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Photo of a Lexus IS

Lexus IS

IS 500: 472 hp and a V8 that sings all the way to 7300 rpm.1

Researched October 30, 2026 from 34 sources

At a glance

0250500
153–472 hpPower
0510
4.2–7.8 s0–60 mph
0150300
209.2–278.4 km/hTop speed
0300600
195–535.5 N·mTorque
01,0002,000
1,310–1,800.3 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.13610131415

Engine
2.0–5.0 L I4/I6/V6/V8; turbo, diesel and IS 300h hybrid options3910
Layout
Front-engine; rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive3
Gearbox
4/5/6/8-speed automatics; 5/6-speed manuals; IS 300h e-CVT359
Built at
XE10: Iwate; XE20: Miyata and Tahara, Japan3513

The story

Nobuaki Katayama wanted luxury sedans to be fun. His IS began as Japan's Altezza in 1998, reached Europe as the IS 200 in 1999 and North America as the IS 300 in 2000, then grew to a 472-hp naturally aspirated V8 in the IS 500.234

1998: Altezza launches in Japan19982001: 2JZ power for the SportCross20012005: XE20 brings V6s and all-wheel drive20052007: IS F launches the F brand20072009: IS 250C folds its roof in 20 seconds20092013: Third generation benchmarks BMW20132017: LED lights and a stiffer front end20172021: Shimoyama tuning and a 472-hp V820212025: 500-car Ultimate and Climax Editions2025 Toyota Altezza / Lexus IS (XE10): 1998–2005XE10Lexus IS (second generation) (XE20): 2005–2015XE20 200020052010201520202025
GenerationsMilestones35
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1998–2005Toyota Altezza / Lexus IS (XE10)
2005–2015Lexus IS (second generation) (XE20)
1998Altezza launches in Japan
20012JZ power for the SportCross
2005XE20 brings V6s and all-wheel drive
2007IS F launches the F brand
2009IS 250C folds its roof in 20 seconds
2013Third generation benchmarks BMW
2017LED lights and a stiffer front end
2021Shimoyama tuning and a 472-hp V8
2025500-car Ultimate and Climax Editions
  1. 1998

    Altezza launches in Japan

    The October Japanese debut starts the story: Europe gets the IS 200 in 1999, North America the IS 300 in 2000.3

  2. 2001

    2JZ power for the SportCross

    The IS 300 SportCross pairs a 3.0 L 2JZ-GE straight-six with a five-speed automatic and 340 liters of covered luggage space.2

  3. 2005

    XE20 brings V6s and all-wheel drive

    The IS 250 and IS 350 lead the second generation, with IS 250 AWD joining them; the Altezza name and SportCross wagon are retired.35

  4. 2007

    IS F launches the F brand

    January's IS F debut launches Lexus's F brand with a 416-hp 5.0 L V8 and an eight-speed automatic.35

  5. 2009

    IS 250C folds its roof in 20 seconds

    For the UK launch, the IS 250C's three-piece aluminum roof needs 20 seconds, using 15 motors and 35 sensors.6

  6. 2013

    Third generation benchmarks BMW

    The July arrival includes the IS 300h hybrid; the IS 350 F Sport keeps a 306-hp V6 and adds adaptive damping plus optional variable-ratio steering.378

  7. 2017

    LED lights and a stiffer front end

    The UK facelift gains full LED headlights, a 10.3-inch navigation screen and a forged-aluminum front lower arm with 49% more rigidity.9

  8. 2021

    Shimoyama tuning and a 472-hp V8

    The IS is honed at Shimoyama around Lexus Driving Signature; the 2022 IS 500 brings a 472-hp V8 and a tested 4.3-second 0–60 mph.110

  9. 2025

    500-car Ultimate and Climax Editions

    The IS 500 Ultimate Edition is limited to 500 in North America; 500 Climax Editions are also planned. Both get forged BBS wheels.1112

Every generation

  • Progrès
    Progrès
  • Toyota Altezza / Lexus IS
    XE101998–2005
  • Lexus IS (second generation)
    XE202005–2015

Power over the years

From 158 hp to 472 hp in 24 years.

