Lexus Japan end of production for IS300 and IS500
Posted by Gorgenapper@reddit | cars | View on Reddit | 177 comments
Translated:
[For customers considering IS]
IS500 / IS300 End of Production Notice
Thank you for considering our vehicles. Production of the IS500 / IS300 will end in November 2025.
Sales will end when orders reach the production volume up to November. Depending on when you consider it, there may be a package that is no longer on sale. For more information, please contact your LEXUS dealer.
I believe this is only for Japan, no word yet on what is planned for North America.
Bigboss537@reddit
Glad I got my IS350 last year, fucking love that car. Never fails to make me just break out in a smile every time I see it.
Gorgenapper@reddit (OP)
I also ordered my '24 last year, straight from Tahara, knowing that the end of the IS was near. Lucked out in the sense that the '24 was the first year they had blacked out window trim, and the last year for the 14 spoke BBS forged wheels.
DodgerBlueRobert1@reddit
I love the blacked out trim on the '24's, but I wish Lexus continued the use of the matte finish wood trim that came with the dynamic handling package on MY2021 and 2022. It was very subtle, only being used on the top part of the steering wheel and the two front seat window switch areas, but I think it looks much better than without it (all leather on the wheel, and the plastic pieces on the doors). Small gripe, but a gripe nonetheless.
Gorgenapper@reddit (OP)
https://www.automoblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/2021-Lexus-IS-350-F-SPORT-18.jpg
Damn it looks good ...
DodgerBlueRobert1@reddit
Yes it does.
Gorgenapper@reddit (OP)
You and me both, that is a very classy addition to the interior. I wonder how hard it would be to swap those in, I think at the very least the entire steering wheel would need to be changed, but maybe the window switch areas are just panels you pop out and replace.
DodgerBlueRobert1@reddit
Very classy indeed. Yeah, I'm not sure how hard it would be.
I've been causally searching for a fully loaded '22-'24 350 F-Sport for a while now, but they're basically unicorns...at least here in the L.A. area. I've only come across one in the past 4 months online. The one I found is a black exterior, which I really don't want. But yeah, my ideal version would be the wood trim that's from the '22's, coupled with the blacked out trim of the '24's. There's really no other car that I have my heart set on, so I just have to be patient. I love how old school the IS is, with the exception of relatively bad interior storage.
ManonFire1213@reddit
350?
Gorgenapper@reddit (OP)
Japan doesn't get the 350, I think. That's why it's on Lexus JP website
aprtur@reddit
Japan does get the 350, as well as the 300h that we don't get. The thing they do not get is the AWD models, so all IS are RWD.
Gorgenapper@reddit (OP)
Okay hold on, I went here https://lexus.jp/models/is/ and only saw Is500, IS300h and IS300 listed on the page.
aprtur@reddit
I didn't realize they had removed it from the main page - they must have closed the order books for the 350 already, but are still fulfilling orders, because they're still listed on the factory delivery schedule page here: https://lexus.jp/news/info/delivery/ .
Gorgenapper@reddit (OP)
Okay, then it is strange that they said IS500 and IS300 production is ending, leaving just the IS350 to keep going in the entry level RWD luxury sport sedan segment.
ManonFire1213@reddit
Ah, ok. The 350 is made in Japan, didn't know if this was production across the board.
Gorgenapper@reddit (OP)
Yeah the J VIN is a huge part of why I chose the IS350. I'd say if the IS was made anywhere else, I wouldn't have even considered it, I would probably be in a GR Corolla. Although production of that is moving to the UK now, so RIP.
toesuckrsupreme@reddit
Just bought a brand new IS500 about 3 weeks ago. Was specifically drawn to the car because I was looking for a reliable, well built sports sedan with a V8 and it was just the only option left.
I knew they weren't long for this world but I didn't know how close the end was. Guy at the dealer told me they move one, maybe two per year.
End of an era.
CostcoOfficial@reddit
Well you can rest easy now knowing you can hold onto it for 10+ years without losing basically any value on the car.
toesuckrsupreme@reddit
Yeah I looked at the used market before buying new and they are barely depreciating even now before production has ended.
And yes, 10+ years is the plan haha. I'll happily lose drag races an M340i every day if it means I get to hear an old fashioned NA V8 sing on every highway onramp.
Gorgenapper@reddit (OP)
I feel the same way too with my '24 IS350 AWD. I ordered it last year in June and picked it up September. Prior to that, I had driven a '19 IS350 that I also bought new, so I had essentially been driving the same car for 5 years lol
I considered the M340i xDrive which would have been another $7k ~ $8k, which was still within budget, but I'm just not confident that the car will go 10 years without an issue.
As for power, never mind the M340i, I'm pretty sure even a 330i xDrive would still have a 0 - 60 advantage over my IS350.
