^^ This could be signaling that the regular production of the IS 500 is pretty much done and they are getting ready for the Ultimate Edition before the IS 500 is done for this generation (or good). I hope I am wrong although my dealer had told me earlier this spring (when I was debating getting a white/white) that this is the last year for it.

 

I have doubts the IS500 run will be over. Why should it? It costs Lexus next to nothing in terms of R&D to develop the IS500 , so if they can sell 1000 units per year, then why stop it. It's not like the EV revolution is storming in. If anything, that has gone into retreat.

 

I’ve been told different stories from different dealerships. It could be that some dealers are simply not willing to place orders for this model any more due to the low sales volume. Some dealerships are still taking orders though just like what OP experienced, but I’m not sure if they will still be 2025 model or 26?

 

Yeah, it's really hard to know for sure what will happen and not all dealers are forthcoming with their information. Some don't have any information but I am sure some do have some inside scoop - Perfect example is the RAV 4, I knew back in October 2024 that it would be Hybrid only and that a GR model was going to be made available (I was skeptical) but the dealer who told me the info was spot on because they were at a dealer event where some things were shared/showed). So we just need to wait and see but the fact they are doing an Ultimate Edition (500) similar to the Launch Edition, seems to suggest they started with the LE and will be ending the IS 500 with the Ultimate Edition and that will be it...but we'll see


If the 500 end as expected, it won't be because of the cost of production but rather, the limitation with the use of the V8. Emission regulations are increasing and there are penalties for car companies producing these vehicles but Toyota has a lot of hybrids and electric to offset some of these but eventually, things do run its course. The IS has been in production since the MY 2013 and it's due for a major overhaul as it received 2 MMC refresh (interior hasn't changed since - Not that I mind because I LOVE the interior) so it's due for a full refresh. We saw what they did with the ES and I suspect the IS will be next and I can't see how they would keep the V8 in the next generation IS but I would LOVE TO BE WRONG I could see an IS 500 coming with a 4 cylinder turbo and electric motors to enhance the output like they did with the RX 500.

 

OP were you able to get any discount on your order with lexus on the park? Thanks.

 

Hey,

No, I wasn't. And I've been really loyal to them over the course of the last decade. They were able to give my wife a pretty good deal on her TX350, but for the IS500, the best they could do was give me a discount on some of their add-ons (window tinting, ceramic coating, etc.).

Explanation was that the IS500 is so rare that they don't have any wiggle room on it. It essentially is what it is.

At Lexus on th park, you can ask to speak with Jack Newman; he's the agent I dealt with.

 

Congrats in advance and welcome to the club!

I am also in the Toronto area and having driven the car for a year now, I can say that there is not too much to worry about driving through the winter months as long as you are on a set of snow tires. If you plan on driving the winter months do run it through those automated car washes to get the underside cleaned every week or two to keep the salt away. It has reliably gotten me through most days. I would not recommend driving during heavy snow days only light to moderate. I had hiccups when going through the DVP uphills, traction issues……

In any case you won’t be disappointed, all the best!

 

Absolutely not! You clearly have a vision and the anchor is the red interior. When it’s that deeply ingrained, then you need to stick with it. You can’t go from wanting our bright murder-scene red to an all black interior. Luckily I found my spec (Blue on Red), but I considered white as a backup. At no point was the claustrophobic black a part of the equation.

I agree 100%! I go back to the 2021 article where the North American Lexus exec said 2026 as the end. The IS500 is the best parts-bin car ever made; costs Lexus no money, it mostly never sits on lots, and reviewers who trashed it in 2022/2023 have finally understood its value and what it offers. Old school muscle car emotion with modern safety tech.

EDIT: Hopped into a 2025 Genesis GV70 and it took me 5 minutes to figure how to turn the blasted radio off! I’ll take our infotainment layout all day everyday.

 

^^ So does that mean it will not be produced for the 2026 MY (the end) or it will end with the 2026 MY? It is semantics but could be a game changer. I am not sure why they would do 500 of an Ultimate Edition if they were going to do another full model year of it. Unless they will do something wild for the FINAL EDITION - We will know by fall I guess (lol)

I am just happy I have one in my garage and don't have to worry about it

 

You’re right, semantics are everything, Ultimate and Final mean two different things. Hell…they started this IS500 journey with the Launch Edition, they’ll most likely bookend it with a Final Edition.

I think you will still be able to get non-UE examples through 2026. In my opinion, they’re following the same path used for the RCF.

RCF
RCF TE
RCF FE

 

Amen! Amen! Amen!!

I’m attached to my 2022, because it carries a story. From the wild wild west of jostling to find the car to next day flights to get it. 🥰

 

Yea it's crazy how much this forum has changed from the wild west days to the ease of getting one now. It felt like every 500 was snapped up before they got to the Mississippi in the early days. You flying to Oklahoma really early on was an eye opener for me about how difficult these were to get. The forum was a little more "fun" at the time because when someone did get one it was like "Yea baby!!" (Imagine that in Joe Raiti's voice lol )

 

I was actually told today but lexus Oakville that they no longer take orders for 2025 IS500... two dealers so far have told me that they no longer take orders, not sure if that means the regular is500 production ended or simply the 2025 model year ended....

 

^^ They did announce the end of the RC but never said anything about the IS. It is so frustrating not knowing what will happen and umfortunate for those having to decide whether to compromise on a color combo over none at all, or just wait for 2026....my sales manager led me.to believe that this will be it for the 500. Maybe the 300/350 will soldier on for 1 more year.? As was said above, ultimate and final are 2 different things howver, to put effort in giving it special brakes, special setbelts and steering and producing 500.is telling, plus its the ultimate as suggesting its the pinnacle. They never did a name.plate for the yellow and blue limited.production. they must have fum reading our speculations

 

I drive it all year long and use Michelin Alpin tires for winter. Just be cautious when you accelerate in bends as it could cause you to oversteer. If the roads are unplowed, the car gets wobbly so just drive slow and steady. It is more challenging to drive than an AWD, but it improves your car control overall.