The Lexus IS500 (& its Spectacular V8) Sounds Like the Best Value In Sports Sedans Today - One Take

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The new Lexus IS500 takes the 5.0L V8 that we love from the stunning LC500 coupe and, in traditional hot-rod fashion, puts it in the company’s smallest (rear-drive) car. With 470 HP and the best soundtrack south of a hundred grand, the powertrain is surely to be the envy of all other sport sedans on the market. And with its subtle styling refresh, the IS500 looks nearly identical to its lesser, slower siblings, making for the ultimate sleeper sedan of the year.
Lexus provided the vehicle, insurance, and a tank of fuel for this review. #Lexus #is500 #V8
**NOTE: We had a massive failure from our GoPro 9 Black cameras, resulting in there being less footage from this review than you’ve come to expect from The Smoking Tire. We apologize for this, and have thrown these cameras in the trash, and will never use them again. By the time we discovered the problem it was too late to re-shoot the car. **
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[@TheSmokingTire]

What do you think of a V8-powered Lexus IS?

[@RAZGR1Z]

Great car, great price. Wonder if dealers will mark these up. Thanks for the video!

[@nknasi]

As a gs460 owner, I want it.

[@Dan0myte]

Interesting that Toyota/Lexus, of all companies, is continuing to make V8 performance sedans. Unexpected but welcomed!

[@youtubingman5986]

Great car just wish is more of an F, and it makes it feel like Lexus has given up chasing the Ms, and AMGs (hopefully they haven't once Akio drives this bad boy) BTW i believe the price for this car starts at $57,000 and the Launch edition is around $67,000

[@thegirthquake8574]

Dealers are gonna kill sales for this thing. Wish it was a stick, but I understand that we can't have everything.

[@LUNCHMONEY4numbers]

One of the most underappreciated engines out there

[@wannabecarguy]

Is it the 3ru?

[@notgooddriver8395]

@Marc Mrz I mean none of them have MSRP'd for what the LFA did.

[@inaNis_]

@@wannabecarguy 2ur-gse

[@abayerko1]

Practically the same engine you get in a 7 year old Mustang GT... 7000+ rpm, 5.0 liters, nearly 500 hp... should make us all appreciate what Ford offers even more. Ford even offers the sound tube from the intake since 2010.

[@bigjdm5460]

@@abayerko1 coyote came out after the 2UR . Let that sink in.

[@iantownsend500]

That V8 is a masterpiece

[@makenomistake_mynameisjeff8731]

No u

[@Anthony-dk7de]

Super reliable 👏

[@valdaviper1]

Loved my 08 ISF, love my current 12 ISF, and love this new IS! They finally nailed the looks and the powertrain is still as solid as a decade ago, glad Lexus kept it up.

[@ThunderGoatz]

would you consider selling / trading in for this one?

[@valdaviper1]

@@ThunderGoatz I only have 75k on my F and it’s well modded. The new IS looks great but I can’t imagine I’d switch until the aftermarket catches up. Maybe in a few years. I’ve actually been contemplating for the last 2 years to make a switch to F80 or Supra or Z but the F is so good at being cheaply driven every day and being low key that it’s difficult to sell it. It’s how after looking for months I simply upgraded to a new 12 ISF. I wouldn’t pay nearly double at $60-70k to be slower than my current modded F.

[@ThunderGoatz]

@@valdaviper1 makes a lot of sense. That generation ISF is one of my favorites as well. Super low key, until you open up the exhaust 😂

[@VersanGetryx]

@@valdaviper1 You can't beat the sound of that exhaust for the price either, modded or not. Although I'm a big fan of the M156 in older C63s :)

[@yousef.al-assaf]

@@VersanGetryx Nothing comes close in sound to the glorious M156

[@OldCarsAreFun]

I like everything about this car. The wheels, the color. Sadly they dont sell it in Europe

[@mat199622]

We don't get a lot of the amazing cars here. Somebody needs to demolish those Eco-terroristic restrictions.