But it doesn't matter because:
I love how it looks
Lexus reliability. It will look and drive the same 10 years from now.
Made in Japan (Tahara plant)
I still love the outdated interior, which got heavily refreshed for 2021. It has buttons everywhere and the Circuit Red is gorgeous.
Naturally aspirated V6
Full-time AWD with a planetary geared center diff, I need/want this for the winter, and it has proven itself to outperform when the snow hits.
Every car is a compromise. Mine takes a 0 - 60 and fuel economy hit, but returns stellar build quality, etc. I'm willing to give up 1 second and a few MPGs in those metrics for what the IS350 gives me.
toesuckrsupreme@reddit
These days "outdated interior" is code for "still has useable buttons, decent materials, and some kind of design language instead of three large screens and plastic capacitive touch buttons". I'm not a tech-averse boomer, I'm 27 and I work in IT. I just believe the relentless migration to screens to save manufacturing costs is a plague and it's ruining car interiors. The infotainment is ancient but it supports carplay and android auto which is all I'll ever use it for anyway.
An element of luxury that's really being left behind by the German brands lately is just having everything made of quality materials and put together correctly. Lexus seems to be holding that torch.
TheCudder@reddit
People couldn't be more wrong about when they say we're complaining about the interior needing more touch capacitive controls. Toyota builds cars with a perfect balance of touchscreen and physical buttons...it's not about wanting to have touch screens everywhere.
The real issue with the IS interior is:
Physical buttons are great, they're a must...but it doesn't have to feel so dated. being an all new generation.
MovieChemical3501@reddit
Funny you mentioned both of the cars that I'm debating between getting. I am probably going to get slightly used, for both options, also under 50k miles and 2021+. Either IS 350 F sport AWD or TLX Type-S AWD. Grateful for any input from current or previous owners of either of those particular models/trim levels. TIA
toesuckrsupreme@reddit
No one's saying the IS interior isn't a major weak point or that the only alternative is a nightmare like modern MBUX setups. It's more that the interior is sufficiently practical that, while it doesn't wow in any way, it also doesn't get in the way of enjoying all the stuff the car does right. Which is almost everything else.
idksomuch@reddit
I'm old (almost 30!!) and work in tech support (don't know if it can be considered IT) but and I love tech. All my screens are OLED, my phone folds, all my lights are smart bulbs, and my glasses have speakers in them. I also hate all these tech filled, all flash-no substance cars and SUVs that has an interior comprised of 2 or 3 screens and no buttons/dials/switches. It's lazy, ugly, and terrible for driving. I worked in car rentals for a few years before I started my current job and every time I drove a Tesla, Taycan, Rivian, Land Rover, 7 series, I wanted to gtfo of it immediately. Some of these cars don't even let you adjust the air vents without using the damn screen. Absolutely appalling. The "outdated interior" of the IS is a fucking feature at this point rather than a bug. Too bad Lexus is also moving to a more screen oriented dash. Some of them already has a "feature" similar to some Land Rovers where there's two dials on the screen that controls volume and track skip which you need to press another on screen button to switch those dials to control the a/c temp and fan speed. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.
Gorgenapper@reddit (OP)
The IS interior was designed for the 2014 model, and the hard mount points for nearly everything hasn't changed in over a decade. The exception is the addition of the electric parking brake, and new infotainment screen.
Even so, it still looks and feels like it was designed to a higher standard, and with a certain direction and emotion in mind. For example, the HVAC and radio unit looks like a Japanese stereo system, or something that Roland or Nakamichi might make. It was a deliberate design choice.
Having tech in your car is one thing, but at the loss of physical buttons and dials and any sense of design character - that's shitty cost cutting. What is tech anyways and what is the current IS missing? Android Auto basically replaces the infotainment interface and does all that I need it to.
aprtur@reddit
I landed on my 2021 IS350 for similar reasons. A lot of people crap on it for being old, but it's a functional, attractive, and low-stress interior. I'm scared with the release of the new ES, though - Lexus seems to be moving towards the the enshittification trend with that interior, and I don't like it. I hope the next IS isn't similarly horrible.
PremoFry@reddit
My dad just bought one today. His first ever new car. He said the same thing. Japanese, V8 and affordable. Plus enough roof for some golf clubs.
toesuckrsupreme@reddit
Haha, your dad and I seem to be of one mind 😁. Although it's ski gear for me as opposed to golf clubs.
PremoFry@reddit
Where do you ski out of?
toesuckrsupreme@reddit
Washington, for anything I'd be driving to.
West_Independent2551@reddit
I'm extremely divided between getting an RCF and an M240i in the next year or two as my career picks up. There's something to be said for that beautiful V8 sound though
Sweet-Gushin-Gilfs@reddit
Rip. Can’t wait to see values skyrocket once people come around to these. Just like all Japanese sports/sport luxury cars seem to do
mustangfan12@reddit
I honestly feel like the IS never could achieve the driving dynamics needed to compete with other sport sedans. The Infiniti G35/G37 sold very well because it was competitive with german sedans. It stopped selling the minute they went with the "Q" naming scheme.
