Is the NEW 2025 Lexus IS 500 F Flare Yellow Edition the BEST performance sedan?

FIRST LOOK: The Lexus IS is celebrating its 25 year anniversary.and their is a special edition. On the outside you will discover unique yellow paint, 19in forged BBS wheels and trunk lid spoiler. On the inside you will be greeted by a mostly black interior with some special stitching. Under the hood is a 5.0L V8 mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Is the 2025 Lexus IS 500 F Flare Yellow Edition the BEST new performance Sedan?
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videography: Lori Raiti 🎥

[@Defy_Convention]

In 2025 I can still play my custom burned cd mix, that's a win.

[@RaitisRides]

Heck yeah you better believe it!

[@MAKINGUTHINK]

Yup!!!! I love the fact that this car still has it!!!

[@juanjessup420]

What's a CD? Lol

[@dakster4729]

Play a DVD with the Mark Levinson surround sound...

[@crap80]

Spin Doctors better be on there!

[@GOD999MODE]

Legit one Lexus' best sedans ever. Sad to see this era of NA V6 and V8s going away.

[@rayandsharica362]

Inside still looking out dated

[@cruisertechgt]

Love my IS500. Probably the best mix of sports and comfort for the #1 daily driving v8 sedan, that will last for life. Its so smooth guys...the car drives so good. May not be the fastest on the street but the sound it makes is all you need.

[@Slythey]

at some point, if car enthusiasts are lucky, they outgrow worrying about being the fastest and learn to appreciate the big picture of what a fun vehicle offers

[@dcsteve7869]

@@Slythey No manual transmission though. Even if your not the fastest a lot of us still enjoy the experience of three pedals and a gear lever

[@Slythey]

@@dcsteve7869 statistics indicate the overwhelming majority don't care about a manual. yes, it gives you a more connected driving experience but there's a reason they're all but gone- next to no one cares about it anymore, and paddles are faster anyway.

[@SlipAngleG70]

I wanted one but it felt slow in normal mode but maybe I wasn’t driving it right. It’s such a nice car.

[@Slythey]

@ "a lot of us" is very much the minority and niche demographic

[@rickjames6867]

Twinkie yellow looks blissful on this whip. Would be hard pressed not to bust your cream on this beauty. Awesome review brother.

[@RaitisRides]

You are awesome my brother! Thanks for making me laugh

[@BP-vr3rt]

Gay

[@rickjames6867]

@@BP-vr3rt hello Gay. I'm Straight. Glad we ain't strangers anymore. Welp. Have a good one. 😉

[@blu_is500]

The beating heart of this car is the naturally aspirated V8. Sound. Still. Sells. Thanks for posting!

[@SutogoIchigo]

Should've known I'd find you in the comment section😅. I definitely thought about you when the video popped up on my feed.

[@SutogoIchigo]

It's ImsoIchigoIS300 by the way😜🫵🤟🏾

[@tonysag9626]

I’ve owned a 23 IS500 premium since new and love it might not be the fastest but for a dd is more than enough. It sounds fantastic super smooth and the build quality is way better than anything else and the dealer experience seals the deal for me. I traded a 21 BMW 340i for it and have never regretted it.

[@nathanielm77]

I was at the show this morning and I spent the most time at this car. Love the IS so much!

[@UnoB8938]

Top 5 favorite sedans🔥🔥

[@RaitisRides]

I’m so glad that you approve

[@bhartz-ru4sd]

Had one of those delivered to our Lexus dealer. Paint looks insane under the sun. Wish there was a little more to this special edition than just paint and wheels… but no doubt a good looking car as always

[@RaitisRides]

You bring up a very good point

[@GS-zc4sk]

Thank you. Had a hunch.

[@vindevhunta4905]

This is a good looking car … Looks waaaaaaay better than the m3 ..!!! Underrated though… V8 goodness ❤❤❤

[@glennmorris6071]

A CD player is what everyone is looking for in a new car.

[@bman99ss]

😅😅

[@Truesdale22]

Mine comes with a 8 track player 😎

[@bhyphen8234]

The actual target demographic for a new lexus buyer is a actually a 70 yo man, so it actually just might be lol

[@GS-zc4sk]

A Great source for great sound.

[@ARentz07]

​@@bhyphen8234Well, I got my IS 500 at about half that age, and I know dozens of people younger than me who have them. Have you ever thought about the fact that not all Lexus are the same?

