By: Krish Persaud
May 12, 2023
Lexus has always been known for producing luxurious and reliable vehicles. With the introduction of the 2022 Lexus IS500 Launch Edition, they have added to their realm of performance cars. This latest addition to the Lexus IS lineup offers an absolutely thrilling driver’s experience with its powerful V8 engine, sharp handling, and exterior design. Thanks to our friends at Toyota Canada, we had the opportunity to put it through a week-long test.
Under the hood of this IS500 Launch Edition lies a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine that produces 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque, which is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This impressive setup propels this car from 0 to 100km/h in just 4.5 seconds, making it easy to compete with the other powerful vehicles in its class. The engine note is music to our ears making sounds just as impressive as the power it delivers, with a deep, throaty exhaust note that lets you know you’re driving something special.
The IS500 is more than just a straight-line performer. It has been designed to handle corners with precision and agility, thanks to its meticulously engineered chassis, limited-slip differential, and larger brakes. The steering is precise and responsive, giving us the confidence to push the car to its limits. The adaptive variable suspension can adjust to different road conditions, making the ride comfortable and smooth even on rough surfaces in true Lexus form.
The exterior is just as impressive as its performance. The sleek, aerodynamic design is enhanced with unique styling elements, including a blacked-out grille, 19-inch forged BBS alloy wheels, and a rear spoiler. The Launch Edition also comes with exclusive Incognito paint, which gives the car a stealthy, mysterious appearance.
The interior is a showcase of Lexus craftsmanship. The interior is luxurious and refined, with high-quality materials and attention to detail evident throughout. The two-tone black and grey Ultra Suede front seats are sporty and supportive, providing a comfortable driving position for long journeys or spirited drives. Rear passengers will be happy with the amount of legroom they have as well. The infotainment system is intuitive and easy to use, with a large 10.3-inch touchscreen display along with Lexus’s signature touchpad and a premium 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, which reproduces audio perfectly.
The IS500 Launch Edition isn’t just about luxury and performance. It also comes with a host of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. These features provide peace of mind for the driver and passengers, knowing that the car is equipped to handle unexpected situations on the road.
The Lexus IS500 Launch Edition is a limited production model, with only 500 units being produced for the North American market. With a starting price of $72,900, at the time of our test, our vehicle came with an as-tested price of $77,650 before taxes and fee which isn’t cheap, but for those who want the ultimate combination of luxury, performance, and exclusivity, the IS500 Launch Edition is a car that delivers on all fronts.
The 2022 Lexus IS500 Launch Edition is a luxury performance sedan that competes with some of the most renowned vehicles in its class. These include the BMW M3, Mercedes-AMG C63, Audi RS5, and the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, as well as other potential rivals such as the Acura TLX Type S, Genesis G70, and Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio. These vehicles are highly sought after by driving enthusiasts due to their impressive performance capabilities, luxurious features, and advanced technologies.
The IS500 Launch Edition offers a thrilling driving experience with its smooth V8 engine and sharp handling, while its luxurious interior and advanced safety features rival those of its competitors. Its unique styling makes it stand out in its class, and its limited production ensures exclusivity for those fortunate enough to own one. The IS500 Launch Edition embodies the pinnacle of luxury and performance, and is a testament to Lexus’ commitment to pushing the boundaries of what a luxury car can be. With its ability to turn heads wherever it goes, the IS500 Launch Edition is sure to be a favorite among driving enthusiasts and luxury car enthusiasts alike.