[@alexrmf7774]

you have a few options in Europe... Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrofoglio comes to mind... actually the styling is very similar, with the Alfa having a better interior but a bit more expensive.

[@ahmedameeri9532]

Could you import one?

[@MrLalasd]

@@alexrmf7774 Alfa most definitely does not have the better interior. The is interior is timeless and built well … also v8.

[@corbinsmith50]

I don't want to hear it. You've had GTRs and other JDM gems for decades. Lol

[@mathew936]

The colour is absolutely stunning.

[@edward.kosmatka]

Agreed.

[@sergiopereira9546]

greecian water its the color name

[@TRD_Nate]

It needs to be seen in person, it’s more of a pasty color. I much prefer ultra sonic blue it has more depth and just better in my eyes. Everyone at my lexus dealership isn’t a fan of Grecian water and they have found it’s alittle harder color to sell.. needs the right buyer for it.

[@eleanormassaro5195]

@@TRD_Nate I like the Grecian water color! Although the Infrared is my favorite color!

[@the_frankc]

In person it looks much different. It has sort of a purple hue to it. I don't dislike it, but I wouldn't pick it over Ultrasonic Blue Mica II

[@quantttum]

Man, thanks for this review, bc other reviewers dislike this car bc it's slower to 60 than the competition, and they also hate it bc they see it as ancient. I've test driven the S5 and the 440 and loved those cars, but it just feels like i'm driving a computer that is driving the car, but with this IS (all IS cars in general), you still get an old-school feel. It is definitely pricey for me right now, but i will figure out a way to get into one. thanks.

[@DLPTonyATL]

I bought it and absolutely love it! The Enkei wheels were on my list to replace until I saw them in person. Go see it in person before spending any money on replacements, there's a really REALLY good possibility your mind will be changed. Pictures do not do them justice in the least.

[@jys8569]

Sad that ACH was closed during your review for this car. As a consultant for Toyota/Lexus’s marketing division and a e90 m3 owner, I was really looking forward to your review of this car. I’m super excited to go for a test drive myself down the road.

[@FalconXE302]

The reason I keep coming to this channel... I get FACTS. Thanks Matt for so many good informational video's for so long... and for lots of fun to. Cheers.

[@christianvargas2721]

Had to use the good headphones for this one...Great sound from that V8

[@ABArsenal]

We needed this. I was so excited for the announcement of this car. My LS430 might get put in storage if I can manage one of these.

[@waynemangan9925]

Besides the LC 500, this is the Toyota I'd want in my garage as my grocery getting cruiser.

[@james.a.h.]

I had an IS350 from 2008-2012, the IS500 definitely got my interest to the IS again!

[@Hot.Rod0311]

By far the best IS 500 review on KZbin. As for price, ppl are selling these for way over sticker, I’ve seen 85k. Please keep up the good work & give us a follow up if possible.

[@saibot1221]

Had the IS200 almost 20 years ago, and even then it was an absolute beauty. Shame it got totalled in an accident.

[@borosasa3500]

That still is a Beauty

[@saibot1221]

@@borosasa3500 Agreed, just not mine anymore. Rip…

[@gevowavemagnet]

Since it was a Lexus, it probably saved your life.

[@petayV8]

I had a IS200 as well. A SE w/Navi! Ever since I've been a die hard Lexus fan

[@ozhoneybadger]

They were amazing. Incredibly smooth. Currently got an 07 IS250 and love it.

[@ZeGermanHam]

There is a lot to love about this car. I suspect that they will fly somewhat under the radar of many buyers who are accustomed to looking toward German cars for this type of recipe, but boy, what an excellent package that will probably never break.

[@07wrxtr1]

FINALLY - I been complaining for years - you can get your LOGO made and have it function as a sound absorption panel!! Nice work pal!

[@corey31]

I really wish there was more in-car-looking-out footage. I know you had a recent pole regarding camera angles, but it feels like I’m missing a lot of the experience in the curves. Otherwise solid review and lovely sounds!