And for the Lexus IS500 they put no effort whatsoever into marketing or trying to move their brand image away from an old person car brand.
cloudofevil@reddit
Yeah I really liked the IS350F but I can't see any reason to buy one the way they're priced. It's very comfortable and well built feeling, has vented seats, a cool looking steering wheel, tons of legroom but it's not athletic at all. It's not even fuel efficient and the interior is dated. It would have been a great car 15 years ago and $15k less.
fdl2phx@reddit
That 3.5L has held all of them back, in my opinion. It is a rock solid engine, but for something with so much displacement, it's just anemic. I test drove a GS350 before I had settled on my S3 a ways back, and I loved everything about that car, expect for how it actually drove. Weight distribution was just kind of a mess, ton of understeer in a RWD platform, and just no legs whatsoever. It was very sedate.
cloudofevil@reddit
Yeah I ended up buying a M240i. It's crazy that these are even close in price. The IS felt like it's from a bygone era compared to the M240i.
mortalomena@reddit
It is a 12 year old car so its form a bygone era. Anyone buying IS new now for retail is an idiot.
RIP_Soulja_Slim@reddit
Older than that in a lot of ways, the current gen IS is pretty close to the prior gen, which released in 06.
An 06 IS250 and 2025 IS500 are pretty closely related, and that’s held the newer iterations back significantly. Shit a 2006 IS-F is not really a whole lot different than a 2025 IS500 outside of technology updates and fascia.
Hard to complain about the platform not selling well when it’s 20 years old in a world where BMW and MB have reinvented their small car offerings every 5-7 years.
Sandroofficial@reddit
I completely agree with the IS being bygone and overpriced but the reason I would still consider is as a potential daily is just based on its reliability record. Something like your 240i is the perfect daily in my opinion but BMW’s over engineering and major failures just scare the crap out of me, it’s what’s kept me away from German for sooo long even though I love them.
6786_007@reddit
It's the freaking transmission. They should have put a ZF in it or something better. I had a GS350, great car, but they really dropped the ball on their sedans. Sucks. That's why I got the Audi, the drive train is just so much ahead.
IS-2-OP@reddit
Toyota refuses to put a good automatic in anything lol. The new GR Corolla in the savage geese vid dynoed at 226 wheel or something in that range for the auto 😭
joeislandstranded@reddit
If they’d put manuals in late model ISs, I might’ve considered one, once-upon-a-time
bonestamp@reddit
The 10-Speed Direct Shift is pretty good, but ya... would be nice if they used a real dual clutch.
JournalistExpress292@reddit
Really? Compared to my G30 BMW, the GS is way sportier. I can take curves and ramps at speeds on the GS that I wouldn’t dare on my BMW cause it does not inspire any confidence with it (even with the adaptive dampers off on my GS).
Also the ZF8 sucks, no where as smooth as my GS’s 6 speed, and I already had it replaced at 63,000 miles.
fdl2phx@reddit
I haven't driven a G30, so I couldn't comment on the comparison. And the ZF8 comment is certainly a take, considering BMW designed the transmission and by all accounts are one of the best at tuning it. For me the 6 in the Lexus had was reminiscent of the old slushboxes while the ZF8 in my Alfa does an incredible job feeling like a dual clutch. But of course, everyone's impressions can differ.
JournalistExpress292@reddit
Ah I see, yea there’s reports on BMW forums about harsh shifting and stuff, maybe it’s the way BMW tunes it. I trust Alfa though, they have superb powertrains
IS-2-OP@reddit
Early ZF8HP50s have an issue with clutch pack A that caused a kinda harsh 1-2 shift. My 440 kinda has it when you’re trying to shift 1-2 the first time you drive it after a while. Otherwise fine.
fdl2phx@reddit
Yeah, very well could be. I've generally only heard good things about BMWs tuning on them, but have not driven anything more recent than an E30.
6786_007@reddit
I had a 2013 GS AWD and it would understeer badly. Sure on ramps and around town it was fine, but push it even a little in the corners and you'd quickly get understeer.
campbellsimpson@reddit
I compared a few Toyota 3.5s to my current LGX 3.6 V6 before I settled on the LGX. We're talking boring SUVs, but still. The 2GR just felt under-tuned to a significant degree.
fdl2phx@reddit
Yeah, and it makes sense to a point considering the market Toyota is aiming for with most of these cars, I guess. But the onus shouldn't be on the end user to unlock overhead in a sportier model or trim. Like, sure I could make it drive closer to what I wanted, but then I'm throwing the warranty away.
