6 WORST And 6 BEST Things About The 2023 Lexus IS500
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- Опубликовано: 14 июн 2024
- Should I get the Lexus IS500 or BMW M340i?
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0:00 - Intro
BAD:
0:27 - Adjust Performance Expectations
This isn’t exactly a BAD thing, but it’s a very Lexus thing. You need to adjust your expectations before you get into this car
First, if you were expecting an ISF successor to fight the M3 or C63, you’ll be disappointed.
The IS500 has almost 500 hp, but with just RWD and the archaic 8 speed gearbox 0-60 is done in just 4.3 seconds
You had adaptive suspension, and forged wheels, and an LSD, but make no mistake it’s still more on the Lexus side than the F side
Think of it more as an IS350 with a V8 swap than a M3 fighter
So that must mean it’s an M340 fighter? Technically yes, price and performance wise it’s much closer to the M340, but it’s smaller, softer, slower, and older
1:27 - Age
Which leads me to my second point, age.
This car, at its core is around a decade old, whereas the C63 is BRAND new, granted its got half the cylinders and almost a ton on this thing
And the M340i is pretty new as well, and both those cars FEEL a lot newer than this
2:19 - The gearbox
They’ve got the Aisin 8 speed in here that we drove in the RCF and was in the deceased GSF
And in a vacuum it’s fine, but again, compared to modern standards it’s not as smooth or as sharp as competitors
3:12 - Fuel economy
Pretty simple, it’s a big 5 liter v8 making 472 hp - it’s thirsty
20 mpg combined
3:27 - Rear seats
It’s just a bit cramped - the more modern cars have gotten bigger but this car has stayed the same size
3:52 - Price
We’ve touched on this a number of times but for the age of the car it;s a lot of money
Starting, these IS500s cost just under 60k
But this one as tested is just about 66k
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GOOD:
4:33 - The Engine
I LOVE these Lexus 5 liter V8s
They’re not the fastest things on the road, but they sound incredible, they make great power, and they’ve historically been pretty bulletproof
This engine is cranking out 472hp and 395 lbft
Technically 1 more p than the flagship Lexus LC500
ALSO 90 more hp than the BMW M340i…yet the BMW is quicker to 60 thanks to low turbo torque, AWD grip, and a better 8 speed
BUT it’s the sound character of this engine that gets me everytime
5:27 - Styling
I would also like to say that this is far and away the best LOOKING car between the M340i and the C43 and S4
6:30 - The Drive
Remember at the beginning of the video when I said to adjust your expectations?
Well if you’ve been able to do that you can really start to appreciate this car for what it is
Don’t buy this if you’re looking for an M3
Don’t buy this if you’re looking for the FASTEST car out there
Don’t buy this if you get in fights with strangers on the internet based on hp numbers and 0-60 times
BUT if you love going out for a drive on a lazy Sunday afternoon before a week of work, then you should buy this
7:36 - Interior Quality
We talked about the design being pretty familiar for the last decade, but it’s still really well built and makes a lot of ergonomic sense - something that can’t always be said for the BMW and Mercedes
Everything is solid
Eveything feels nice and expensive to the touch
Pretty much everything is physical
Except for the climate sliders but those are kinda cool
Nothing creaks in here or rattles
You’ve got nice luxuries like heated and cooled seats
A heated steering wheel
Mark Levinson audio
You’ve got a fancy clock on your dash with carbon weave for the face
It’s certainly lexus nice in here
8:20 - Tech
I will also say, for something of this age, and I know we keep harping on that point, it’s actually got some decent tech features
Your center screen is updated, bigger, and now a touchscren so you dont have to use that terrible track pad
You’ve got ACP and AA even if it is wired
You’ve got 360 cameras
You’ve got one of the coolest gauge clusters ever..it’s the slidey one from the original LFA…cool
And then the biggest surprise was the comprehensive driver assist suite
It’s got safety sense 2.5 or whatever they call it, but its’ really quite good
It is missing things like a wireless charger and it still has a CD player, but it’s still pretty modern from a tech perspective
9:05 - Trunk
And lastly we’ll talk trunk and practicality
The trunk is actually pretty big - it’s nice and deep and the seats fold, although not from the trunk itself
It’s perfectly practical and fits everything I put in it this week…final thoughts
9:19 - Outro - Авто/Мото
If you get the BMW, lease it. If you get the Lexus, buy it. Performance that won't break.
