The Lexus IS has long been celebrated for its blend of luxury and performance, and the 2022 Lexus Is lineup takes this legacy to exhilarating new heights. For enthusiasts seeking the pinnacle of this model year, Lexus proudly unveiled the IS 500 F SPORT Performance Launch Edition, a truly exclusive offering limited to just 500 serialized units for North America. This special edition amplifies the thrill of the standard IS 500 with unique aesthetic and material enhancements, making it a highly desirable collector’s item from the 2022 Lexus IS range.
At the heart of the 2022 Lexus IS 500 F SPORT Performance Launch Edition roars the same naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine found in its standard counterpart. This powerhouse delivers a commanding 472 horsepower at 7,100 rpm and 395 lb.-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm, providing the raw power and exhilarating linear acceleration that driving purists crave. This robust engine ensures the 2022 Lexus IS 500 Launch Edition stands out in a segment increasingly dominated by smaller, turbocharged engines, offering a distinctly visceral and engaging driving experience.
Stepping inside the 2022 Lexus IS 500 F SPORT Performance Launch Edition reveals an interior elevated with Takumi craftsmanship and exclusive materials. Unique two-tone Black & Gray Ultrasuede® adorns the front and rear seats, door accents, and center console, creating a sporty yet sophisticated ambiance. The heated leather-wrapped steering wheel receives a special silver ash wood treatment, complemented by black F SPORT Performance badging. Adding to its exclusivity, each Launch Edition features a serialized badge, signifying its limited production run within the 2022 Lexus IS family. Even the F SPORT combination instrumentation meter receives a unique Launch Edition startup animation, a subtle yet distinctive detail that sets this model apart.
Externally, the 2022 Lexus IS 500 F SPORT Performance Launch Edition makes a bold statement with standard 19-inch split-seven-spoke forged alloy Matte Black BBS® wheels, borrowed from the IS F SPORT Dynamic Handling Package. These wheels are not only visually striking but also offer a performance advantage, being approximately 4 pounds lighter per wheel compared to the standard 19-inch IS F SPORT wheels. The Launch Edition is exclusively finished in “Incognito,” a brand-new and sophisticated color option for the Lexus lineup, ensuring this 2022 Lexus IS variant is instantly recognizable and highly sought-after.
While detailed pricing and options for the 2022 Lexus IS 500 F SPORT Performance Launch Edition were to be announced closer to its release, anticipation was high for its arrival in dealerships in Fall. This Launch Edition represents a unique opportunity for enthusiasts to own a truly special version of the 2022 Lexus IS, combining potent V8 performance with exclusive design and limited availability.