Vhozite@reddit
Not athletic and not fuel efficient is the killer for me. I don’t actually care about MPG but it’s with the understanding I’m getting a capable vehicle.
They’re one of those cars I don’t understand , assuming Toyota/Lexus reputation is deserved, why anyone buys them new
cloudofevil@reddit
Exactly. My M240 will do 0-60 in like a second and a half faster than the IS350F and in May I averaged 30.3 mpg. I regularly will get 35+ mpg on round trips if I drive normal. There's no point paying 2025 luxury car prices for a car that performs like it's from 1995.
CaptainGo@reddit
I disagree but that doesn't mean you're wrong, just that different people like different things in a vehicle.
If I want luxury I'm willing to sacrifice a lot of performance to increase that luxury, and visa versa. I'd prefer these to be two separate purpose based vehicles
cloudofevil@reddit
I'm not sure what you're point is. The IS isn't more of a luxury car compared to its German competitors. It's more reliable but that's it. It's worse in nearly every metric.
joeislandstranded@reddit
Perhaps the buyers are more into two metrics it smokes the Germans with: reliability and resale value
CaptainGo@reddit
Im commenting on this part:
I wouldn't buy an IS either but I'm not against a luxury car that isn't performance orientated
i_imagine@reddit
In theory yes but the IS fails to be a luxury car and it fails to be a performance car. It isn't either. If you want luxury you can buy an ES or GS (if you want to stay within Lexus) or any of the German makes. If you want performance the 2 series and Supra are right there so it really doesn't make sense why anyone would buy an IS
CaptainGo@reddit
I'm agreeing. As I said in my previous comment, I wouldn't buy an IS either
My bone is the implication that a luxury car has to have performance
SleepyHobo@reddit
My Honda accord is faster than an IS350F 💀
Automatic-End-8256@reddit
Yeah but after the warranty is up you are probably in for a much more expensive ownership than the lexus
cloudofevil@reddit
A bit more yeah but that's totally worth it. Still see no reason to buy an IS in 2025
Automatic-End-8256@reddit
I test drove one about a month ago and came to the same conclusion. Also I think I might have been to big for the car but its not really that comfortable and made for more Asian sized people as well
elswede@reddit
The problem is, Toyotas and Lexus's strongest quality is reliability but the kind of guy with enough money to buy a brand new Lexus probably doesn't care about exceptional reliability, he just wants a minimum of "normal" reliability which pretty much every luxury car baring a Maserati or Alfa Romeo (I know people say the giulia is more reliable than before, but the carandriver review is still pretty damning) is going to offer for at least the three, five, etc years that he's going to keep it before switching to a new one. The is is in an especially awkward position; unlike many of their other vehicles, I don't believe Toyota offers a direct equivalent to the is which means any development costs can't be shared. I still think that Toyota should offer a gr equivalent of the is and just strip every luxery feature to cut costs to the minimum. They now have the same basic platform competing in two price segments, a price segment where long term reliability is going to be more valued by customers, and they have a less niche (and impractical) entry level sporty vehicle than the gr86. The 86 is definitely a good car for what it's designed for but a tiny, rwd only, na four cylinder coupe is going to have less of a market than a semi-compact AWD v6 sedan.
West_Independent2551@reddit
Yeah, this is the issue. They're good looking cars (IMO better looking than their German competitors) but up until recent years you could get 340is and S4s with 50 more horsepower, a manual transmission, sharper driving dynamics, and less weight.
I really want to own a newer IS, just because of the quality and aesthetics, but if I can only own one car I do want one with slightly sportier driving dynamics
lemoopse@reddit
The current facelifted version is one of the most beautiful cars I have ever seen.
I was very interested in an IS350 a few years back but there just weren't as many around and I was going to have to pay more for a 10 year old car than its much newer and frankly better main competitor. It was a no brainer but I still remain curious
DM725@reddit
Infiniti did the dumbest thing not continuing the G35.
Due_Percentage_1929@reddit
They had the G37 and then the Q50. No one wants midsize sports sedans anymore sadly. Of course, we enthusiasts absolutely do, but the general buying public doesn't. Even toyota axed the v6 Camry and Avalon.
mustangfan12@reddit
The Q50 sales plummeted the minute they renamed the G37 the Q50/Q60. It also didnt help that the first 2 years had the old VQ37 instead of the VR30. But also the Q50 just isnt competitive with BMW anymore. If you look at interior pics of the Q50 and compare it even to a base model BMW 228i gran coupe, the cheapest BMW makes the Q50 look like an economy car
DurableCookie@reddit
I think the Q50 flopped because the base model G37/Q40 offered more features than the Q50, like heated seats, which are standard in all luxury brands. Why spend nearly 38k-40k on a Q50 when you could just buy a Q40 for 5-7k less.
