Lexus IS 500 F Sport is subtle from the outside but packed with performance to delight drivers and passengers

In the fiercely competitive world of luxury sedans, the 2023 Lexus IS 500 F Sport emerges as an extraordinary contender inspired by much more than tradition. Think about the Wolf in disguise from the fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood. This remarkable vehicle exudes similar deceptive elegance hiding raw power in an unassuming shell. However, this 4-door sedan teases subtle hints this automobile is anything but average.

First hint is the low position and aggressive, muscular styling with blacked out grill resembling a sports car.  The 19” Enkei gloss black wheels offer stability, handling and performance and hint this rear-wheel-drive could be a drifter. Subtle F Sport emblems will further support your suspicions. Walk around the back and dual stacked pipes on either side of the quad exhaust, an unusual site for a non-turbo automobile, will confirm ideas of enhanced vehicle performance.

Infrared’ is not only stunning but also unlike any other tone or shade of red currently on the market. The model palette offers other colors as well. Slide inside the 2023 Lexus IS 500 F Sport, take in the fresh leather scent as it wafts past your nose. Grab the leather wrapped steering wheel, extend your fingertips to the paddle shifters and mentally prepare for surprises about to come. What average sedan has paddle shifters? That’s your next hint this ride is designed for driver exhilaration.

Adjust your leather, body hugging, seat with eight-way power options, plus heat or cooling and take pleasure knowing those adjustments will be saved for optimal comfort each and every time you drive. Front passenger seat is treated to the same options but no memory.  Driver and passenger are separated by a console offering advanced technological controls like a track pad to navigate the digital display including a 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, drive mode dial, beverage holders and under arm rest storage. 

The 2023 Lexus IS 500 F Sport offers four distinct drive modes that allow drivers to tailor their experience to suit driving style and the road conditions. Each mode brings a unique set of characteristics, from efficiency to exhilaration, enhancing the versatility of this luxury sport sedan. Choose between Eco to prioritize fuel efficiency; Normal for the perfect balance between efficiency and performance; Sport mode locks it all tight for heightened responsiveness; and Sport+ to unleash all available performance for the sheer thrill of the ride.

Time to pull the disguise off the wolf and transform the 2023 Lexus IS 500 F Sport from a serene luxury sedan to a fierce and powerful predator. Push the keyless ignition and allow your ears to absorb the symphonic growl produced by a naturally aspirated, direct injection, 5.0-litre V8 engine. This wolf generates 472 HP at 7,100 RPM and 395 lb.-ft of peak torque at 4,800 RPM and boasts 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds.

The vehicle defaults to Normal mode each time you start it. When you are maximizing fuel efficiency, a green Eco leaf appears on the dash. Driving between Sport and Sport+, there is no significant handling change. The engine roars through the 8-speed transmission so smoothly, you will find yourself moving over the posted limit in the blink of an eye. Coast the straight aways and pilot the twists and turns.

As you fly drive and listen to the roar of the engine, have peace of mind that the 2023 Lexus IS 500 F Sport is packed with safety features. Pre-collision warning and pedestrian detection when making a left-hand turn. Emergency steering assist to perform semi-autonomous maneuvers and all-speed dynamic radar cruise control and automatic high beam.

The 2023 Lexus IS 500 F Sport also offers Safety Connect (3-year trial) which includes collision detection, stolen vehicle locator, emergency assistance button with enhanced roadside assistance. Add the Lexus app to your smartphone and open up an entirely other volume of features at your fingertips like remote start, door lock/unlock and the ability to check the status of doors and windows.

Navigation is a breeze with the enhanced panoramic view mirror in addition to the standard backup camera. See everything around you and squeeze into that tight spot with confidence. Driving navigation is displayed on the standard 8” touchscreen but with Lexus Navigation, a 10.3” screen is available.

During my time with the 2023 Lexus IS 500 F Sport, I found the track pad navigation to be too sensitive and distracting trying to navigate while driving. I felt the same way about another vehicle I reviewed that had one as well so perhaps it is just me. The a-pillar is not ideal and perhaps this is a known issue considering the vehicle offers the left-turning safety collision and pedestrian detection. Lastly, the vehicle is thirsty which is to be expected in a sports car but it only offers a 65-litre (17-gallon) fuel tank so, depending on the operation, you may be refuelling frequently.

If you are considering a solo or multi-person ride and are not the SUV type, the 2023 Lexus IS 500 F Sport should not be overlooked.