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Update: revised pricing information and competitive models.
Lexus announced its upgraded IS 500 F Sport Performance sedan in early 2021. The four-door sports car is no slouch thanks to a high-speed V8 developing 472 horsepower (352 kilowatts). Pricing wasn’t mentioned when it first started, but with the sport sedan ready for prime time, we can tell you it starts at $ 56,500. Add the mandatory delivery charge of $ 1,075 and the total cost is $ 57,575
It’s certainly a hell of a leap from the IS 350 F Sport, but then again, you get considerably more power. In fact, the naturally aspirated 5.0-liter engine is powerful enough to elevate the IS into a rather remarkable four-door company. In terms of horsepower, the V8 IS matches the base BMW M3, Mercedes-AMG C63 and Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing while costing thousands, if not tens of thousands, less.
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However, don’t follow the temptation to cross-shop with these models. As enticing as it may be, our time behind the wheel of the IS 500 F Sport Performance has shown us that it is not in the same league as these targeted sports sedans. On the contrary, its 0-60 second time in the middle of four seconds and its damped stroke are more suitable for the second chain despite the power difference. With that in mind, here’s a quick comparison to see how the more powerful IS stacks up against its real rivals, namely the Mercedes-AMG C43, BMW M340i, Audi S4 and, yes, the Cadillac CT4-V.
| Vehicle | Powertrain | Power | Base MSRP | Destination | Total price |
| Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance | 5.0L V8 / 8-speed automatic, RWD | 472 | $ 56,500 | $ 1,075 | $ 57,575 |
| Mercedes-AMG C43 | 3.0L V6 / 9-speed automatic, all-wheel drive | 385 | $ 56,500 | $ 1,050 | $ 57,550 |
| BMW M340i | 3.0L I6 / 8 speed automatic, RWD | 382 | $ 54,700 | $ 995 | $ 55,695 |
| Cadillac CT4-V | 2.7L I4 / 10-speed Automatic, RWD | 325 | $ 44,895 | $ 1,195 | $ 46,090 |
| Audi S4 | 3.0L V6 / 8-speed automatic, all-wheel drive | 349 | $ 50,500 | $ 1,045 | $ 51,545 |
Perhaps the bigger question here is whether the power injected IS 500 is worth the steep price increase over the IS 350 F Sport? Starting at $ 42,950 before destination charges, the IS 350 costs almost $ 14,000 less. It’s not negligible by any stretch of the imagination, and with the same bones under the IS 500 F Sport Performance, it doesn’t look any different until you hit the throttle. You could say that the IS 500’s biggest competitor is actually the cheaper IS 350.
Look for the Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance to reach dealerships later in fall 2021.
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