[@Totyroby]

Never get tired of that sound! Would love on of these as a daily driver.

[@DDMSteveB]

As someone with an E90 M3 this gets me very excited. What a beauty!

[@sultanniazi2394]

Absolutely beautiful and brilliant. Lovely review. Going to test drive it.

[@infidel900rr]

Love this car! Want one. Great review

[@dartagnanx1]

Great review. Thanks Matt!

[@F4izzle]

I really dig your no bullshit reviews. Thank you Sir!

[@auto.impulse]

Been waiting for this one for a while , and wow this is just beautiful

[@captainkirks7600]

Awesome video! Love your channel sir!!

[@markhenry15]

Great review.... finally an honest review for what the car is.... not all these BS reviews talking about how they want it to be a NEW IS-F. Don't worry, that's eventually coming, but for 80 to 90K not my thing.

[@chrisirons723]

Basically the S2000 of its time... See you in 15 years and let’s talk about it in a different realm of automobiles.

[@paulpierce21]

Thanks for your opinion, I agree.

[@perco-c-e-t4377]

The sounds of v8 is a straight eargasm, It sounds the part it looks the part what’s not to like 🔥

[@connorchatterton7797]

Excellent review even better noises

[@captainkirks7600]

Love the car and awesome video. Trying to get my pop from his 05 twin turbo s6 into a older ISF. Poor Audi has taken a lot of love to keep it going. Feel like the next upgrade is something that's going to run forever and still be able to pass people.

[@_conrad]

great review, as always. Is there a reason why you limited your comments on your IG page ? Keep up the good content, imo your‘re easily in my top10 best automotive content here in youtube, greetings from southern germany ;)

[@turek737]

Good to see you again Matt. 🙂

[@alexandermendez2784]

Very great review

[@repuniad]

Perfect car! Lexus really know how to nail a downshift... delightful as Matt might say

[@Ikaikaalika95]

The horizontal damper helps reduce suspension compression during acceleration(and deceleration if its on the front) you have more responsive acceleration especially as you increase power.

[@Gearbhall]

I wonder how that would affect purpose built drag cars

[@Ikaikaalika95]

To my knowledge they don’t need it in the first place because they have no suspension to compress. Just a solid axle and some welded or bolted supports.

[@BurtSampson]

I always liked the IS. I use to race around with one in the mornings on the way to work in my old STI. Most mornings at around 4:30 or 5 we would end up next to each other at a light and race all the way down the highway until he reached his work. I was always surprised at how well he hung with me. Good times.

[@ARCNA442]

@@cwbgaming8913 I totally believe that your friends 200 hp RWD car got taken for bus lengths by 100 hp FWD cars

[@josephregan1007]

Ik the lack of front facing gopro was bc it shit the bed, but i kind of dug the longer large view of matt just talking like he would while doing the one take. Its like a podcast while mobbing. Sorta badass on its own

[@BobbyBimmer]

So damn beautiful! I would def get one if I’m in the market in a year or two.

[@true2health]

This car looks amazing in person even in the 350 F sport model

[@danielestrada1995]

That exhaust note is fantastic

[@damiendegrasse]

These look amazing in bright colors.

[@Soarin8]

I heard there isn’t a sound tube for this model IS. It is apparently a sound generator

[@THELOF1]

There isn’t a tube. That’s on the lc500, perhaps marketing gave them the wrong info.

[@Soarin8]

@@THELOF1 yeah most likely they were given wrong info

[@mattkroening7964]

@@THELOF1 Like the GS-F, the sound generator in the is500 is defeatable, and doesn't really need it to begin with.