0200400600 20002005201020152020 hp 1998 · 158 hp · Altezza AS200 1G-FE I6 automatic1998 · 197 hp · Altezza RS200 3S-GE I4 automatic1998 · 207 hp · Altezza RS200 3S-GE I4 manual1999 · 153 hp · IS 200 (Europe)2001 · 215 hp · IS 300 (BMW 3 Series challenger)2006 · 306 hp · IS 350 V62007 · 416 hp · IS F 5.0 L V82014 · 306 hp · IS 350 F Sport2022 · 241 hp · IS 300 RWD turbo I42022 · 260 hp · IS 300 AWD 3.5 L V62022 · 311 hp · IS 350 AWD 3.5 L V62022 · 472 hp · IS 500 5.0 L V8 472 hp IS 500 5.0 L V8 158 hp Altezza AS200 1G-FE I6 automatic
35810131416
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
1998158Altezza AS200 1G-FE I6 automatic
1998197Altezza RS200 3S-GE I4 automatic
1998207Altezza RS200 3S-GE I4 manual
1999153IS 200 (Europe)
2001215IS 300 (BMW 3 Series challenger)
2006306IS 350 V6
2007416IS F 5.0 L V8
2014306IS 350 F Sport
2022241IS 300 RWD turbo I4
2022260IS 300 AWD 3.5 L V6
2022311IS 350 AWD 3.5 L V6
2022472IS 500 5.0 L V8

Versions

12 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • IS 200 / IS 300 (first generation)

    Standard

    IS 200 / IS 300 (first generation)

    1999–2005

  • IS 250 / IS 220d (second generation)

    Standard

    IS 250 / IS 220d (second generation)

    2005–2013

  • IS 300h (third generation, UK)

    Standard

    IS 300h (third generation, UK)

    2013–2020

  • IS SportCross / Altezza Gita

    Standard

    IS SportCross / Altezza Gita

  • IS 250 C / IS 350 C

    Standard

    IS 250 C / IS 350 C

    2009–2015

  • IS 350 F Sport

    Performance

    IS 350 F Sport

    2014

    306 hp
  • IS 500 F Sport Performance

    Performance

    IS 500 F Sport Performance

    2022

    472 hp
  • IS F

    Performance

    IS F

    2008–2014

    417 hp

  • Limited

    IS 300 SportDesign Edition

    2004

  • Limited

    IS 500 Launch Edition (Canada)

    2022

    472 hp

  • Limited

    IS 500 Ultimate Edition

    2025

    472 hp

  • Limited

    IS 500 Climax Edition

    2025

How to spot one

Look for

  • Early IS/Altezza: separate lamp units beneath clear rear lenses, with chrome housings.19
  • Second generation: coupe-like roofline and arrowhead shapes in the nose and side windows.3
  • 2014 IS: spindle grille and separate, swoosh-like LED running lights.8
  • 2022 IS: spindle grille, muscular fenders and an L-shaped light bar stretching across the rear.10

Year by year

  1. 2004 model year

    First-generation facelift: 11-spoke wheels, revised headlights and fog lights, plus smoked headlamp and taillamp trim.3

  2. November 2008

    Second-generation sedans gain a reshaped nose and revised dashboard; the IS F is excluded.17

  3. 2011 model year

    Second-generation update adds LED daytime running lights and new wheel designs, alongside dedicated F-Sport models.5

  4. 2017

    New headlights, large bumper intakes and revised spindle grille; triple-layer rear LEDs and a 10.3-inch navigation screen.9

Against its rivals

  • Acura TL

    IS vs Acura TL

    Power

    IS306 hp
    Acura TL270 hp
    16
  • BMW 335i (2012)

    IS vs BMW 335i (2012)

    0–97 km/h lower is better

    IS5.5 s
    BMW 335i (2012)4.8 s
    8

Prices

Value today $16.0K–$27.0K2526

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$20K$40K$60K$80K 200020052010201520202025 Value today: $16,000–$27,000 2001 · $34,735 · US IS300, as tested2002 · $33,556 · US IS300 5-speed, sticker total2006 · $45,024 · US IS350, sticker total2014 · $40,360 · US IS350 F Sport, base2014 · $47,765 · US IS350 F Sport, as tested2022 · $57,575 · US IS500 F Sport Performance, base2022 · $62,075 · US IS500 F Sport Performance, tested 2025 · $27,000 · 2002 IS300 5-speed, 40k miles, BaT2025 · $58,500 · 2025 IS 500 F Sport Performance Premium, 9k miles, BaT2025 · $10,750 · 2002 IS300 SportCross, ~126k miles, BaT2025 · $8,200 · 2011 IS 250 6-Speed, 157k miles, BaT2025 · $18,011 · 2015 IS 250C, 29k miles, BaT2025 · $12,500 · 2014 IS 250 F Sport AWD, ~61k miles, BaT2025 · $13,750 · 2002 IS300, 71k miles, BaT2025 · $31,250 · 2011 IS-F, 93k miles, BaT2026 · $16,000 · 2008 IS F, 156k miles, accident history, BaT2026 · $16,500 · 2006 IS350, 46k miles, BaT $58.5K BaT, 2025
1381425262728293031323334
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2001Price when new$34,735US IS300, as tested
2002Price when new$33,556US IS300 5-speed, sticker total
2006Price when new$45,024US IS350, sticker total
2014Price when new$40,360US IS350 F Sport, base
2014Price when new$47,765US IS350 F Sport, as tested
2022Price when new$57,575US IS500 F Sport Performance, base
2022Price when new$62,075US IS500 F Sport Performance, tested
2025Auction sale$27,0002002 IS300 5-speed, 40k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$58,5002025 IS 500 F Sport Performance Premium, 9k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$10,7502002 IS300 SportCross, ~126k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$8,2002011 IS 250 6-Speed, 157k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$18,0112015 IS 250C, 29k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$12,5002014 IS 250 F Sport AWD, ~61k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$13,7502002 IS300, 71k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$31,2502011 IS-F, 93k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$16,0002008 IS F, 156k miles, accident history, BaT
2026Auction sale$16,5002006 IS350, 46k miles, BaT
2026Value today$16,000–$27,000

