasonic Blue. Great color

[@timbrown9731]

@@AlanisKing i’ll look you up either on Instagram or Facebook and send you a picture of the car.

[@clays1507]

I thought LC was “Lexus Challenge”

[@postmanfoodreviews2099]

No More Reviews with Doug?

[@AlanisKing]

Nope! Just here now 🤠

[@greg5143]

I really wanted one of these, but they really dropped the ball in a few key areas that even a V8 can't make up for. Some of the decisions they made are really strange.

[@AlanisKing]

I agree!

[@BadPhD777]

You will have to pry my sedan from my cold, dead hands. No SUV for me!

[@AlanisKing]

I love sedans