[@Nesszors]

Got to see this one in person. Absolutely beautiful colors with the flare yellow and black accents. I'd have bought it in a heartbeat if I hadn't just bought an LC500

[@Capo204]

Excellent video as always Joe all about the BULGE! Having a GSF I can say these are one of the best sedans where you can enjoy the naturally aspirated V8 and don’t have to worry about visits to your mechanic. Greeting from NYC

[@MAKINGUTHINK]

One of the BEST!! One of the last NA V8 sport sedans around!!!! We need to keep this car around!

[@stevensilver1679]

I would take an IS500 over ANY car on the market today.

[@malcolmar]

I was waiting for this one and Joe and Lori you delivered! If I could have 2 compact sports sedans in my dream car garage it would be this Lexus IS 500 F and the Acura Integra Type S. I love everything about these cars and you get so much value and reliability for your money. Plus they both look amazing. I have to admit at first I was not a fan of the Lexus grill at first but it just works on the IS 500. Well done Joe and Lori. Well done and well done Lexus!

[@Slythey]

Same color on my LC500- looks amazing in sunlight with the metal flake and hard to really capture on camera.

[@2daih4]

This thing is going to be a collectors item

[@djstonewood8653]

Joe….. what’s your honest opinion between the IS500 F car and a M4 comp (used) at same price as new IS500. Would be like a 2022 or 2023 with same mileage

[@randomrebuilds]

Yes - the yellow paint on the IS300 was fantastic. This livery follows in its footsteps quite well.

[@stevennaumovski6734]

They have done it perfectly. I love sun roof and the colour yellow every where. I would like to own this. This is special ❤️

[@kpmmsupervision1297]

Beautiful color.

[@RaitisRides]

It sure is!

[@Ridikuluzt]

This yellow is incredible!

[@astrojack2381]

I love the IS 500, currently have a 23’ Elantra N line and want this car next. Also glad to see Raiti here in Chicago hopefully you got to do stuff outside the auto show, I regret not going anymore so I can hopefully get the chance to say hi in person and thank you for your content 🙏

[@reloadingdontshoot1]

It's a V8 lexus, of course its on top of everything. Still isn't no ISF, but it'll do

[@catguy64]

Price at a dealer by me is 68k plus 10K ADM! Heck no I'm getting a 2024 RCF with premium pkg for that price and the 2 door looks better imo and is a real F.

[@dominickirkwood]

Joe and Lori and Steve keep up the good work real true and I love the video 👌

[@bradleymeyer9775]

I bet more yellow stitching and some yellow seat belts and yellow brake calipers to match the exterior color will be really nice.

[@PrunetuckyDan]

I like the whole front end it looks awesome!

[@AutoVato-SA]

That yellow is such a beauty. There were less than 20 GS-F's produced for the US in flare yellow. In comparison, there were about 1200 units made in black caviar. I hope I can see of these 500s on the road soon 🔥

[@dondonaldson1684]

A small "2" above the 5 in iS500 would have been a subtle 25th anniversary badge. 😊 ...and it should be black

[@h3cz_]

Gotta visit the auto show soon! Last year's was ok nothing crazy. But this year is looking better. This IS got me hooked.

[@flashgordon6468]

It's not the fastest.... It's not the best handling.......But, it is the best for me. I'm old school so the n/a V8 was the selling point for me. Add to that the drop dead gorgeous looks and the eye popping color and I was sold. Not a fit for everyone but was good enough for me

[@SME5724]

I love this … color and all 🔥

[@RaitisRides]

I’m so glad that I could share it with you

[@Asiansxsymbol]

They should have made a final edition of the ISF with about 550 hp for the last couple of years before ending production altogether.

[@tbuddy3372]

9:32 there you go again freaky mans 🤣😂🤣😂🤫🤌🏿

[@RaitisRides]

Gotta have some laughs

[@areitomusic]

I LOVE the IS500..

[@LuisUrbieta]

Even though this Lexus IS 6000 F Sport Performance 25 anniversary Edition won't be sold by the thousands I still dig It. Now Even if the 5L v8 has no turbos to worry about I love It. Plz reply

[@gramb5611]

That really looks good ! Would've gone blackout badge on the front grill a back. How about yellow calipers ? Too bad there's onlyn180 of them . Thanks Joe 🤙🏼

[@RaitisRides]

I like the way that you thinkk

[@Matthew-man80085]

appreciate your comments on the track pad. At least they aren’t running DOS with it. Maybe next year, they could add a floppy disk drive for manual system updates.