M340i = problems after 50k miles
Lexus= problems.....other then basic maintenance... I dont know of any until around 1 million miles
I absolutely L-O-V-E mine! You are exactly right, you are choosing the IS500 over anything else, because of its throwback (but with modern elements) feel. I have never been interested in driving just for the sake of it, but this car makes you do it. I’ll drive 2 hours to the mountains, enjoy the twisties, take pictures, head back, and go to brunch. If….and I do mean +if+ you’re willing to work for it, the transmission is quite capable. It’ll just take Sport S+, Manual Mode, PS4S tires, a racing air filter, and a special relationship with your favorite gas pump. 😈 The car is super-analog and I love that the best. I want physical buttons, a modest touch screen, and absolutely nothing electric or turbo. This car isn’t for everyone, but for those who have chosen it, they (we) are in love with it. Thanks for posting!
As always T, you're spot-on with you assessment. I've had a bunch of cars but this one is a true keeper. I may pass it down to my son but most cars will be EV when he's old enough to appreciate what the IS500 is.
Glad to hear you love your car!
@@timw2083 Back at you! I think that’s awesome to keep the car in the family. I don’t have kids, but I’ll have the highest mileage IS 500 ever! 😜
@@blu_is500
I will beat you to 100K with the mileage 😂
@@yousefal-assaf2985 LOL!! Challenge accepted!
Just got my white on black IS500 on Friday. Loving it so far. Also strongly considered the M340i, but I like to keep my cars for a while. When you think about cost, look at depreciation and not just purchase price. These Lexus V8s tend to hold their value.
Nice, enjoy the new ride!
The LFA was worse objectively than every other super car at the time. Nobody was buying it. Now everyone wants one. Hmmmm....Lexus might know something that the rest of us don't.
Timeless
This car and the joy it gives people, despite all of its flaws and objectively superior rivals, are proof of what auto execs need to understand in this transformative time: people don’t drive specifications. It doesn’t matter how sleek your car is or how much crap you stuff in it if your customers aren’t delighted when they get behind the wheel.
💯
I appreciate your thorough review!
I just picked one up yesterday, and like everyone else I freaking love it! It feels like such an irresponsible purchase, but I just don't care!
You'll probably keep it years after you pay it off. Then it's not so irresponsible. If you decide to sell it, you may get a nice return.
"If you love to go out for a drive on a lazy Sunday afternoon", yes! This car is a great daily, but for a Sunday drive, so rewarding. That's why I have only fallen more in love with it over time.
This is the best car in the segment exterior design-wise. I know Lexus wants to make this Electric really soon, so they haven't invested in redesigning the interior.
both great options. looking forward to see your pick 👍
😏
Listen you BUY A LEXUS, People will look at you knowing “yeah that guy plans for the future”
I currently drive a 2019 Civic Hatchback ST, and have been looking to upgrade to a NA Engine and no CVT. When you said it's the same size as a modern honda civic, you sold it for me! I dislike how the size of modern vehicles keeps increasing. I will miss the Civic's MPG though. With the Lexus it'll be SPG, smiles per gallon 😂
Ya it won't be as good as a civic, but mine isn't my daily and so when i drive it, i drive it hard, and i'm averaging about 19 mpg which is shockingly good considering.
Nice review man. I enjoy my new is 350 a lot. Just needed awd as a daily.
Totally get it 💯 glad you like your 350💪 that V6 sounds nice and will last forever
I also have an IS 350 F Sport AWD. If the IS 500 F Sport sticks around and gets AWD, I would be all over it.
Get the IS500!!!
I freaking love my Molten Pearl one!
😎👌
Like the other owners.... I freaking LOVE my IS500. Sure the V6/I6 turbos are quicker. I will drive the IS500 for absolutely no reason but to put a smile on my face. 😊😊😊
I can't knock the other cars but this was perfect for me. If Lexus made this with a V6TT, I would have kept my Stinger GT1.
Get the IS500, Matt.... it's truly a special car. 🎉 I would sell my LC500 before the IS
The LC?!??!?😱
Both are absolutely gorgeous seriously stunning cars. You own the same models I would like to buy I know there is a waitlist for the IS500. Very rarely do I ever see the LC500 it's so futuristic looking a real head turner.
Which years are they?
What colors did you choose for them?
Oh trust me Tim, you can most definitely beat most of the competition from a roll, especially 60+ MPH.
Stangs, Maros, Q60 RSs, M340is... you name it.
Only one I couldn't beat so far from any rolling speed is the MK5 Supra
@@DaBratlife LC is flare yellow and IS is ultrasonic blue with red interior. There were unclaimed IS500s on CarGurus when bought mine
@timw2083 Ok sweet thanks🙂
Just transitioned from my 10-year-old x3 to an IS500 last month. I still love my old BMW, it's perfectly balanced between comfort and sportiness and is even quieter than my new Lexus on the highway. I think the build quality of BMW is as good as the Lexus, and BMW even has leather seats and interior. However, the timing chain of my BMW broke while I was doing my relocation trip, and the electronic gear shifter was totally a NIGHTMARE when the battery drained out -- it cannot be put into neutral and thus cannot be towed easily. Funny enough, one of the biggest reasons I considered the IS 500 is that it has a mechanical gear shifter. Plus, it is a dinosaur in the market now: you probably can get a turbo-charged, brand-new sports car in the next few years, but you may not easily get an affordable (price + room for family) naturally-asperated V8 sedan. The Audi R8 with a V10 sounds more fun but most people cannot afford it easily. IS500 is probably the last affordable, family-friendly, and brand-new car with a large NA engine you can get.
