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High in the Colorado mountains during the Rocky Mountain Driving Experience, we got our first time in the 2023 Lexus IS 500.

Craig Conover, Daily Herald

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The 2023 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance.

Courtesy photo

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The 2023 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance.

Courtesy photo

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The 2023 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance.

Courtesy photo

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The 2023 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance.

Courtesy photo

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In the heart of the automotive world, where performance and luxury intertwine, stands the 2023 Lexus IS 500 Premium, with a one-of-a-kind naturally aspirated motor. It is the pinnacle of Lexus’ renowned IS lineup. This sedan marries opulence with power, delivering an unparalleled driving experience. As we embarked on a journey through the captivating mountain roads of central Utah, we put the IS 500 Premium to the test in its natural habitat.

The 2023 Lexus IS 500 Premium strikes a beautiful balance between contemporary aesthetics and classic design elements. A bold front grille, flanked by intricate LED headlights, commands attention, while the sharp lines along the body show confidence. The Premium package adds distinctive touches, including awesome 19-inch alloy wheels and subtle badging that denotes its exclusivity.

Slipping inside, the cabin is a sanctuary of craftsmanship and comfort. Premium materials grace every surface, from the plush leather-appointed seats to the soft-touch dashboard. Thoughtful ambient lighting sets the mood, while modern technology seamlessly blends with the timeless design. The infotainment system, displayed on a high-resolution touch screen, boasts intuitive controls and integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Beneath the hood lies the heart of the IS 500 Premium — a 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V-8 engine, a true rarity in an era dominated by turbocharging. This powerhouse churns out 472 horsepower and 395 foot-pounds of torque, translating to astonishing acceleration and an exhilarating exhaust note that reverberated through the canyons. Mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, the power delivery is smooth and responsive, offering both comfort and performance.

The IS 500 called for us to take it on a journey from the moment it hit our driveway, just begging to get out into the wild and hit the twisty canyon roads that Utah has to offer. So off we headed up Spanish Fork Canyon eastward toward Price.

As the road began to twist and ascend through the canyon, the IS 500 Premium revealed its dynamic abilities. The rear-wheel-drive configuration, combined with a precisely tuned suspension, enabled agile handling and remarkable cornering capability. The adaptive variable suspension enhanced our comfort level even on uneven surfaces while effortlessly transitioning to sportier settings for spirited driving.

We found that having the IS 500 in the Sport setting created a very spirited and engaging driving experience, so much that instead of going to Price we made the decision to continue on the twisty roads and head up over Indian Canyon and down into Duchesne.

As Utah’s mountain roads kept us completely engaged, they became more of a playground for the IS 500 Premium’s performance potential. As we navigated the serpentine curves, the sedan hugged the road with a tenacious grip, instilling more and more confidence in every turn. The electric power-assisted steering provided accurate feedback, allowing for us to precisely control the vehicle as we navigated hairpin bends and sweeping corners along our drive route.

The responsive throttle eagerly propelled us up the inclines and pushed through the tight curves with the V-8’s symphony echoing off the rock faces. Paddle shifters allow us to dictate the transmission’s behavior, whether holding gears for aggressive acceleration or downshifting to capitalize on engine braking during descents — a much-needed help as we descended from the top of Indian Canyon.

As we ascend higher into the mountains, the IS 500 Premium continued to impress with its impeccable refinement, even at the higher altitude of Indian Creek Pass of 9,100 feet. Active noise cancellation ensures a serene cabin environment, free from the intrusion of external sounds. Even on rougher road surfaces, the suspension filters out disturbances, allowing us inside to relish in the premium Mark Levinson sound system, which enveloped the cabin with crystal-clear music.

Advanced safety features encompass the Lexus Safety System+, offering a suite of driver assistance technologies. Adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking provide an extra layer of confidence, ensuring that the driving experience remains safe and secure. The fact that these features come standard on all Lexus/Toyota products gets a huge thumbs up from us.

As we descended from the mountain heights, it became crystal clear that the 2023 Lexus IS 500 Premium isn’t just a car; it’s an experience, one that Lexus has made a standard in the luxury sedan market.

It bridges the gap between traditional automotive values and contemporary desires, encapsulating the essence of luxury performance in a single package. Its unrelenting power, sophisticated design and technological innovations offered us a glimpse into the future of automotive excellence.

We feel that there is still something to be said about an adrenaline-pushing, gas-powered engine with nothing but pure horsepower to back it up. It’s energizing to the soul of the true automotive enthusiast to know that there is power and plenty of it coming from a true non-turbocharged engine.

In the competitive landscape of luxury sports sedans, the IS 500 Premium stands out as a testament to Lexus’ commitment to crafting vehicles that cater to the discerning driver. With its blend of opulence, performance and innovation, it solidifies its position as a true contender on the roads and mountain passes of Utah and really anywhere you may choose to get out and enjoy the open road.

Base price: $62,020

Destination charge: $1,150

Price as driven: $66,625

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