Given all that you've been saying and what you value more (and assuming you can swing it - LET'S GO BLUE JAYS, sorry, couldn't resist, LOL), I'd keep your White IS500 and buy the 2026 IS350 so you have the best of both worlds.

 

definitely no pink or pink hue is present, it’s just the poor quality pictures online.

 

I am going to see it on Wednesday so that will be the moment where I have all the info I need to make an informed decision, if the UE doesn't wow me, I will likely do what you are suggesting. I am trying to encourage my gf that we should get rid of the Spark and that we get the 350 for her and it would be her summer car instead of the Spark. She is very unassuming and feels the Spark is more her thing (which she does look adorable in) but for selfish reasons, I would love to convince her otherwise. 4 Cars would be a bit much in a house of 2 but if I can't decide between trading my 500 for the 350 or keeping it, I may get both anyway. Now this will be a moot point if I fall in love with the UE. I'll take as many good pics as I can too and report back.

EDIT: The dealer has a new LC 500 in Nori Green, now maybe I'll get that instead (lol) - J/k, NG is not my color at all, sorry folks

 

I have a feeling after this initial launch of the 2nd IS refresh, Toyota may offer the 500 again in 2027 or 2028.

With the EV mandate and carbon credits gone. V8s are making a comeback.

 

^^ I have the same hunch in teh back of my mind. Why would Lexus have invested in doing a full interior re-design for simply one variant of the IS (the 350). My dealership seems adamant that there will be no more V8 and that they are simply offering this refresh to extend it until something totally different is offered. I am a bit sceptical and there is a gambling side of me that is tempted to roll the dice and see. That video where I showed the IS 350 (2026), in my eyes, it looked better than the UE but in all fairness, we have not seen good videos or pics of the UE and that is why I want to see it in person.

There is an element of me that feels that I would be enjoy the 2026 more (visually) than the the UE. The interior is nicer (IMO), I like the wheels better, it has the red caliper, I could live with those wheels and it has that 2 tone color interior, and also has the wind color IF I like that color, not to mention much cheaper.

 

It's all a good point. We have a unique and rare situation where there are two interesting and different IS's offered at the same time. The existing IS500 UE, and it's impressive color combination, achieving and disappearing V8, and possibly better looking front end. And then the 2026 IS350 with a much improved interior and similar interesting color combination. I am sure many are comparing the two sides and trying to decide which they find more compelling.

 

I'll just say this - Lexus did something similar in 2014 when they continued selling the old chassis IS F simultaneously alongside the new IS250/350 which obviously had an updated interior and new paint colors. Guess which car has held its value better and still has enthusiasts drooling over 10 years later.

The idea of trading an enthusiast spec and borderline classic for the latest (but not greatest) version is mind-boggling to me.

 

The 2026 IS350 redesign made me feel a lot better about not trading in my 2023 IS350 SAP for my 2025 IS500 and keeping both cars. I wouldn't consider buying the 2026 even though I'm very happy they chose to continue making it.

Congratulations to the IS500 UE owners - that exterior color is very pretty! I hope you drive it around plenty so we can enjoy looking at it.

 

Toyota / Lexus is coming out with a new V8 but this NA V8 is definitely going away. And the new V8 will be a twin turbo with hybrid electrification. And it will be going into high end Lexus and GR cars. I highly doubt you will ever see another V8 in an IS. Most likely 4 bangers with turbos and electrification.

https://www.autoguide.com/auto/manuf...ngine-44626924

 

While I hear and understand you all that Lexus "may" bring the V8 back, I'm not sure they will. Why would they release a 500 run "Ultimate Edition" if they are just going to bring the V8 back later? It would kind of be a slap in the face to owners who bought the UE.

 

Lexus don't care about customers or things like. I think the v8 is dead but just because they want to meet emission guidelines and such and like others said , will rely on either turbo or/and hybrid. There are no V6 in most of their SUVs and they killed the RC, the LC is going away so the V8 will have no other place to go.

 

Yeah I think this is their path forward. They already have the turbo 4 banger in what looks like an IS test car.
I feel like they slap us in the face constantly lol. Exclusive colors that aren't exclusive, brake upgrades they should have been on the car the whole time, OE tires that are like driving on PVC pipe, "new" models with no powertrain upgrades, cost cutting on stuff like visors and exterior key holes... If the future IS line doesn't have big power upgrades I don't see myself buying one again.

 

^^ oh be careful, you will annoy people here by saying exclusive colors aren't exclusive. I made that mistake (lol)

 

The NA v8 is done. The new v8 with twin turbos is 100% confirmed from Toyota/lexus. It will be the mild hybrid I think.
You also have to think there is no chance they are making the new TT v8 and use it for one sports car. It will be in other cars across Toyota/lexus, but who knows which ones right now

 

So the next IS may get a TTV8? That would be cool.