I don't think the Q renaming really damaged Infiniti, considering they have been using the Q and QX name since the 90s. What damaged Infiniti is their lack of innovation in technology or performance, optimization of their gas guzzlers, and weird hesitance to update their interiors. I mean they used an interior design from 2007-2008 and continued charging premium for it until 2021. Not to mention Infiniti's weird obsession with dual screens that were unpopular with consumers.
mustangfan12@reddit
Oh yeah I remember, ive seen plenty of used Q50s without heated seats which is really dumb
Big_Foot_9695@reddit
Rental spec Q50s are everywhere, especially in the used market. They don't even have fold down rear seats without a specific package.
DurableCookie@reddit
Yeah, imagine what G35/37 drivers were thinking when they were trying to upgrade.
Imagine being a FX, EX, and M driver wanting to upgrade but instead just get the same car with a different name, and with a 5k markup.
JournalistExpress292@reddit
No one is not buying an Q50/Q60 because of the name. If anything, Infiniti made it much more simple to recognize. People don’t know the differences between M/G/FX/EX, etc. Having “Q” and “QX” and then the numbers after, higher for higher level models is significantly easier.
Also, I sat in the 2025 228 and it feels CHEAP, it definitely does not compare to a Q50, which I sat in both a 2014 and 2021 Q50. They aren’t no where near being on the same level.
Due_Percentage_1929@reddit
Yeah, the redsport version had the power but the interior design was dated, and the auto only (old 7speed) was disappointing to traditional fans of Nissan. It shriveled on the vine. I am afraid the whole infiniti brand won't last through the decade...
mustangfan12@reddit
Yep and the worst part was the red sport all it was was a Q50 with a better tune. All you need is a simple tune to get 400HP out of a normal Q50/Q60
DM725@reddit
You must be young. The G35 and G35 existed simultaneously and were incredible success in the 00's. They were comparable to all the European sports sedans and created a ton of brand recognition and crossover appeal between average car buyers and enthusiasts.
mini4x@reddit
They did it's just called the Q50.
DM725@reddit
They lost all name recognition.
mini4x@reddit
The Q sold every bit as poorly as the outgoing G did, peak G was like 07-08.
AlrightAlbatross@reddit
The IS500's niche was being the last V8 in the class. While it's a lovely engine, it's also 18 (!) years old now. And the transmission is just as old, and wasn't good even 18 years ago.
bonestamp@reddit
I guess it depends on what you mean by good... it's a blast to drive and it sounds great when you push it.
Ghost1k25@reddit
Why does that matter lol
Sweet-Gushin-Gilfs@reddit
Lmao as if the J35 isn’t 25 years old and still one of the best V6 available. Age doesn’t matter. Good engine design is timeless
campbellsimpson@reddit
laughs in Nissan Patrol
RiftHunter4@reddit
It's because Lexus hasn't had a major update in quite some time and they haven't bothered looking into sporty options until recently. Though I could say similar things about Toyota.
Bobmcjoepants@reddit
I have my doubts that the reason the Q50 couldn't compete sales wise to the G35/G37 is the name. Being an entirely new vehicle with slow, buggy software and steering that was... something certainly didn't help
kyonkun_denwa@reddit
I had a manual IS 250 for a while, and I’d agree with this. It drove well but it was a bit soft compared to the German sedans. It felt like an AWD Volvo S60.
Gorgenapper@reddit (OP)
https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2021-lexus-is300-awd-first-test
Seems comparable to me, and this is just the IS300 AWD which has the same 3.5L V6 as the 350s.
Available_Win5204@reddit
Come around to them? They aren’t exactly hidden. These will never “skyrocket” in value because of the garbage transmission. They’ll remain stubbornly expensive just because of their reliability but these cars aren’t good enough to be “fun” cars in someone’s garage.
This is a classic “Reddit” take. Go buy 10 of them if you think the value will skyrocket.
ninjamike808@reddit
Stubbornly expensive is a great way to put it. They’ve remained just out of my price range for so long.
Hindukush1357@reddit
Nah. IS isn’t unique or special enough. It’s got bland driving dynamics. It’s no lc500. This is like if the Es ended production.
willnxt@reddit
LC500 is also no F car. Interesting choice talking about driving dynamic when there are other Lexus cars that are more purpose built for it.
Hindukush1357@reddit
The lc500 is a very special car. The IS is not. That’s my take.
willnxt@reddit
Totally fair. Also amazing stable you have there.
ctrlaltcreate@reddit
It depends. Lexus is retooling the chassis for better driving dynamics and the next generation of their sports/sporty sedans may be considerably better. If they are, then the previous gen vehicles won't gain value imo.
If they do away with the category altogether? Maybe, but they haven't signalled that at all.
Sinbound86@reddit
I still get offers to buy my Sportcross, even though the paint is bad now.
Juicyjackson@reddit
Depends on how the prices end up.
