PLANO, Texas (May 19, 2025) – Over the past two decades, the Lexus IS has sold approximately 1.3 million units in over 40 countries and regions across the globe. Since its inception in 1999, the model has embodied the true pursuit of driving bliss as a compact, rear-wheel-drive sports sedan that put its European contemporaries on watch.

As an ode to this storied nameplate’s history and legacy, Lexus introduces the IS 500 Ultimate Edition for the 2025 model year. This limited-edition IS is a celebration of one of the last remaining naturally aspirated luxury V8s on the market. Limited to 500 units in North America and set to go on sale later this year, the IS 500 Ultimate Edition adds further presence and capability to the venerable IS 500 F SPORT Performance grade.

Drivetrain and Powertrain
Equipped with the 5.0-liter 2UR-GSE V8 engine, the Ultimate Edition furthers its driving dynamics and capabilities. The engine is tied to the existing eight-speed Sport Direct Shift (SPDS) automatic transmission and continues to deliver 472 hp and 395-lb.-ft. of torque to the rear wheels.

Exterior Elements
Up front, the IS 500 Ultimate Edition features Brembo® opposed 6-piston aluminum calipers paired with high-friction brake pads and large 380mm pillar-fin ventilated disc brakes, delivering exceptional stopping power and fade resistance. The brake calipers are finished in an exclusive red, emphasizing not only the vehicle’s enhanced performance but also its pursuit of a more aggressively sporty style. In addition, the car is fitted with 19-inch forged alloy wheels by BBS®, engineered for reduced weight and increased rigidity.

Continuing with aesthetics, a specially applied matte black finish gives the wheels a sharp, confident presence that further reinforces the vehicle’s athletic stance. The Ultimate Edition also introduces a new F SPORT exclusive body color: Wind. This metallic light gray finish intends to convey a sense of agility and motion, capturing the dynamic character of the driving experience.

In-Cabin Opulence
Inside the cabin, the IS 500 Ultimate Edition features a color theme of Circuit Red and Black, with seats trimmed in a combination of NuLuxe and Ultrasuede®, while the LFA-inspired steering wheel and shift knob come finished in dimple-textured genuine leather. Red seatbelts, a serialized badge, and other accents are thoughtfully applied throughout the interior, creating a cohesive, performance-inspired theme that further sharpens the IS 500’s powerful and aggressive styling.

Adding to the allure, the analog clock features a multi-layered dial finished with precision red laser etching, emphasizing craftsmanship at the most detailed level. The center console serialized badge and scuff plates are finished with exclusive Ultimate Edition design elements, and the 8-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) display—with color multi-information display and rear seat reminder function—features an Ultimate Edition exclusive Multi-Information Display (MID) start-up animation, creating a heightened sense of anticipation each time the vehicle is started.

The Lexus Driving Signature Lives at Shimoyama
Since Lexus launched, the tactile feel, behavior and execution for each model has been driven by the vision and efforts of the Chief Engineer (CE). The Lexus Driving Signature represents a fundamental shift in the brand’s product development process and culture. Through this process, the efforts of the CE are focused on elevating the vehicles to an enhanced standard of performance and handling. The ultimate goal is to deliver Lexus vehicles that are designed with a shared brand identity that includes responsive and linear control; exceptional handling, grip and confidence; and refined ride quality and quietness. These elements are realized through rigorous testing and evaluation at the Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama.

Safety and Technology
The 2025 IS 500 Ultimate Edition comes standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, which brings a suite of key active safety and convenience features to the vehicle. This system includes:

Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection – Designed to help detect a vehicle, pedestrian or cyclist and provide an audio/visual forward collision warning under certain circumstances. If the driver does not react, the system is designed to provide automatic emergency. PCS uses a camera and millimeter-wave radar for enhanced performance and reliability.

• Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist – designed to provide additional steering torque during an emergency maneuver initiated by the driver, enhancing vehicle stability and helping prevent lane departure.
• Left Turn Oncoming Vehicle Detection/Braking – designed to provide a warning and automatic braking if the system determines a driver is turning left in front of an oncoming vehicle in certain daytime conditions.

All-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) – An adaptive cruise control system intended for highway use that uses radar and camera technology to help keep the vehicle at a preset speed and distance from vehicles ahead, even in stop-and-go traffic. If the system detects the vehicle getting closer than the preset distance, it is designed to automatically slow the vehicle—even to a complete stop. At highway speeds, when the road ahead clears, the vehicle returns to its preset speed.

Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) – When DRCC is enabled and lane markers are detected, Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) uses the lines on the road and/or preceding vehicles to provide active driving assistance and help keep the vehicle centered in its lane.

Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA) – When white/yellow lane markings or certain road edge boundary lines are detected at speeds above 32 mph, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA) is designed to issue an audio/visual lane departure warning if an inadvertent lane departure is detected. If the driver does not take corrective action, the system is also designed to provide gentle corrective steering for lane keeping assistance.

Road Sign Assist (RSA) – Using an intelligent camera, Road Sign Assist (RSA) is designed to detect speed limit signs, stop signs, Do Not Enter signs, yield signs and certain warning signs, and display an icon of the sign on the Multi-Information Display (MID).

Automatic High Beams – designed to detect the lights from preceding or oncoming vehicles and automatically switch between high beam and low beam headlights.

2025 Lexus IS 500 Ultimate Edition MSRP
MSRP will be announced closer to when the vehicle goes on sale later this fall.