For over two decades, the Lexus IS has cemented its position as a global compact, rear-wheel-drive sports sedan, with approximately 1.3 million units sold across more than 40 countries and regions. Since its introduction in 1999, the model has consistently embodied Lexus’s commitment to driving pleasure, challenging its European counterparts with its sharp handling and engaging character. As a powerful tribute to this storied heritage and enduring legacy, Lexus proudly unveils the 2025 IS 500 Ultimate Edition. This limited-edition model, restricted to just 500 units for North America, is a poignant celebration of one of the market’s rare remaining naturally aspirated luxury V8 engines, adding a new layer of presence and capability to the already venerable IS 500 F SPORT Performance grade.
A Celebration of Legacy and Performance: The 2025 IS 500 Ultimate Edition serves as a definitive ode to the Lexus IS lineage, a model that has consistently pushed the boundaries of compact sports sedan performance and luxury. Its limited production run of 500 units for North America underscores its exclusivity and collectible status. This special edition amplifies the already impressive IS 500 F SPORT Performance, pushing its driving dynamics and overall presence to new heights. It stands as a testament to Lexus’s dedication to enthusiasts who cherish the raw, unadulterated power delivery of a naturally aspirated V8 engine, a feature becoming increasingly rare in the contemporary automotive landscape.
Powertrain and Performance Details: At the core of the 2025 Lexus IS 500 Ultimate Edition is the potent 5.0-liter 2UR-GSE V8 engine, a naturally aspirated marvel renowned for its responsiveness and robust output. This V8 engine continues to deliver a formidable 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque, channeling power efficiently to the rear wheels. The engine is seamlessly paired with the existing eight-speed Sport Direct Shift (SPDS) automatic transmission, which provides quick and precise gear changes for an exhilarating driving experience. Enhancing its formidable capabilities are Brembo® opposed 6-piston aluminum calipers working with high-friction brake pads and large 380mm pillar-fin ventilated disc brakes at the front, ensuring exceptional stopping power and fade resistance. These brake calipers are finished in an exclusive red, visually signaling the vehicle’s enhanced performance. Furthermore, the Ultimate Edition is fitted with lightweight and rigid 19-inch forged alloy wheels by BBS®, which are engineered to reduce unsprung weight and increase overall rigidity, further sharpening the vehicle’s dynamic responsiveness.
Distinctive Exterior Elements: The 2025 IS 500 Ultimate Edition makes a bold visual statement with its distinctive exterior features. The vehicle introduces a new F SPORT exclusive body color known as “Wind”. This metallic light gray finish is specially applied to convey a sense of agility and constant motion, perfectly capturing the dynamic character inherent in the IS driving experience. The 19-inch forged alloy wheels by BBS® receive a specially applied matte black finish, lending them a sharp, confident presence that powerfully reinforces the vehicle’s athletic stance. The exclusive red finish on the Brembo® brake calipers peeking through the wheels further emphasizes the Ultimate Edition’s heightened performance capabilities and aggressive sporty style.
Exclusive In-Cabin Opulence: The interior of the IS 500 Ultimate Edition is crafted to offer a heightened sense of luxury and performance. A striking color theme of Circuit Red and Black dominates the cabin, creating a cohesive and sporty atmosphere. The seats are trimmed in a sophisticated combination of NuLuxe and Ultrasuede®, providing both comfort and grip. The LFA-inspired steering wheel and shift knob are finished in dimple-textured genuine leather, offering a premium tactile experience. Thoughtfully applied red seatbelts, a serialized badge on the center console, and other accent details throughout the interior reinforce the vehicle’s performance-inspired theme. The analog clock features a multi-layered dial with precision red laser etching, underscoring the meticulous craftsmanship. The center console serialized badge and scuff plates feature exclusive Ultimate Edition design elements. Additionally, the 8-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) display, which includes a color multi-information display and rear seat reminder function, features an Ultimate Edition exclusive Multi-Information Display (MID) start-up animation, creating a unique sense of anticipation upon ignition.
The Lexus Driving Signature: The Lexus Driving Signature represents a significant evolution in the brand’s product development philosophy and cultural approach. Since its inception, Lexus has emphasized a unique tactile feel and behavior for each model, driven by the vision of its Chief Engineer. Through this refined process, the focus is to elevate vehicles to an enhanced standard of performance and handling, ensuring a shared brand identity across the lineup. The ultimate goal is to deliver Lexus vehicles characterized by responsive and linear control, exceptional handling, confidence-inspiring grip, refined ride quality, and a quiet cabin environment. These critical elements are rigorously tested and meticulously evaluated at the Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama, a demanding facility designed to push vehicles to their limits.
Advanced Safety and Technology: The 2025 IS 500 Ultimate Edition comes standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, a comprehensive suite of active safety and convenience features designed to enhance driver confidence and occupant protection. This system includes the Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection, which can help detect vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists and provide warnings or automatic emergency braking. Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist is designed to provide additional steering torque during sudden maneuvers, enhancing stability. Left Turn Oncoming Vehicle Detection/Braking offers warnings and automatic braking for specific turning scenarios. All-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) helps maintain a preset distance from vehicles ahead, even in stop-and-go traffic. Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane when DRCC is active. Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA) provides warnings and gentle steering corrections for inadvertent lane departures. Road Sign Assist (RSA) displays key road signs on the Multi-Information Display. Finally, Automatic High Beams intelligently switch between high and low beams based on traffic conditions.
Limited Availability: As a truly special edition, the 2025 Lexus IS 500 Ultimate Edition is limited to a production run of only 500 units specifically for the North American market. The vehicle is set to go on sale later in the year, with its Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) to be announced closer to its release date. This limited availability ensures its exclusivity and makes it a highly sought-after model for enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Summary
- Limited production of 500 units for North America
- Features new F SPORT exterior color: Wind
- Exclusive interior with Circuit Red and Black elements, NuLuxe and Ultrasuede® seats
- Powered by 5.0-liter 2UR-GSE V8 engine with 472 hp and 395 lb-ft torque
- Equipped with eight-speed Sport Direct Shift (SPDS) automatic transmission
- Includes Brembo® 6-piston calipers (red finish) and 380mm ventilated disc brakes
- Fitted with 19-inch BBS® forged alloy wheels with matte black finish
- Interior details include LFA-inspired steering wheel, red seatbelts, serialized badge, and multi-layered analog clock
- 8-inch TFT display with Ultimate Edition exclusive MID start-up animation
- Features Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 suite of active safety features
Disclaimer: Information presented is derived from press release data and is intended for general knowledge. Specifications and features are subject to change by the manufacturer.
Source: Lexus
AI Assistance: Gemini