If they drop quite a bit, it could be a pretty great pickup.
The issue for a lot of people I think is the interior is just dated, which of course some people like, but for a $60k car right now just isnt acceptable for most people.
r-epk@reddit
Is it just ending the 300 and 500? What about the 350?
aprtur@reddit
My guess is that they may extend orders on the 350 slightly, since it overlaps pretty closely with the US market 350. Japan market 300s were all either hybrid or 4 cylinder turbo, so they don't have the V6 300 like North America does.
Gorgenapper@reddit (OP)
This is for the Japanese market, so they never had the 350 (as far as I know).
Op3rat0rr@reddit
The car market is really competitive. Lexus just couldn’t keep up with the German competition
ra_men@reddit
They could’ve updated the interior and kept up. No clue why I’d buy a 60k car in 2024 with an interior from 2012.
hi_im_bored13@reddit
forget the interior it’s that godawful transmission. They could give it the quality and w12 of a Bentley and it would make no difference connected to that atrocious transmission
aprtur@reddit
Same trans as the old ISF, and if this is anything to go by, it performs just fine. That being said, it has a very particular (i.e. restrictive) shift logic compared to what people expect, and if you're wanting it to be like a DCT, you'll be disappointed. When you figure it out and get it in the zone, it's good.
aprtur@reddit
This is a common internet gripe, but everyone who actually lives with one for any period of time says the opposite. It's a very well built car, that's easy to live with. It may not be the top of it's class, but it got pretty solid reviews for the RWD 350 variant with the 2021 refresh. Too many people focused on the spec sheet than how good the car feels to drive in real life.
ReplacementNo104@reddit
But you’re not growing your market only selling it to the people who have owned one. First appearances do a lot of the heavy lifting on moving a car.
aprtur@reddit
This was a refresh to get them by until the next generation IS while they felt out the market, and it did it's job - sales increased from 21 onwards, and it brought the IS back into the mainstream media again, especially with the IS500 release. Next IS is coming soon, so they didn't need to spend unnecessary money trying to woo customers that wouldn't have bought the car anyway.
Gorgenapper@reddit (OP)
I like your comment about how the IS interior, in real life and for actual owners, is one of the highlights of the model. People actually want an interior like in the '25 330i? Really? The media knob is even larger than the non-existent shifter, and there is really no design direction other than minimalism.
teggyteggy@reddit
Yes, people like BMW interiors. I don't get why this subreddit keeps shitting on touchscreens, but people like having fluid software and functionality that they are used to on their phones, tablets, and computers. This doesn't mean you can't also have physical buttons for AC controls, that's on manufacturers not on touchscreens themselves.
I actually like the Lexus ES. The screensize looks nice, I love that it still has somewhat of a traditional gauge cluster housing that isn't like the current Prius or Hyundai/Kia which is just a flat screen. It's not like a Tesla which actually looks annoyingly devoid.
aprtur@reddit
I liked the G series BMW interior pre-LCI, but then they went and ruined it with the tablet and ditching all the good physical controls that paired well with iDrive 7 when the did the LCI. I was honestly between my IS350 and the 3 series when I made my purchase in 2021, but the pricing at that time on the BMW (along with my annoyance of BMWs options packages) was awful. At that time, I would've had a meek-optioned turbo-four BMW for what I paid on my fairly loaded V6 IS350. Add my leaning toward Japanese built cars anyway, and that sealed the deal with buying the IS, and I had a wonderful ~4.5 years with it.
ra_men@reddit
My friend bought a 350 in 2014, and I remember getting in it for the first time and thinking it felt dated. Yes they’ve updated it a bit, but the car feels old. Some people don’t care, but if you trust the market most buyers in this segment do.
aprtur@reddit
Dated in what way? Back in 2014, it was par for the course for the market, so I struggle to see how you found it dated back then, but that's my perspective.
I also don't understand people calling it old now like there's something about the design that's bad - all I can tell is that it doesn't have huge screens, which is a positive for many people. The 10" nav on the current car is touch capable with AA and ACP, plus having redundancy of all controls in buttons, which is plenty enough. Maybe some areas with hard plastics, like the center console, but BMW and Merc are certainly no better in that regard nowadays.
Gorgenapper@reddit (OP)
The new ES is garbage, that interior is worse than new Toyotas.
aprtur@reddit
I hate it - I've called it out as a major turn off on the owner surveys I get from Lexus. Here's hoping I'm not the only voice telling them it's hot garbage. I like my GR Corolla interior better, and it's ancient at this point, but cleanly designed at least.
cock________________@reddit
the interior is part of why i bought one. it’s fucking nice inside, and i love the buttons.
cloudofevil@reddit
I don't think so. I could overlook the interior if the performance and handling was there. The interior is not even on the top of the list where they're falling short.