[@jasonyoung6420]

I want the IS500 with a manual, or the CT4-V Blackwing with a smallblock V8 (& manual obviously). I've had a RWD IS350 F-sport for the past two years: in "eco" the shifts are almost imperceptible when just loafing along and it tries to keep you in the highest gear possible, "S+" pops gear shifts off fairly aggressively without upsetting the chassis, and obviously keeps you in a lower gear in auto mode. There is a duality in the tuning though, it's great when your loafing/cruising, and great when you're going for it/driving aggressively, but that middle ground between the two is a bit lacking, I tend to either cruise along in Eco/normal with the trans in auto, and only drive in S/S+ when I'm in manual mode and having some fun; I always turn off the TC/SC unless I'm on the highway and I want CC, as the TC/SC are very invasive. Looking forward to the configurator for the IS500 to go live so I can see how much one would potentially set me back, not looking to get rid of my IS350 just yet, but we're running out of time for performance ICE cars so I'll be watching them during these end times.

[@mikers73]

Driving cars on suboptimal roads and the car is still able to excel >>>>>

[@jmacie3]

Great review. Also, if you didn’t say you had camera issues, wouldn’t have known.

[@coreymitchell2756]

Great review. I know those are Diilion Optcs, which spec is that you are wearing?

[@edwingonzalez8840]

Love for Lexus to make a special/limited edition of these V8 cars with a manual transmission.

[@slwrthnu2]

Man I really want one of these for my next daily, and that’s the color I would get.

[@andycalifornia426]

"...They made it sound great for the people in the car more so than the people outside the car" --> finally someone did the right thing! I never understood the whole obsession with the exhaust sound that the driver doesn't really get to hear (unless turned to an obnoxious 11) and insulating the hell out of the intake sound, only to then add a lame digital soundtrack.

[@holden998able]

I've never thought about horsepower reducing with altitudes before. You lose 3% per 1000ft

[@Alwaysgotthemunchies]

I live at sea level so I never think about it 🤣. Sea level in the winter at freezing temps. Engines love this environment. I swear on a day like that I can feel the car pull harder and the induction seems louder too 🤔🤔🤔🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️

[@drewjames8594]

Yes if its not forced induction. Ever climbed a mountain and notice its harder to breath the higher you get? Engines need to breath too and the better they breath the more power they make.

[@Gearbhall]

I was glad my car had two turbos going up pikes peak for this very reason. It'll be another advantage for electric cars even over forced induction ones though, not losing ANY power at altitude.

[@PeterMaenke]

I do like cutting back and forth to the fullscreen driver cam over the PIP

[@AndrewReilly]

If lexus would put a stick in this I'd buy it in a heartbeat over an m3 or c63

[@yousef.al-assaf]

@@ERogers-qn2sm You need a pair of glasses bud.

[@ARCNA442]

The C63 doesn't have a manual...

[@AndrewReilly]

@@ARCNA442 I know... that's why I said if they added the option I'd snag one

[@olajimimark]

Doubt you can even afford any of these cars lol

[@AndrewReilly]

@@olajimimark I own a stick 340xi, wasnt even the point though 🖕

[@gwgrote5]

I'm new to your channel and just watched your video of what I think was the 2018 Lexus GS-F. I am curious why Lexus discontinued the GS-F (awesome video btw) only to release this IS-F again not forgetting that the 2nd gen IS had an IS-F that no one seemed to buy but now you can't find one from that era. I don't know if you answer your comments but I'm curious as to your thoughts. Thanks for all the reviews that you do!

[@fredocuomo5386]

that v8 sounds amazing with headers and full exhaust

[@hamie63_m]

Wow I had to check the date this was posted multiple times. Couldn't believe they went with a NA V8... Reminds me of the old RS4

[@SadWatermelon]

This is the type of car you keep forever with no problems

[@null-island]

Great color and wheels from the factory, oh and also a 5 liter NA v8 😍

[@darwandoo]

Congratulations on a million subscribers

[@zatharos6427]

Matt, fairly certain SavageGeese has covered that this IS500 does indeed have fake engine noise pumped into the cabin through the speaker

[@RideTheTrack]

Theres no intake tube leading to the firewall on the IS500 though, this feature is only on the LC500

[@C-M-E]

For those of us who were still hunting for a GS-F but unwilling to pay like new prices, may I say YESSSSSS!