[@Asiansxsymbol]

Joe, just paint the stitches yellow if it bothers you so much. Lol

[@greendro6410]

This looks amazing 😁

[@nathanielm77]

I don’t care about the older tech. Less stuff to break. This generation is built like a tank. It’s a win win for me!

[@123bigred]

if you want any v8 lexus product you have to go to the dealership and order it and wait and wait... in Phoenix Arizona no dealership had any v8 2025 lexus products in stock. I settled for a 2025 f sport e350 all black inside and outside. I am very happy with my purchase. I needed tha car before Christmas when I got it.. it was there.. ready to go... I wish they would keep at least 1 v8 lexus in stock for every dealership.

[@ForzaPulls]

Car Gurus, Fly out, and have and enjoyable break in / road trip home .

[@RaitisRides]

Oh wow! Thanks for sharing that intel!

[@RaitisRides]

@@ForzaPullsheck yeah

[@weblogic7723]

Not from Arizona but, you are right about the wait time. I paid advance for this flare yellow back in Nov 2024 and got delivery just yesterday lol.

[@flashgordon6468]

I ordered mine mid December 2025 and it arrived a couple of days ago. I was lucky enough to have the factory install the lighted door sills and the 3M paint protection on the hood / front bumper. Unfortunately, the dash cam needs to be installed at the dealer. The Sales lady said she couldn't remember when they had an IS500 last but if you search IS500 in California, there are some around and some still in transit.

[@lrod312]

This car isn’t for everybody. A lot of people seem to misunderstand this car and get turned off by the way the auto transmission short-shifts through the gears. That being said, a lot of people seem to also forget this isn’t a full “F” car and in order to unlock the full performance, you have to opt-out and turn off a lot of nannies before you can unlock all 472HP. It’s not readily accessible as soon as you turn on the car like other performance sedans. This is NOT a track car and it’s not meant to be. The gearbox left alone to its vices likes to stay in the upper gears which makes cruising down the I-95 pretty nice, but if you like to really get on it, you HAVE to use the paddle shifters in order for it to ‘feel’ right (which also seems to shift way quicker as long as you’re keeping the RPMs past 4.5k). I may be a little biased here, but I love the way it drives - especially at highway speeds. It’s not super torquey in the lower gears like the M340i or even the TLX Type S and I’m okay with that. The car really shines at the highway speeds anyway so trying to compare street driving speeds is pointless because at the end of the day nobody is trying to race in the streets unless you’re brainless. It’s a dual personality car that actually requires a little practice and a little ‘getting-used-to’ to use the ‘performance’ aspect of this vehicle. The people who buy this car are buying it because it looks striking and finally has an engine to match its aggressive looks. At its price point, yes.. you’re paying a little more but you’re paying not just for the brand, but you’re paying for the build quality and the longevity.

[@MercOne]

What a bunch nothing. One BS excuse after another. Pluhhlesse.

[@TheDarkMaster02]

Lexus has the best paint quality out of any manufacturer hands down

[@RaitisRides]

I think you may be right

[@tomokokishi3066]

10:00 I was expecting a all-yellow leather interior like those modded Mercedes G class 😂

[@dejonbuick6070]

Hey,Joe great color v8 engine, and its a Lexus what more can one ask for.😊😊😊.

[@RaitisRides]

I think you may be right with yhat

[@markpaco]

I just saw one of these on the road today on Oahu, HI and thought it was wrapped.

[@livewoutlimit]

This yellow strikes you like the yellow on the Murcielago. I like that they kept the roof body color; besides you can always wrap it black later.

[@omarcortes5754]

Kinda like this car. Not only looks good but also has power to spice things up.

[@RaitisRides]

I like the way that you put that Omar

[@majidalmajid1111]

Nice color 👌 Thanks Joe

[@ericrodriguez1013927]

Would love to own one of those beautiful cars

[@bobbykimble6358]

That thing would look sick blacked out.. I love Lexus always happy with them. The build quality and interior are excellent for the price point.

