The 2025 Lexus IS 500 Ultimate Edition isn’t just another special badge slapped on a sedan to empty enthusiasts’ wallets. With production capped at 500 units, this V8-powered throwback delivers the mechanical drama modern turbo competitors have sacrificed at the altar of efficiency. Skip past the marketing fluff—here’s why this last-of-breed sedan deserves your consideration.
The Last Naturally-Aspirated V8 Standing
While BMW ditched natural aspiration for a 3.0L twin-turbo setup that feels more synthetic than gas station sushi, Lexus kept the faith. The 5.0-liter V8 heart pumps out 472 horsepower at a screaming 7,100 rpm without a turbocharger in sight. That’s only 31 horses shy of the BMW M3 Competition’s 503hp while delivering throttle response the German’s laggy twin-turbo six can only dream about. No artificial soundtrack pumped through speakers—just eight cylinders delivering power with the linear precision that’s become automotive endangered species.
Weight-Saving That Actually Matters
Forget the carbon fiber trim bits that save half an ounce. Lexus equipped this swan song with forged 19-inch BBS wheels that reduce unsprung mass where physics dictates it matters most. The black matte finish doesn’t just look purposeful—it signals to knowledgeable enthusiasts that this sedan prioritizes handling dynamics over showroom appeal. Hidden car features like enhanced Brembo six-piston front calipers with 380mm ventilated discs actually improve stopping power rather than just painting existing components red.
An Interior That Doesn’t Try Too Hard
Circuit Red and Black NuLuxe upholstery gives the cabin visual drama without crossing into boy-racer territory. The LFA-inspired steering wheel offers the perfect diameter and grip for spirited driving, while the serialized badge reminds you that yes, this actually is a limited production car. Unlike competitors who charge extra for removing features, Lexus focuses on enhancing what enthusiasts actually touch and use.
Engineered for Real-World Performance
The Ultimate Edition doesn’t chase Nürburgring lap times at the expense of everyday usability. Zero to sixty happens in 4.4 seconds — quick enough to embarrass most traffic without requiring professional driver credentials. While the Mercedes-AMG C63 might edge it by half a second on paper, you’ll feel far more connected in the Lexus thanks to its Torsen limited-slip differential, adaptive suspension, and razor-sharp throttle mapping. You won’t need chiropractor appointments after driving this sports sedan, unlike some German alternatives.
A Worthy Sendoff to the Manual Art of Driving
This isn’t just Lexus saying goodbye to a model—it’s the automotive industry waving farewell to an entire driving philosophy. For around $65,000 (final pricing TBA), you’re buying the mechanical soul missing from modern turbocharged and electrified alternatives. That’s roughly $11,000 less than a base BMW M3 while offering something no amount of German engineering can replicate: the raw character of a naturally aspirated V8 that responds to your right foot without electronic intervention or turbo trickery.