[@boy638]

Description said you guys stopped using gopros, so what are you guys using to film now?

[@singular9]

That blue is by far the most unique color I have seen for this car.

[@hites05]

Real quad exhaust this time. They done did right.

[@tommynobaka]

hear me out, this is like the reincarnation of the E39 M5/540i drive experience wise

[@jml9550]

Yep. I had a E39 540i before until someone rear ended it and totaled it. Missed the car but not the reliability though. Too bad I am not in the market for a 4 door sedan anymore, I would buy this in a heartbeat. Instead I will most likely get a slightly used LC500.

[@acdc374]

Awesome car, great motor. Savagegeese told is there is no sound tube in this car, and the engine sound is from the stereo instead. Maybe the PR team got it backwards when they gave you the info?

[@clays1507]

Pretty sure you are correct. The 350 is also fake

[@pedromeggiolaro]

i love how the blue of the Rolex matches the car, stunning color.

[@2jsanc681]

Those wheels are beautiful. Need them in gunmetal on my 1st gen is

[@lordhades9455]

One big interior knock is the lack of the new generation infotainment system. Supposedly there's a 660+HP TT version in the works.

[@CMoney9696]

Been waiting for this one for a while! Hoping price isn’t going to inflate at dealers when they come out. Nice work Matt.

[@dannifammi]

Just got rid of my 21 IS350 f sport. Main issues were power and transmission. Coming from a M4 it just wasn’t cutting it. Maybe the 500 would be better.

[@dsher503]

Great color and those wheels…oh my.

[@eichler721]

Looks like a fun and enjoyable sports sedan. Nice job Lexus

[@davect01]

An outstanding roadtrip car with some serious grunt that won't die within 5 years I'm adding this to my list of used car list for threr years down the road.

[@bigdi77]

No car dies in five years unless you beat on it smh

[@bigdi77]

New car

[@baowuf]

Stellantis has entered the chat. /s sorta

[@davect01]

@@bigdi77 You have never owned a BMW then 😜

[@singular9]

I genuinely love lexus products. The eco is dead, and thats good, its eco. The sport is snappy but doesn't break your neck or make the car feel uncofortable. Ever picked up a girl in a sports car? No bueno. They think that an AMG or any double clutch, is broken because of how jerky, snappy, and "sporty" it is. A lexus? Sounds great, feels great, and doesn't kill you.

[@wobblysauce]

Too many think the road cars need to be in Race mode all the time, which is sad. That and for a race car you don't want it to rock hard, you just don't want it to bottom out.

[@xtnuser5338]

@@wobblysauce I don't know why you would call it "sad." It's just different preferences. I have a '19 GT3RS, and I keep the fun buttons turned on all the time (although other than the preprogrammed shift points of the PDK, those buttons don't really make any huge difference). And it makes ME happier to do it. How can it be "sad" that modern cars let us choose from multiple settings so more drivers can have whatever makes them happy? Disclaimer: I daily an F250 and/or a 335i, so I get my fair share of comfortable ride. Not like your grandfather's Buick level comfort in either of those, but they're certainly on the soft side compared to the RS even without the fun buttons activated.

[@xtnuser5338]

Yeah...picked a girl up in my Exige that was track prepped. Hard riding, hot, full of rattles, tram-lining, loud, etc. She happened to be the Texas SCCA Solo Women's Champion that year. She loved it. Pick up better women.

[@wobblysauce]

@@xtnuser5338 From that point, the RS's I have been in even with fun buttons on it doesn't ride like a rock, as it is still compliant, but still firmer. Maybe wording it differently, when some think Race, they think hard suspension, but it is not that it is hard, it is that most have less travel as you do want it to work but tracks/well most of them are quite smooth compared to the street.

