New 2026 Lexus IS 500 Review, Specs, Price

New 2026 Lexus IS 500 Review, Specs, Price –  You may have observed a recent trend of smaller gas engines, since many huge ones have completely vanished. Performance automobiles may now be driven by motors as little as three cylinders thanks to emissions reduction programs, and Mercedes-Benz’s AMG performance division is switching to electric four-cylinder engines that sound like irate vacuum cleaners.

There aren’t many alternatives if you want a new car with a V8 engine that doesn’t feature mild hybrid systems, turbochargers, or superchargers. Look no farther than the New 2026 Lexus IS 500 if you’re looking for a four-door vehicle.   New 2026 Lexus IS 500 Review

New 2026 Lexus IS 500 Redesign and Update Plan

Exterior and Interior

The number of actual physical buttons sprinkled throughout the cockpit speaks to the design’s age, too. Where other cars have gone to all screens and haptic controls, the IS continues with honest-to-goodness buttons on the steering wheel, dashboard, and everywhere else you’d hope to find them.  New 2026 Lexus IS 500 Review

The steering wheel feels great in hand and frames the gauge display that features a large central ring around the tachometer and speedometer. There are simple displays for engine oil and water temperatures, the odometer and fuel level, but that’s about it. There’s no giant gauge screen with futuristic graphics or an atlas-worth of maps on display – just the crucial information a driver needs.

Alas, the IS 500 does still suffer with the last application of Lexus’s outdated infotainment system that’s been replaced in the rest of the lineup. Controlled by a tedious touchpad situated behind the gear selector, there may be some seriously dextrous folks out there who can manage to operate the system without swearing at it, but for the rest of us, the small-ish dash-top screen now has touch functionality, too.

New 2026 Lexus IS 500 Specs

The interior is decently equipped, offering standard leather finishes, a power sunroof, dual-zone climate control, and both heated and ventilated front seats. The steering wheel is also heated, and its adjustment is power-actuated this year. As the top trim for both performance and luxury, the IS 500 also gets a limited-slip differential to help with handling, and the sensational 17-speaker stereo helps make up for that too-quiet engine. New 2026 Lexus IS 500 Review

The front seats don’t offer the extreme bolstering, nor the million-way adjustability of its rivals, and yet the IS 500 doesn’t suffer for it. Offering a balance of supple softness and enough bolstering depth to keep occupants well-hugged for spirited driving (if not hot lapping), the driver and front seat passenger are well-coddled. That’s not necessarily the case in the back. While the seat itself is comfy enough for two, headroom is somewhat limited, and legroom is pretty scarce. While there’s a seatbelt for a middle occupant in the back, it should be reserved for people with skinny backsides who aren’t bothered by sitting with their legs splayed around the driveshaft tunnel.

Engine and Performance

Beyond reducing fleet emissions averages, turbochargers and electrification can fill in flat spots in an engine’s normal torque curve that results in greater responsiveness while usually burning less gas. But those engine add-ons tend to muffle the glorious mechanical sounds that have been associated with proper performance for years. The 5.0L V8 found under the IS 500’s hood whips up 7,100 rpm before delivering its full 472-hp punch. Likewise, its peak torque of 395 lb-ft of torque needs a lofty 4,800 rpm before it all comes online. Of course, that also means this Lexus doesn’t have the same sort of thrilling immediacy of its rivals and their smaller boosted engines.

The upside is that for those who appreciate a more involving connection between driver and machine, the Lexus rewards holding revs, with a fluid wave of momentum and a magnificent V8 soundtrack. A properly sophisticated four-cam V8 like this one screaming at such high speeds is the sort of rare aural treat that most of us only get to experience by watching videos of classic exotic machines doing the hill climb at Goodwood.   New 2026 Lexus IS 500 Review

New 2026 Lexus IS 500 Fuel Economy

Of course, the IS 500’s fuel consumption also reminds drivers there’s a big V8 under the hood. However, on the highway, the consumption rate of 9.3 L/100 km is almost the same as the V6 version with all-wheel drive. It’s around town where the 5.0L struggles, with a consumption rate of 14.1 L/100 km. After a week of testing, the indicated average of 11.1 L/100 km topped its official rating of 11.9.

New 2026 Lexus IS 500 Safety Features

Forward collision warning with pedestrian and bicycle recognition, active emergency braking, and steering assistance when necessary are all part of the standard advanced safety system. Additionally, there is a 360-degree video system, automated high-beam control, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic warning.

To that end, the IS 500 is practical by V8 sports car standards, since even its restrictive back seat is more accessible than a Ford Mustang‘s; but then that Ford has more trunk space. Those wanting to drive the IS 500 all year will need winter tires, and should note that the V8 Lexus comes only in rear-wheel drive layout.    New 2026 Lexus IS 500 Review

New 2026 Lexus IS 500 Price and Release Date

If the goal is to go out and park a new car with a lusty, normally-aspirated V8 in your garage for as cheap as possible, the Mustang GT is the answer. But for those looking for a bit more interior space, four doors, and Lexus’s reputation for exceptional build quality and long-term durability, the IS 500 is it. New 2026 Lexus IS 500 Review

When compared against premium European rivals, the IS 500’s $75,000 starting price looks like a significantly better value, offering just the only V8 in the category, but more power and torque than the comparatively priced BMW M340i, Mercedes-AMG C 43, and Audi S4. Step up to the spicier high-performance models from those competitive brands and you’re shelling out at least $20,000 more.