P.S. The fuel economy is not that bad. I drive it daily between home and work in the rush hours, and the cumulated MPG is 20.9 now for the first 1000 miles.
A good an accurate review. I love mine!. Get one!
M340i is a better car but it’s just not special.
being a better car is what makes it special
@@LONGWALDO totally agree
Why is this color not available? It says 2024 everywhere what am I missing
This IS will be my next car. I have Gen 1 and Gen 2 IS cars and I LOVE them. A Lexus IS with the heart of a Mustang GT!
You can’t drive that fast in town so who cares, buy a mini van with all the tech and miss out on a real car. I’ve owned bmws and if you want to be at the dealer every week and pay thousands of dollars for dumb stuff go for it . This Lexus will go 10 years no problem
I love mine! This is the first car ever that I want to take out just for a joy ride everyday. You know you got the right car if driving it gives you a smile on your face :) you’re right it’s not the fastest car, but it’s up there. M340i is ugly in my opinion and it Averages 4.1 and sometimes hit 3.8 with the right tires. It’s not that much of difference really to is500 4.4/4.5
Glad to hear you love yours!
and 0-60 isn't everything, in a roll, which I think matters more, they are neck and neck.
Is there a good way to make these faster?
10-speed transmission and AWD to start - faster shifts and more tires gripping the road. Being from the Mid-west/Great Lakes, AWD is a must.
I just bought one today 2024 is500
Lexus for life 😊
I'd still buy this over any BMW, Mercedes, etc
Lacking in wireless is fine as like my Highlander is pointless 5W! 5W?! What am going to charge?! A friggin mouse??? 🤣 IS500 is definitely on the radar one day.
Don't care what you say but loosing every drag race is going to get old real fast. If you're into that stuff the v8 sound won't even matter after a while but if you just want a car simply to enjoy then this is great. Id get this over the competition based on looks alone but im older so i drive like a grandma these days. Owned many cars and nothing excited me more than the two 3 series i owned.
LEXUS 🏁❤️👍
Lexus’ ARE AMAZING CARS!!! ❤❤❤❤
Used….
Lexus should make a LEXUS "GS F HATCH BACK". instead of IS F...
You'll enjoy the sounds even more if you turn off the stupid ASC fake sound. 😂
20 mpg? Thats nothing for a NA 5L V8 bro. Basic modern economy cars average like 7l/100km and this thing averages only 11,8l/100km?
Either way, sad they don't sell this car in the EU.
2.3t 4 cyl C class instead of a V8? NEVER. That is a bad joke. Heavy drag racer, nothing more. Where is the joy, smile/mile, responsiveness.
The c class is as fast and it drives better. And being a Mercedes makes it nicer
@@naveenthemachine Its a great car it just not as great as it used to be.
Comparing two cars are like finding which is dumb and dumber.
@@LONGWALDOBenz amg do laps around the Lexus like nothing
@@rook3364 Benz is for IDIOTS!!
looks nicer than an m340i
That’s for sure
I'll never sht on anyone's personal preference, but Lexus has been marinating in mediocrity for awhile. After owning a 22 ES 350, I was underwhelmed about everything about it. I looked very seriously at the IS500 and the LC500 but came away equally meh. The interior, the technology, the performance, and even the sound of the IS500 was just....forgettable. The LC has a presence and the sound is much better, but still seems like the V8, it's tuning, and the transmission was just lazy.
To each their own as budgets and many other factors come into play when making a purchase decision.
You can't compare BMW with Lexus. BMW long term is absolute trash.
Who the hell wants this old dinosaur? I would get an M2.
The m2 will break down before 100,000 miles 🤣🤣🤣
@@Acordeonistain805 B58/s58 engine is known to be reliable.
Btw, If you have to keep the car over 100k miles, sorry for you.
@@EastWood2004 bro I ain’t rich can’t be buying brand new cars every 100,k miles 😅
@EastWood2004 lmao thats the dumbest shit ive read all day
Since when is owning a car for more then 100k miles bad? 😂😂
@@marcelrodriguez2067 I assume 100K miles means the car is about 10 years old.
I won’t own any car older than 7-8 years old
Great v8 on a not so great car
Cool sandals, bruh. 🙄