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 12 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 14 stories from its legend
    • “One lap, a seized diff and bent wishbones”
    • “GT300's double crown in 2009”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 3 generations

  • Market

    • 4 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 34 sources
  1. Tested: 2022 Lexus IS500 F Sport Performance Channels the Past caranddriver.com
  2. Lexus IS300 And SportCross - Redefining Compact Luxury Saloons - Lexus Media Site media.lexus.co.uk
  3. Lexus IS - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  4. KUMAIL NANJIANI STARS IN NEW LEXUS, MARVEL STUDIOS’ ‘ETERNALS’ SPOT media.lexus.ca
  5. Lexus IS (XE20) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  6. The New Lexus IS 250C - Lexus Media Site media.lexus.co.uk
  7. Used Lexus IS (Mk3, 2013-2020) review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  8. 2014 Lexus IS 350 F Sport First Test - Motor Trend motortrend.com
  9. The New 2017 Lexus IS (European Media Launch) - Lexus Media Site media.lexus.co.uk
  10. 2022 Lexus IS Lineup Pushes The Limits Of Exhilarating Performance In A Luxury Sport Sedan media.lexus.ca
  11. 2025 LEXUS IS 500 ULTIMATE EDITION: THE CULMINATION OF GREATNESS media.lexus.ca
  12. LEXUS、「IS500」に特別仕様車“Climax Edition”を設定 | レクサス | グローバルニュースルーム | トヨタ自動車株式会社 公式企業サイト global.toyota
  13. 75 Years of TOYOTA | TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION GLOBAL WEBSITE | Vehicle Lineage | In-depth Vehicle Information, Specification toyota-global.com
  14. 2001 Lexus IS300 Long-Term Road Test caranddriver.com
  15. Lexus IS F (2008 - 2014) review – Japanese V8 is charismatic but not BMW M3-sharp | evo evo.co.uk
  16. Comparison Test: Eight $35K Sport Sedans caranddriver.com
  17. Lexus IS (Mk2, 2005-2013) review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  18. Car News briefs: GT-R has 911 specs, Nissan price; Lexus SportDesign, part IV autoweek.com
  19. Altezza lights - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  20. Nobuaki Katayama - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  21. Touring Car Register : BTCT : Lexus IS200 1 touringcarregister.com
  22. Yukihiko Yaguchi Interview rushmagazine.live
  23. HAIL TO THE KING | The Super GT 2009 GT300 Champion is a Lexus IS350?! dsportmag.com
  24. Gran Turismo® 6 Asian version to be released on 5th December, 2013 - gran-turismo.com gran-turismo.com
  25. No Reserve: 2008 Lexus IS F for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $16,000 on April 28, 2026 (Lot #239,914) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  26. No Reserve: 40k-Mile 2002 Lexus IS300 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $27,000 on December 26, 2025 (Lot #224,920) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  27. 46k-Mile 2006 Lexus IS 350 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $16,500 on October 5, 2026 (Lot #266,715) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  28. 2025 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance Premium for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $58,500 on December 4, 2025 (Lot #222,237) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  29. No Reserve: 2002 Lexus IS300 SportCross for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $10,750 on November 28, 2025 (Lot #221,406) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  30. No Reserve: 2011 Lexus IS 250 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $8,200 on November 26, 2025 (Lot #221,324) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  31. 29k-Mile 2015 Lexus IS 250C for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $18,011 on August 21, 2025 (Lot #206,307) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  32. No Reserve: 2014 Lexus IS 250 F Sport AWD for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $12,500 on August 6, 2025 (Lot #203,923) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  33. No Reserve: 2002 Lexus IS300 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $13,750 on May 31, 2025 (Lot #194,161) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  34. 2011 Lexus IS-F for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $31,250 on May 12, 2025 (Lot #191,293) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • caranddriver.com
  • media.lexus.co.uk
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • media.lexus.ca
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • motortrend.com
  • global.toyota
  • toyota-global.com
  • evo.co.uk
  • autoweek.com
  • touringcarregister.com
  • rushmagazine.live
  • dsportmag.com
  • gran-turismo.com

Photo credits

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