Pahlevun@reddit
The performance of an IS 500 is only behind an M340i. Unless you’re strictly talking about 0-60 or other AWD biased metric. I’m not convinced an S4 outperforms it around a track. And it definitely doesn’t beat it at any highway rolling speed with over 100hp behind and the IS 500 having no traction issues at rolling speeds.
cloudofevil@reddit
It's based on first hand experience with driving the IS.
Pahlevun@reddit
First hand? So you set back to back lap times compared to Audi S4, C43 etc., measured skidpad Gs, made sure the tires are the same, measured braking distance?
No, you didn’t. You felt AWD and Turbo and a faster acceleration from a stop and made up your mind.
I also drove the IS first hand, and I also have some hours behind the Audi S models.
I would place a good amount of money on the IS 500 if you give it the same tires as an S4 or C43 to beat both at a track like a Nurburgring. Too bad they don’t test the mid trim models.
HawaiiLawStudent@reddit
because you get a v8 in the is500 versus a 3l inline 6 with german competitors?
ra_men@reddit
You can get a new mustang gt for less with a subjectively better interior
HawaiiLawStudent@reddit
Mustang GT Premium is 53k versus around 60k for IS500.
You're saving 7k for a Mustang and although the 5.0 Coyote Engine is reliable, the Toyota V8 engine will last 100,000 miles more.
If you ask me if that 7k premium is worth it, i'd say hell yes.
randeus@reddit
Lmao based on what? The Coyote is one of the most reliable v8s around and isn’t known to have any major issues. Compared to the 2UR, it’s also overbuilt and can handle way more power than the stock tune it gets. Just because one is a Toyota engine and one is a Ford engine doesn’t mean anything in this case. Nothing indicates the 2UR is the more reliable engine, when in fact it’s not even as good of an engine.
ra_men@reddit
The base model is $47k msrp, and the is500 is known for being sluggish and heavy feeling. The car just doesn’t match the driving feel of the German or American cars, which doesn’t make sense when the segment of the market your selling to expects that.
HawaiiLawStudent@reddit
Mustang GT does not have leather, or a better sound system, etc. The Premium adds leather, bigger screen, better speakers, etc.
So I compared the Premium trim versus IS500 which comes with all those additions included.
mini4x@reddit
I didn't realize the only way now to get a V8 in a 5 series you got to get an M5.
HawaiiLawStudent@reddit
The new M5 weighs as much as a Range Rover (not even joking) and is a hybrid v-8.
mini4x@reddit
My brother had an e34 540-6 and man that car was just nuts to drive.
Recoil42@reddit
They're replacing it next year.
BlankSwitch@reddit
I test drove an IS500 in hopes of it replacing my Giulia Quad for something more reliable one day. That laggy transmission and outdated interior layout in the Lexus were super disappointing.
Syndicate909@reddit
Lexus has been selling the same cars since the mid-2010s to old people. Outdated tech that doesn’t work, outdated and sometimes ugly interiors, and old torque-converter powertrains (no DCT).
calwinarlo@reddit
These people who think the IS300/500 will be classic cars in the future are way out too lunch
zao_zeeeee@reddit
Yeah and it doesn’t even come with a leather interior. I think getting the car is purely for the V8
TheCudder@reddit
The IS had always been a car that I wanted, especially the current model as the outside is gorgeous...but I'm having a hard time getting myself to spend $50k on something that's lacking in so many areas when it comes to the interior.
SupermarketMain4109@reddit
This 500 will be almost 20 bones higher than 50k
SkylineRSR@reddit
A lot of people are missing this. Sure you may actually like the older interior and dates driving dynamics and transmission but I actually did footwork and couldn’t find a new one a dime under $61k.
SupermarketMain4109@reddit
Yeah they’re wildly expensive. Were you looking to get out of the GR86 for the IS or did you get the 86 after shopping around? I need to go test drive an 86 seems like a perfect weekend car for me
SkylineRSR@reddit
I ended up with the GR86 because there are 3 other cars in my household so I didn’t really need a 4 door car. It’s served my needs perfectly but there’s been a few times where I would have preferred to drive, and I don’t like their cars (floaty CUVs)
SupermarketMain4109@reddit
Very similar situation in my household! Have everything but a fun weekend sports car and can’t really decide what I want. A clean s2000 keeps coming up but the 96 is also an option
Gorgenapper@reddit (OP)
What is it lacking in the interior? I know there is no space for sunglasses, and no wireless charger.
SupermarketMain4109@reddit
Can’t make my mind up on this car. It’s absolutely good looking and has the V-8. My take on it is it’s absolutely overpriced but I guess resell value could offset that a little. Basically none in my area also
cock________________@reddit
i love it, i came from an FL5 Type R and no regrets. the transmission does take 15-20 mins to warm up and the interior according to the internet is “outdated” but personally i’m a big fan of buttons.
