Let’s get the obvious out of the way: this isn’t the new IS-F. Yes, the new IS 500 F Sport Performance may technically be the most powerful IS ever built, but Lexus still feels it’s not quite worthy of that elusive, single-letter badge.

But does that mean that this luxury sport sedan is worthless? In a word: no. In a few more words: we feel that Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance is one of the best all-around performance cars you can buy today.

While we all love the fantasy of driving an insane track car to work every day, in practice it’s awful. Loud, stiff, and punishing to both body and wallet. What we really want is something that goes fast, handles well, but is as nice to drive at 1/10 as it is at 10/10. What we really want, then, is something like the Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance.

Let’s talk speed. This compact sedan is insanely quick, with an AMCI-verified 0-60 time of just 4.4 seconds. Power comes from an updated version of Lexus’ venerable 5.0-liter V8, tuned here to output 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque. Its transmission is the proven 8-speed auto we first saw in the IS-F back in 2007, but as is the Toyota way, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

And that segues us nicely to the chassis. While marketed as a “new” IS, this current model is essentially a reskin of third-gen car that first debuted in 2013. But again, that’s not a bad thing as it’s the same proven, rear-drive chassis that’s been earning accolades for almost a decade now. It’s been stiffened and strengthened over the years, of course, and with this Performance package, features a Yamaha rear performance chassis damper to add comfort at low speeds and stability at high speeds. Also standard on the IS 500 F Sport Performance is an active suspension, Torsen limited-slip differential, and four-piston front brake calipers and massive two-piece front brake rotors.

So how does this car drive? Well, it drives like a Lexus.

In normal or eco driving modes, the IS 500 F Sport Performance delivers a smooth, unassuming ride, with only that V8 burble hinting at the car’s capabilities. Material selection, as expected, is top notch, and befitting of a luxury brand. As with every Lexus seat we sit in, the front buckets here offer just the right amount of give and support. And when those corners come quickly, these seats do an excellent job of holding you in place, all while remaining easy to get in and out of. The small-diameter steering wheel feels appropriately sporty, and thankfully is wrapped in leather (versus Alcantara), further ensuring it won’t get gross over the years.

Controlling the features inside the car is pleasant, with plenty of redundancy between physical buttons, that track pad thing, and the large touchscreen display. We appreciate the flexibility, and even with the extra controls, the overall interior design feels clean and uncluttered.

First and foremost, this is a compact sports sedan built for the driver. As such you feel the IS 500 F Sport Performance wrap around you, its exterior dimensions intuitively placed to let you instinctively place the car on your desired driving line.

And when you crank that dial to Sport or Sport+, this car really comes alive. The electric power steering gets weightier, and the suspension stiffens up, but it all feels communicative and compliant, all at once. This Lexus effortlessly responds to your commands, and thanks to the livelier throttle and shift mapping, leaps forward with every tip of your right foot. All that naturally aspirated power makes for a predictable drive, and helps this car instill an awe-inspiring amount of confidence when flying through a canyon road. As with every IS that’s come before, this IS 500 F Sport Performance is a supremely tossable machine, and we can’t wait to see what this car can do on a proper racetrack.

But alas, not all is perfect with the Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance. It feels like a car designed for shorter people. At a hair over 6-feet tall, our heads naturally compress against the roof. Sure, we could lean the seat back like we were in a ‘90s rap video, but then that puts important things – like the steering wheel – out of reach. Those under 5-foot-10 likely won’t have many issues. And if you do the track thing and wear a helmet, you’ll have the best time if you’re around 5-foot-7.

Aftermarket seats are an option, but then why would we want to ruin the great throne Lexus gives us out of the box? Here’s hoping a future update has a mode to drop the seat down a bit more.

But then we get to the price: MSRP starts at just $56,500. That’s a hell of deal for what you get here. It’s a RWD sports sedan with a luxurious interior, obscenely powerful engine and phenomenal handling. And speaking as Toyota fans, the Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance is everything the new Toyota Supra could have, and should have been.

Highlights	Description
Engine	5.0-liter DOHC V8 (2UR-GSE)
Horsepower	472 @ 7100 rpm
Torque	395 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
Transmission	8-speed automatic
Suspension, F/R	Double wishbone / Multi-link independent
Brakes, F/R	4-piston calipers with 14.0-in. two-piece vented discs / 12.7-in vented disc
Wheels and Tires	Enkei 19-in. alloys; 235/40R19 (Front) / 265/35R19 (Rear) summer tires
Curb weight	3891 lbs.
Overall length	187.3 in.
Overall width	72.4 in.
Overall height	56.5 in.
Wheelbase	110.2 in.

Lexus IS 500 F SPORT Performance