[@xtnuser5338]

@@wobblysauce Yes. I'm a track junky, and I've read Engineer to Win. Also...good tracks are decently smooth anyway.

[@ztunelover]

What a lovely machine!!!

[@bcvijasiu]

@TheSmokingTire if it was your money, would you rather go with IS500 or G80 M3 6 speed MT?

[@rfouR_4]

Softer cars also more compliant over bumps, able to keep the tires on the ground, plus those double wishbone fronts. 👌

[@jackj5368]

Your hair and beard, sir, looks rad on you. (This car's a winner, too.)

[@bemoremad]

Amazing, but I thought there was literally a control for the active sound (via speaker) in the IS 500 model savagegeese had. Are there other models without it?

[@TheBucketOfTruth]

Yeah noticed that too. It sure sounds like speaker sound in the video.

[@eleanormassaro5195]

There is an AC control for the piped-in sound. But he was talking about it coming through the Mark Levinson speaker system

[@yousef.al-assaf]

All models have it. His is probably a pre-production unit. Some pre-production units were also missing the sunroof.

[@gbirdo4718]

Literally my dream car

[@ernestomorales2487]

Excellent car, and that sound 👌

[@NoClassic]

matt is a big lexus fan boy but i love it

[@aaronsingh314]

What camera's are you going to next? (Instead of the GoPro)

[@Smashology64]

If he said this was available in manual transmission I was gonna need to change my pants

[@DrSteveBrule552]

Know how I know Matt likes a car? He's not really saying much just vibing with that car 😏

[@nexushexus4365]

He's not in the car.

[@1993zachdh]

Curious Matt, what’s thoughts on this compared to the Type S? This starts at about 7k over the TLX The interior of the TLX seems superior to the Lexus but there seems to be big power difference. What’s your preference between the two?

[@MrSupersaiyangoku]

I'll answer for Matt. The Lexus whoops the TLX. Better reliability(though not that much more..kudos to Honda for being second place.) The dynamics are superior being a rear wheel drive platform. Which means the car dances better around turns. The TLX is front wheel drive based. In ALL WHEEL DRIVE SHO form it's still not a dancer. The interior is subjective but I would take the Lexus over the TLX. They hold value which to me suggests higher quality. Not as much common parts. TLX is more fuel efficient and fast enough for most people. Those people not being a sports head like myself. And one could argue a better dealership experience. And the IS500 F SPORT is by far the smarter financial decision as this car will hold value.

[@doublenikesocks]

I want it. Looks like the dream DD.

[@spoonfixer3387]

3:17 Zack is taking the Al Borland spec tacoma through its paces.

[@Trapper50cal]

Bob's Watches IS really great.

[@kylemccullough1642]

Does it drive better than the GSF? I’d like to think the smaller backseat and trunk pay off but the GSF is already so good

[@aurorajones8481]

8:00 If what you say is true id agree w/ you that's a plus. Personally, I don't like harsh rides. I like fast, I like it to be controlled, ill take minor controlled body roll but I don't want a roller coaster.

[@Dck1818]

Awesome review Matt, this and the GSF are dream daily’s. Also, beautiful jubilee Pepsi! Would you ever do a watch collection review? Cheers

[@07wrxtr1]

I'd easily take one of these over a YawnFest tesla (dime a dozen) as a daily

[@jml9550]

My too. Tesla are dime a dozen here in the SF Bay Area and I just can’t ignore the horrific build quality. Anyway I am not in a market for a 4 door sedan anymore. My Kids are grown and I will soon be buying a slight used LC500 when car price are back to normal.

[@deviouslaw]

Lexus & Toyota have forgotten more about building quality cars than tesla will ever know. And I'm not even particularly a toyota fan

[@EmmanuelTurner245225]

Man, Lexus has been killing it for a while now, IMO.

[@JJS432]

The only review that matters.

[@ipsofacto32]

Nice Pepsi on your wrist. Solid choice 👌🏾

[@SlipAngleG70]

Should I trade in my G70 for the IS500?