Lexus IS 500 Ultimate Edition 2025: The Rare V8 for Collectors

For those of us who appreciate the blend of performance and exclusivity, today’s automotive landscape often leaves us with a bittersweet feeling. Powerful, naturally aspirated engines with unmistakable growls are becoming increasingly rare. That’s why the news of the arrival of the 2025 Lexus IS 500 Ultimate Edition caught my attention so much.

This is not just another luxury car. It’s a celebration, a collectible piece limited to only 500 units in North America, tailor-made for enthusiasts who value the essence of sporty driving with an undeniable touch of sophistication.

What Makes the Lexus IS 500 Ultimate Edition So Special?

In a market dominated by smaller turbocharged engines, finding a luxury sedan with a naturally aspirated V8 under the hood is like discovering an oasis. The Lexus IS 500 Ultimate Edition stands out precisely because of this, keeping alive the passion for engines that “breathe” without turbo assistance.

Besides the mechanics, this limited edition includes visual and finishing elements that underline its exclusivity. It’s Lexus’s way of marking 25 years of the IS line with something memorable, something that truly speaks to those who understand and appreciate the brand’s history and high-performance automotive engineering.

How Powerful Is This V8 Engine and How Does It Deliver Performance?

At the heart of the IS 500 Ultimate Edition beats a 5.0-liter V8 engine, the legendary 2UR-GSE. It delivers a respectable 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque. This is an engine that responds instantly, without the typical turbo lag, providing a more visceral and connected driving experience.

The transmission is an eight-speed automatic, tuned to offer quick and smooth shifts, complementing the sedan’s sporty character. To ensure all that power is controlled, it comes equipped with high-performance Brembo brakes, adaptive suspension, and a Torsen limited-slip differential, which improves traction and stability through corners. To learn more about the brand’s electric SUV lineup, check out the post about the Lexus RZ 2026.

How Do the Exclusive Design and Details Set It Apart?

Lexus spared no effort to make the Ultimate Edition recognizable at first glance. The exclusive exterior color “Wind Metallic light gray” lends an air of understated yet striking sophistication. It’s a tone that highlights the aggressive yet elegant lines of the IS.

Inside, the cabin raises the bar with NuLuxe leather and Ultrasuede seats in Circuit Red and Black, paired with red seatbelts. The steering wheel and gear shift knob, inspired by the iconic LFA, feature perforated leather texture. Numbered plaques on the console and exclusive door sill plates reinforce the limited-edition status, making each unit unique to its owner. The 8-inch digital gauge cluster comes with an exclusive startup animation, and the analog clock, with red laser engraving, adds a classic and refined touch.

What Safety Technologies Does It Offer?

Luxury and performance today don’t mean sacrificing safety. The Lexus IS 500 Ultimate Edition is equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 package. This system includes a variety of driver assistance features.

Among them are pre-collision with pedestrian detection, steering assist to avoid hazards, detection and braking of vehicles when making left turns, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, lane departure alert with steering assist, and automatic high beams. It’s a robust setup that provides peace of mind in various driving situations, something I really appreciate in modern cars.

The 2025 Lexus IS 500 Ultimate Edition makes its world premiere with a Wind exterior paint finish, red-painted six-piston aluminum brake calipers, a set of 19-inch BBS forged alloy wheels, Circuit Red/Black NuLuxe/Ultrasuede seats, as well as a 472 hp 5.0L N/A V8 engine. #Lexus pic.twitter.com/dEKmXggu9t

— GearheadCole ⚙️ (@cole_marzen) May 20, 2025

Availability and Price: How Much Does This Exclusivity Cost?

Exclusivity comes at a price, although Lexus has yet to disclose the exact cost of the Ultimate Edition. We know there will be only 500 units destined for North America, which already indicates strong demand among collectors and enthusiasts.

As a reference, the base 2025 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance starts at $60,345 (including destination charges in the U.S.), and the Premium trim begins at $64,845. It’s certain that the Ultimate Edition will carry a price premium over these figures, reflecting its finishes and limited-edition status. Keep an eye out, as it’s expected to hit the market this fall (Northern Hemisphere), as announced by Lexus USA.

Key Features at a Glance:

• 5.0L naturally aspirated V8 engine
• 472 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque
• 8-speed automatic transmission
• 15-inch Brembo front brakes
• Adaptive suspension
• 19-inch forged BBS matte black wheels
• Exclusive Wind Metallic exterior color
• Circuit Red and Black NuLuxe/Ultrasuede interior
• Serialized plaque on the console
• Lexus Safety System+ 2.5

Quick Comparison with Direct Competitors:

• Lexus IS 500 Ultimate Edition: Naturally aspirated V8, luxury and exclusivity, focus on pure driving experience.
• BMW M3 Sedan: Usually turbocharged inline-6, raw performance, more aggressive dynamics, cutting-edge technology.
• Audi RS4 Avant: Usually turbo V6 or inline-6, Quattro all-wheel drive, wagon practicality, high performance.

The choice among them depends heavily on what you value. If the V8’s roar and the exclusivity of a limited edition are a priority, the Lexus has a unique appeal, unlike the Audi e-tron GT quattro, for example, which focuses on electric performance.

Frequently Asked Questions About the IS 500 Ultimate Edition:

1. Where can I buy the Lexus IS 500 Ultimate Edition?
   Initially, it will be available at select Lexus dealerships in North America starting in fall 2025.
2. How many units will be produced?
   Only 500 units will be made for the North American market, making it highly exclusive.
3. Is the engine turbocharged?
   No, one of the major attractions is the naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine. For an example of a V8 with a “futuristic touch,” check out the post about Mercedes-AMG.
4. Has the price been announced?
   No, the exact price of the Ultimate Edition has not been revealed yet. However, it will be higher than the base IS 500 F Sport Performance, which starts at approximately $60,345.

In my view, the 2025 Lexus IS 500 Ultimate Edition is a nostalgic and exciting nod to an era of powerful engines without reliance on electrification or turbos. It combines the Lexus-expected reliability and luxury with a generous dose of performance and a level of exclusivity that makes it a coveted object for enthusiasts and collectors. In a world quickly moving toward downsizing and electrification, having the chance to own an “old-school” V8 with the refinement of a Lexus is something seriously worth considering for those seeking something special. Compared to other luxury sports sedans like the Mercedes-AMG GT lineup, for example, the IS 500 Ultimate Edition offers a proposal more focused on mechanical purity, although the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance is a monster in performance.

And you, what do you think about this limited edition from Lexus? Leave your comment below and share your opinion!