[@RaitisRides]

This is so very true

[@bobbykimble6358]

@@RaitisRides They also have the smoothest transmission.. and the cars last forever. My old IS300 had 160k miles

[@darrenjackson8852]

Was just there today looking at this gorgeous car 🙏🏾

[@slickrichelicopter8977]

The key to the perfect date: 1. Stick a sock in your pants 2. Show up in a 25th anniversary Lexus Goals!!😂

[@SageDragun]

I have an ‘06 IS350 to date. This car is definitely growing on me. Im actually debating between a C8 or IS500. I know that’s two different world but overall use ability and functionality is winning at age 50+. 😅

[@falcon64z8]

That car is beautiful!

[@matthewknight1190]

No problem with the front grille at all..great color in yellow

[@nicholasaustin]

I like the grill. That is a beautiful car.

[@RaitisRides]

It's a real head-turner!

[@NoHypebeastZay]

Joe, I still like the vector blue and it’s the one I just bought. If it wasn’t for vector blue, this would be my next choice in color

[@rorythomson3439]

Gorgeous car

[@RaitisRides]

I’m glad you are digging it

[@dofufu]

I like Lexus still keeps those knobs and buttons, but still no folding mirrors and wireless CarPlay is wild with that MSRP

[@flashgordon6468]

auto Folding mirrors are new for 2025

[@bentleyfierro3926]

BADGES ARE GOOD !!! 👍

[@dylanp9211]

Looks great i like the lexus RCF. Definitely an option for me when i eventually get a nicer car, either c7 z06 or c6 zr1, or shelby gt350r, mercedes amg gt-r, Aston Martin gt8(too expensive most likely but awesome) then last choice would probably be a Lexus RC-F track editon 🏁🔥🏁

[@RaitisRides]

You've got great taste!

[@DominionAnako-bb7ry]

I gotcha! So, using "Lexus" could be a great way to express your personality. It can make your chats feel more unique and relatable.

[@spiffy_outlaw]

The brake calipers not being yellow is criminal! I love the IS500 F! V8, CD player, a legitimate spare tire, Lexus/Toyota reliability! Top tier daily right here!

[@UnoB8938]

Why did Lexus kill the GS? This IS500 F sport, but in a larger GS would be perfect.

[@RaitisRides]

I guess it was a sales thing

[@MercOne]

Because the GS was outdated and got run over by the competition just like RC, IS and LC. All jokes in their segments and it’s Lexus own fault.

[@UnoB8938]

@@MercOne I think they’re jokes in their segments if you’re only focused on track numbers and 0-60. What Lexus does well is making fun to very well built, fun to drive cars. The LC for example is beautifully crafted. It’s an amazing GT car but if you’re comparing it to an M8 it’s gonna fall apart (not literally because reliability scores are through the roof). It’s similar to the IS, and RC

[@MercOne]

@@UnoB8938Yeah keep thinking that nonsense as they get cancelled. I have never seen so many bs excuses to cover a bunch of mediocre cars. Being well built does not give them a pass on being competitive. The RC is a joke at 12 years old. Doesn’t matter how well built it is. No one is tracking these cars and yet it still doesn’t sell. Don’t you get that? These cars are no longer competitive on the street either. Outdated engines and/or weak engines, interiors from 10 years ago, and no changes in years which kills any reason for someone to buy a new one when a used one is the exact same car, from years ago. Yet Lexus has showroom full of new crossovers and SUVs. Are they not built to last? Do you see how ridiculous your excuse is now? As if everyone doesn’t build fun to drive cars. A Lexus isn’t more fun to drive than the competition. That’s straight up bs. They can’t build a up to date car that’s well built and fun to drive too ???

[@Timvibes1]

Lexas is a great car for the price and reliability compared to some european brands. Wish the navigation screen was as big as the SUV's though.

[@JorgeDiaz-wc6yu]

Good video is the last v8 Lexus 2026 or

[@reeldankmemes]

This is probably an unpopular opinion but the bbs wheels on the previous is500 looked so much better than these

[@RedLeo-pf9yo]

That yellow is nice !!!

[@johnbochicchio2806]

Great review!😂😂😂

[@momoknows]

Joe its Mo.. No Yellow stitching on doors and dash to save for weight reduction and the extra 1500$ to instal it

[@BigboiTxUJ]

Gotta love the is500 for that NA V8, but everyone would appreciate it if Lexus also made a new ISF with a SC or Turboed V8

[@erniemontano443]

You report the speed 0 to 60 is 3.9 seconds. That's for the RCF track edition. The speed for the IS500 launch edition, I own one so blessed, the speed 0 to 60 is 4.3 seconds!