Gorgenapper@reddit (OP)
You can make more money, but you can't make more IS500s.
EpicRageGuy@reddit
Shame, they are gorgeous, always a delight to see on the road.
SirLoinsALot03@reddit
The slow death of the RWD sports sedan continues. Damn shame.
Juicyjackson@reddit
I hope the rumors about the 4 door V8 Mustang are true.
It has been pretty heavily hinted at, with dealers even saying they were shown pictures of one but nothing official yet from Ford directly.
Especially if it keeps the V8 Manual, will provide another option outside of the sole $100k+ CT5V Blackwing.
Vhozite@reddit
The only thing that makes me skeptical is that (afaik anyway) there hasn’t been a single image leaked despite multiple dealers claiming to have seen pictures. I feel like we should’ve gotten a sliver of a pic by now.
I definitely hope it’s true. Only vehicle I’ll ever drive if it’s come true
Juicyjackson@reddit
From what I have heard, it was a closed door meeting with no phones allowed.
But what would be the motive for multiple independent dealerships to come forward with the same exact lie if it isnt true.
Vhozite@reddit
It’s not that I think they’re lying so much as I’m curious if it’ll actually make it to production.
bonestamp@reddit
They don't normally show dealers stuff until they're in the process of going to production. They're trying to get the dealers excited to order them, sell them, maybe even buying special tooling or sales/showroom equipment/upgrades to support it... they need to get the dealers on board in some cases to help back the success through the sales channel.
mini4x@reddit
It was probably early designs of the Mach E.
West_Independent2551@reddit
I just want a spiritual successor to the Crown Victoria so incredibly bad I'm willing to believe almost anything.
hoxxxxx@reddit
the panther platform will live on in our hearts
392_hemi@reddit
Actually i do kind of believe it , because dodge pulled something like this 5 years ago, they showed the dealers the 2 door coupe Charger electric/ inline 6 to the dealers and there was not even a single photo of it. Also ford is pretty good at hiding stuff when they put the effort, remember Ford GT it was one of the well hidden secrets which they were developing and no one a select few engineers and designers and the ceo only knew about.
mini4x@reddit
You got a 4 door Mustang already, it's just an EV.
BestMillimeter18@reddit
return of the Falcon
xamdou@reddit
Mustang factory is undergoing a bit of a retooling project.
mini4x@reddit
The Germans seem to be doing fine in this segment.
Batetrick_Patman@reddit
The death of the sedan is sad. Soon your only option will be CUVs
mortalomena@reddit
Well its a really stupid design anyways, as long as a wagon but less trunk space than a shorter hatchback.
TinuThomasTrain@reddit
Pretty sure there’s going to be a Gen after this
varezhka11@reddit
This was long time coming, especially since this and RC was the last of non-TNGA cars left in the line-up.
I really wanted to like this car and the exterior design still looks good, but the interior aesthetics felt dated when the car was new and even more so now. The sliding dial on the F-Sport models was neat, though.
Confusedlifec@reddit
it’s good, been wanting to get one myself but definitely overpriced
Rugged_Turtle@reddit
The IS500 is so cool I wish I could afford one
spas2k@reddit
About time.
Fiiv3s@reddit
Aren’t all IS’s built in Japan? So if Japan is ending production that means the car is dead everywhere
rome_vang@reddit
Indeed, it’s a J vin car.
ZaheerAlGhul@reddit
Damn my favorite era of Lexus is coming to a close once the LC500 is gone it's over.
Standaloneoak@reddit
I really hope this means there's going to be a refresh of the IS platform and not just the end of it entirely. In my opinion, this particular gen of the IS has needed to end for a LONG time. If you look at one from the 2025 model year and one from 2015 they're damn near identical. It's extremely dated, just like the RC.
One_D_Fredy@reddit
I’m assuming the same will be done in North America. As the US models are made in Japan anyway.
V8-Turbo-Hybrid@reddit
At least, the third gen IS production lifecycle is longer than Mark X.
It’s time to make new IS, the current one is too outdated to compare others. No body really likes its tiny room.
aprtur@reddit
I think a "global Mark X" of sorts for the new car would be interesting. With everything they've learned from GR and GRMN since the third gen released in 2014, they have the capability to make something very special to complete in the sports sedan market, and give the rest of the globe what we missed out on with the Mark X GRMN. I will say, I was always surprised Lexus never brought the hybrid IS300 to the US in addition to the other trims.
Juicyjackson@reddit
The issue is the V8 most certainly wont be coming back.
SweepsAndBeeps@reddit
Damn
no_flair@reddit
Considering the RC is also being discontinued around the same time and the IS is assembled in Japan, pretty sure it will also be discontinued in North America.
Stu__Pidasso@reddit
Probably the same. The new model year for IS comes out in the fall, and since the Ultimate Climax comes out in the fall, likely means this is the end