2025 Lexus IS 500 Ultimate Edition: Does ‘Ultimate’ Mean ‘Best’ or ‘Final'?
Lexus has not made any official statements as to the future of the naturally aspirated V-8 engine that powers its IS 500 sedan, but the brand’s announcement of the 2025 IS 500 Ultimate Edition is thick with unsettling, retrospective language. Said to be “an ode to this storied nameplate’s history and legacy,” the Ultimate Edition will be limited to just 500 units for North America.
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What Are the IS 500 Ultimate Edition Features?
The IS 500 F Sport Performance forms a strong foundation for the Ultimate Edition, coaxing 472 horsepower and 395 pounds-feet of torque from its 5.0-liter V-8 and routing it to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. An adaptive suspension and a Torsen limited-slip differential help control the body and power. The Ultimate Edition’s front brakes are 1 inch larger than the standard IS 500 F Sport hardware, at 15 inches, and are squeezed by red six-piston Brembo calipers.
Otherwise, the Ultimate Edition is an appearance package. Sprayed a new color that Lexus calls Wind, it rides on matte-black 19-inch BBS wheels. The cabin is upholstered in synthetic leather and synthetic suede in an exclusive blend of red and black, with red seatbelts, a serialized console badge and unique sill plates. The 8-inch screen in the instrument cluster also gets a special Ultimate Edition start-up animation, and the analog dash clock features a laser-etched dial.
What Does It Mean?
While the upgraded brakes and BBS wheels will likely improve aspects of the IS 500’s performance, there’s little about this limited edition that leads us to believe Lexus means “Ultimate” to mean “greatest” or “best.” This feels more like “final” or “conclusive.” Then again, when Lexus ended production of the V-8 RC F, it did so with a run of Final Edition coupes — no gray area there.
Still, it’s hard to ignore the writing on the wall. Not one of the IS’s competitors offers a naturally aspirated V-8 anymore, and Lexus itself has been replacing them with turbocharged V-6s in most of its lineup. Fans interested in owning one of the last V-8-powered IS sedans would do well to claim one of the 500 Ultimate Editions, even if it isn’t the last V-8 IS sedan. The 2025 Lexus IS 500 Ultimate Edition will arrive at dealerships this fall, with pricing to be announced closer to the start of sales.
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