[@Alexei696]

I love the new shirt, color joe it suits you.

[@CarsOverPeople]

The 2URGSE is the BEST performance V8 ever made… it only Lexus made a manual transmission for one of these 😤

[@RaitisRides]

Oh man! This thing with the V8 & 6-speed manual would be a dream

[@MercOne]

You don’t even believe that nonsense.

[@CarsOverPeople]

@ Huh?

[@MercOne]

That’s nonsense.

[@abhisheknauduri7013]

What a beautiful car

[@User-jca69420]

0-60 in 3.9? Isn't this car solidly in the mid 4s due to the slow tranmy? Did something changed for 2025 in regards to tranny programming?

[@CarsOverPeople]

@User-jca69420 He most likely got it wrong. There’s no way they shaved off more than half a second.

[@Mt07red]

Great car Joe! $70k is a little much considering the outdated interior and transmission in my opinion.

[@Dave-0]

These things absolutely rip! Love that they’ve kept this in production for another year.

[@anthonyvigneault3389]

lexus is one of my favorite brand

[@RaitisRides]

That’s so awesome to hear Anthony

[@toddhedman7959]

LOVE the color....it's BUMBLEBEE in a Lexus

[@RaitisRides]

Watch out you don’t get stung

[@ranthony2714]

Just a really nice looking car. Give the interior a well overdue update, drop the sheet metal on a new platform and you have a winner.

[@RaitisRides]

It’s going to be interesting to see what they do

[@WarnerHousehold]

im digging the flare yellow

[@RaitisRides]

You have great taste

[@paulcicero3862]

I wonder if this is the last year of the V8 version. If so, I may have to order. Any intell on this, Joe?

[@flashgordon6468]

I asked the sales lady that as I was buying my yellow IS500. She hadn't heard anything about this being the last year of the V8 IS500 but Lexus did announce the RC final call. That means only the LC and IS have the V8's...... Not a good sign

[@AndrewDillinghambg7tm]

I like that Alexis IS500 I like it man. And happy 2025 and you might know me cuz I subscribe to your KZbin channel and I think you already know my name Andrew Dillingham

[@curiosityredpill7030]

Would’ve nice to see a is500 plum crazy color

[@lostlothbrok7156]

I'd take this over an M3 any day, you could drive this car north of 250k miles and it'll still run

[@RaitisRides]

You better believe it

[@MercOne]

And get smoked by every M3 on the road. Yeah keeping a car for 250K miles, so exciting and no doubt the #1 reason to buy a nearly 20 year old car.

[@kennyphun1946]

Why the heck the car still have that track pad/mouse thing?

[@RaitisRides]

You got me

[@lakerfanjr]

Badges? We don't need no stinkin badges! 😂

[@jacksquat1265]

Clear example of ‘oldie, but goodie.’ Not the most refined or modern, but it will be a future classic for sure.

[@RayanMADAO]

They can’t call it an ISF it doesn’t have the brakes and the cooling to be a track car

[@Odiana24]

It’s pretty 😍

[@RaitisRides]

I’m so glad that you like the color

[@scottbrawley407]

2025 Lexus IS500 F-Sport Performance Flare Yellow Special Appearance Package 25th Anniversary Edition Silver Anniversary Edition Sedan!

[@lostalx]

Its not an F car though. It will never be. I have driven these for thousands of miles vs an RCF the Coupe smokes the Sedan in every way possible. BUT that's not a bad thing always, because IS 500 is more comfy and more usable than the RCF. That's the only advantage the IS has and maybe its more nimble. The lack of F tuning and parts makes this inferior to the RCF as much as I like IS 500, Lexus chose not to fix their bumper flaw of separation which is really sad. It's a great car, but for me the RCF is the real deal for the 2UR-GSE V8 engine. Not even LC 500 can do justice to that powerplant.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing that great insight!

[@MyGoogi]

the car looks beautiful

[@growlkitty]

When I look at that Lexus grill, I think about the Cylon's on Battlestar Galactica. I can't be the only one who sees that?!

[@mesopotamian97]

Gimme that in black and I'd be a happy man.