The current Lexus IS has been on the market since the 2021 model year, and for 2025 the compact sport sedan carries on with just a few minor updates. The highlight is a Special Appearance Package for the V-8-powered IS 500 F Sport Performance, which Lexus has launched to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the IS nameplate.
The IS 500 F Sport Performance is the flagship of the IS lineup and is currently the only naturally aspirated V-8 sedan on the market. It comes in standard and better-equipped Premium flavors, and for 2025 the Special Appearance Package is available for the Premium version. The package will be limited to 180 units, and includes 19-inch BBS wheels, Flare Yellow paint, black leather trim with yellow accent stitching, and color-coordinated floor mats.
Buyers after the lesser IS 300 and IS 350 also have something to look forward to with the new model year, as the F Sport versions of those models receive added standard equipment. These include folding side mirrors with dark chrome accents and a dimming function, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, dark chrome window trim, and memory for the driver seat, steering wheel, and side mirrors.
In the case of the tamer F Sport Design versions of the IS 300 and IS 350, a heated steering wheel has been made standard. The F Sport Design option was added last year, and gives the IS a sporty look with unique fascias, 19-inch wheels, and “F” badges, but it skips some of the performance extras of the F Sport option.
The 2025 IS lineup comes standard with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, though a 10.3-inch touchscreen is available on versions equipped with navigation or the Mark Levinson Premium Audio Package. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the lineup.
There's been no change to the powertrains of the IS lineup for 2025. All IS 300 versions come with a 241-hp 2.0-liter turbo-4 and the choice of rear- or all-wheel drive. All IS 350 versions come with a 311-hp 3.5-liter V-6 and the choice of rear- or all-wheel drive. The IS 500 F Sport Performance comes with a 472-hp 5.0-liter V-8 and rear-wheel drive only. An 8-speed automatic is the transmission for rear-wheel-drive models and a 6-speed is fitted to those with all-wheel drive.
With the IS 500 F Sport Performance, owners can expect 0-60 mph acceleration in 4.4 seconds. The IS 300 delivers a 0-60 mph time in the mid six seconds, while the IS 350 drops this to the mid fives.
The 2025 IS starts sales later this year and will be priced from $41,360 for the IS 300 with rear-wheel drive. Adding all-wheel drive costs $2,000.
The IS 350 comes standard in F Sport Design guise and is priced from $44,685. Once again, adding all-wheel drive is a $2,000 option.
The IS 500 F Sport Performance starts at $60,345. The price for its new Special Appearance Package hasn't been announced. All figures include a $1,175 destination charge.