Lexus unveils IS 500 Ultimate Edition

Toyota continues to up the ante with special editions in 2025, but this time its on the Lexus side with the announcement of the IS 500 Ultimate Edition, which was unveiled this week at the company's U.S. head office in Plano, Texas. Like other Lexus / Toyota special editions, this one will be limited production with just 500 units for North America, with almost all bound for the U.S. Only 40 will be shipped to Canada. Lexus didn’t reveal pricing, but said the Ultimate Edition will arrive in dealerships this fall as a 2025 model.

The donor model is the IS 500 F Sport Performance grade but the Ultimate Edition will have more, “presence and capability,” according to a press release.

Like all IS 500 models, the Ultimate Edition is powered by a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine that produces 472 horsepower and 395 foot-pounds of torque that drives the rear wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission.  

While the powertrain is carry-over, the Ultimate Edition does get some grade-specific goodies including Brembo opposed 6-pistion aluminum calipers with high-friction brake pads, and 380mm (14.96-inch) pillar-fin ventilated disc brakes. The calipers are finished in red, and they grab 19-inch forged alloy BBS wheels. The wheels are matte black. The Ultimate Edition also brings a new exterior paint color, Wind, which is a light metallic gray.

Inside, the IS 500 Ultimate Edition is finished in Circuit Red and Black, with a combination of NuLuxe and Ultrasuede seat upholstery, and a smattering of unique details. Among these are an LFA-inspired steering wheel and shift knob, which are finished in dimpled leather, red seat belts, and a serialized console badge that serves as proof of authenticity.

Other notable cabin details include an analogue clock with a muti-layered dial with red laser etching, Ultimate Edition scuff plates, and a special start-up animation that appears in the 8-inch digital instrument cluster.  

Finally, it’s worth noting that 2025 will not be the last model year for the Lexus IS. Special editions of this type often signal the end of a nameplate’s production, but that isn’t the case here. At least not yet. If that changes, we’ll be sure to keep you posted.

Photos courtesy of Lexus

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