It’s official, guys. Lexus is putting its 5.0-liter V8 back into the IS sports sedan. Now, it’s time to see how the 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance compares to the competition. You might be tempted to combine it with elite materials like the BMW M3, Mercedes-AMG C63 and the new Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing and you would be right if it were a complete F. But this is not a complete IS F.
According to Lexus, its new F Sport Performance line was created to go hand in hand with other lines of “medium performance” luxury cars, such as BMW M Performance and Audi S-prefix. Therefore, we will compare it with the BMW M340i (rear-wheel drive, as well as the IS 500), the Mercedes-AMG C43 and the Audi S4. And before accusing Lexus of segment-based sandbagging, keep in mind that, since Lexus had the “midsize” in mind when calibrating the performance of the IS 500, you will probably have those same cars in mind when configuring the new ISs also.
Audi S4
- Initial price: $ 50,945
- Motor: 3.0 liter V6 turbo
- Power: 349 horsepower at 6,200 rpm
- Torque: 369 foot-pounds at 3,200 rpm
- Streaming: Eight-speed automatic
- Traction Wheels: All
- Curb weight: 3,847 pounds
- 0 to 60 mph: 4.4 seconds
- Maximum speed: 155 mph
By the numbers, the trio of German sports sedans is very similar. How frighteningly similar. Three-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine? Check. Power and torque in the 300s range from medium to high? Check. Moderate weight somewhere between 3,800 and 3,900 pounds? Check. Time from zero to 60 mph in the middle of the 4s? Check. Top speed of 155 mph? Verification verification. However, there are some differences. BMW stands out for being available with pure rear-wheel drive (xDrive is an option), while Audi’s starting price is a decent piece of lower gear. Merc has an extra turbo and an extra gear. Other than that, these three were clearly made with each other in their respective reticles.
This new Lexus, in turn, looks like it will be capable of the same pace, but it will get there with two additional cylinders and without turbos. Its 5.0-liter V8 (the same that comes out of the LC 500 and RC F) produces 472 hp and 395 lb-ft. on here. Despite this and a curb weight that is only marginally greater than the others, however, the IS 500 reaches 60 in 4.5 seconds, identical to the C43 and 0.1 second slower than the M340i and S4.
Given its much higher peak production values, you would be forgiven for thinking that the Lexus should mop the floor with the other three in a straight line, but, of course, it doesn’t, at least not in a short excavation run. But why not? Probably because, although the IS has more peak HP and torque, these are naturally aspirated horses and, uh, torques, which means that the peak arrives considerably later. The IS 500 reaches peak power at 7,100 rpm, while the maximum torque reaches 4,800 rpm. In addition, something tells us that the Lexus launch schedule is not as aggressive as most others in the class to preserve this legendary reputation for longevity.
Correction at 13h54 ET on 02/22/2021: This article previously stated that the Lexus’ 5.0-liter V8 produces 495 foot-pounds of torque instead of 395 foot-pounds. The Drive regrets the mistake.
Do you have a tip? Send us a note: [email protected]