There was a time when V8-powered sedans roamed the roads. While the bulk of these models were reserved for the performance market, the mighty eight-cylinder also found its way into more mundane applications including luxury cars your Grandpa would have enjoyed in the 1970s, 80s, and 90s. The times have certainly changed since then and the Lexus IS500 is now the sole survivor in a segment that has practically collapsed in the face of smaller powerplants.
To celebrate this odd milestone, Lexus has formally unveiled the all-new 2026 IS500 Ultimate Edition as it continues to buck the trend with its lone V8-powered four-door.
Visual upgrades are main changes on Ultimate Edition
Buyers hoping to see some extra muscle under the hood will be disappointed with Lexus confirming the changes here on the Ultimate Edition are purely visual with all models getting a new metallic light gray paint called “Wind” and custom 19-inch BBS-sourced wheels finished in light black accents. The 5.0-liter V8 is still present and while engineers left it alone (for now) the powerplant is no slouch and it still produces 472 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque with an eight-speed automatic continuing to be the lone transmission offered. The brakes are the only mechanical thing that has been upgraded with the front calipers getting six-piston Brembo brakes.
The interior gets Circuit Red leather with the seats themselves being covered with the brand’s NuLuxe faux leather with suede inserts and red seat belts adding blasts of contrast. Like other limited production specials, owners get a customized plaque in the center console denoting their vehicle’s place in the production run.
Catch it while you can
Production of the Lexus IS500 Ultimate Edition will be limited to 500 units and like an elusive restock of Pokemon cards at your favorite card shop, these particular ISs will be rare beasts. Lexus didn’t reveal pricing for the Ultimate Edition in its release but with a “base” model starting at just over $60,000 (like the one pictured) look for the rarity and some of the exclusive touches to cause the price to be bumped up when it hits Lexus showrooms.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.