When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I would have liked a power trunk door, electronic door sensors on all four doors, puddle lights on the door handles
thankfully they didn't do any of that... less is better to me which is why I even shopped for the current is500 to begin with (i actually liked the fact that its a 13 year old car wrapped in modern styling with there most powerful actively supported engine stuffed inside)
i agree with you on the wireless auto though... that should be easy & cheap enough for all manufacturers to implement in 2025 (but you can at least get a $50 USB adapter to accomplish the same function)
LFA inspired steering wheel. Does that mean it will have a flat bottom steering wheel? Bigger brakes sound great. Red seats belts are unique. Hopefully the black accents tone down the circuit red a tad. Put a deposit down in January to allocate a USB/blk/enkei, but tempted to put my name on one of these instead. Would like to see pricing and interior photos.
A flat bottom steering wheel would have been a nice upgrade too.
I sometimes have difficulty getting in/out of this car. I feel like I have to contort my body in a strange way. Only car I've ever owned that I've had to do this.
LFA inspired steering wheel. Does that mean it will have a flat bottom steering wheel? Bigger brakes sound great. Red seats belts are unique. Hopefully the black accents tone down the circuit red a tad. Put a deposit down in January to allocate a USB/blk/enkei, but tempted to put my name on one of these instead. Would like to see pricing and interior photos.
The bottom line is that we need more photos. I would love to see the interior (including the wheel).
This interests me. Called my dealer yesterday to inquire about them. Currently driving a 23’ IS 350 F Sport with the handling package and really enjoying it. Should I be concerned about the bumper separation issue on a IS 500 before diving in? I’ve read through the threads on the issue. Kinda hard to tell how common it is. We’ve had a RC F, GS F, LC 500 before. So I know I’ll like the motor, and the IS is about my favorite form factor of Lexus…small 4 door. It’s just really practical and easy to drive, and the 2002 IS 300 was my first. It holds a special place with with me, so kinda be nice to have potentially the last one.
Well I don't see a flat bottom wheel on the RC F Final Edition, I do wonder if the red/black interior is essentially what is in the RC F minus the special "F" seats...
Should I be concerned about the bumper separation issue on a IS 500 before diving in? I’ve read through the threads on the issue. Kinda hard to tell how common it is.
Should you be concerned? No because while the issue will LIKELY happen because many (if not most) have had some sort of separation of the bumper, with some more than others. There is an easy fix to this problem (see the sticky thread on this forum)....a member has developed a very clever device that solves this problem. So don't let this issue prevent you from getting an amazing car!!
Last edited by wthrman2; May 22, 2025 at 05:23 AM.
^^ I can confirm the same on my end. I told the dealer that IF one gets allocated to them and that they have to take it, to tag my name on it so I can at least have 1st right of refusal on it and he agreed. I'd be surprised if I fell in love with it but stranger things have happened. I did tell him though to NOT bring on in for me. When the LE came out, each dealers in Canada were sent at least one unit, some had more, so not sure if teh same will happen with this edition
My personal feeling is that is an ultimate "Meh." Not a fan of the exterior color, which Lexus will probably produce most of them in. Hell, something like Copper Crest (or as others have suggested, Nori Green) would be better in my opinion. I am not a fan of red interiors, even if it is just accent pieces. Bigger brakes? Maybe, but unless I am flogging the hell out of the car, better pads and high temp fluid should work just find for any intermediate HPDE I decide to do in the car. Better pads would certainly work well enough for spirited street driving.
I am sure Toyota/Lexus has done market research and made their decisions based on it, which tells me I am probably not the target audience since this version does not excite me at all. It has nothing significant enough to warrant me replacing my 2023. Also, being a lifelong pessimist, I see the 500-unit limit as a marketing move to generate some FOMO.
Yeah, I can't say I would trade in my 2023 for this ultimate edition. Just not enough there. If they had made some real performance improvements, then maybe, but not for these cosmetic differences.
Super underwhelming other than breaks being good option in future. Boggles my mind how boring and safe lexus plays. At least give us some interesting color!
