In their latest review, Yuri and Jakub from The Straight Pipes dive into the 2025 Lexus IS 500 F Sport, a compact luxury sedan that’s clinging to the glory days of naturally aspirated V8s. With 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque from its 5.0-liter 2UR-GSE V8, this rear-wheel-drive beast is a rare breed in a world of turbocharged downsizing. Priced at $80,410 CAD, it’s a premium proposition, but does it have what it takes to outshine the dynamic Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing? Let’s break down their take and see which sedan steals the show.
The Lexus IS 500 F Sport: A V8 Love Letter
Yuri kicks off the review behind the wheel, immediately smitten by the IS 500’s aggressive styling, especially in the special edition Flair Yellow paint. The bold “Predator” grille, muscular hood bulge, and stacked quad exhausts scream performance, while the black BBS wheels and sleek lines keep it classy. Jakub, inspecting the exterior, notes the updated fenders and triple-beam headlights, calling it “a sharp-dressed sedan that doesn’t look 13 years old, despite its aging platform.”
Under the hood, the 5.0-liter V8 is the star. Yuri floors it, and the cabin fills with a throaty, high-revving wail that hits its peak at 7,100 rpm. “This engine is pure soul,” he says, grinning as the eight-speed automatic bangs off a shift in Sport S+ mode. The 0-60 mph sprint clocks in at a claimed 4.4 seconds, though testing has shown as quick as 4.3 seconds. Jakub chimes in, “It’s not just the speed; it’s how linear and predictable the power feels. No turbo lag, just a smooth rush all the way to the 7,300 rpm redline.”
The interior impresses with its Circuit Red leather and precise build quality. Yuri loves the heated and ventilated sport seats, calling them “some of the best in the game,” while Jakub appreciates the updated 12.3-inch touchscreen, a big step up from the old trackpad system. However, he points out the cramped rear seats and small 10.8-cubic-foot trunk, noting, “This is a driver’s car, not a family hauler.” The Mark Levinson audio system and analog clock add a touch of nostalgia, but the lack of wireless Apple CarPlay is a minor gripe.
On the road, the IS 500 balances comfort and sportiness. The adaptive suspension soaks up bumps well, making it a stellar highway cruiser, but Jakub finds the steering “a bit numb” compared to sharper rivals. The Torsen limited-slip differential helps manage the V8’s grunt, allowing controlled oversteer in tight corners when traction control is off. Yuri adds, “It’s not a track weapon, but it’s a blast on twisty backroads. You’re buying this for the engine’s character, not lap times.”
The Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing: The Dynamic Contender
To compare, Yuri and Jakub bring in the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing, a favorite for its razor-sharp handling and track-ready setup. Powered by a 3.6-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 472 horsepower and 445 lb-ft of torque, it matches the Lexus in power but delivers more low-end grunt. Priced around $75,000 CAD (depending on options), it’s slightly cheaper and offers a six-speed manual option, which Yuri calls “a gearhead’s dream.”
The CT4-V Blackwing hits 60 mph in about 4.1 seconds with the manual (or 3.9 with the 10-speed automatic), edging out the IS 500 in straight-line speed. Jakub notes its superior chassis tuning, with magnetic ride control and precise steering that make it “feel like a scalpel on a track.” The interior, while functional, doesn’t match the Lexus’s plushness, with harder plastics and less refined materials. “It’s a performance-first car,” Yuri says. “You feel every ounce of its focus, but it’s not as comfy for daily driving.”
The Cadillac’s rear seats are equally tight, and its 10.5-cubic-foot trunk is marginally smaller. However, its fuel economy (18 mpg city/27 highway) slightly beats the Lexus (17 mpg city/25 highway). Jakub adds, “The Blackwing’s turbo V6 sounds good, but it’s not the symphony of the Lexus V8. You’re trading soul for precision.”
Head-to-Head: Which One Wins?
At $80,410 CAD, the Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance Premium is a tough sell against the CT4-V Blackwing’s lower price and superior dynamics. Yuri leans toward the Cadillac, saying, “If you want a car that feels alive on a track or a canyon road, the Blackwing’s your pick. It’s sharper, faster, and that manual gearbox is pure joy.” Jakub, however, defends the Lexus: “The IS 500 is about emotion. That V8 sound and smooth power delivery are unmatched. It’s a cruiser with a wild side, and it’s likely the last of its kind.”
For daily driving, the Lexus edges out with its luxurious interior and smoother ride, making it a better choice for long commutes or relaxed cruises. The Cadillac, while comfortable enough, prioritizes performance over refinement, which can feel intense for casual drives. Reliability is another factor—Yuri notes Lexus’s stellar reputation, while the Cadillac’s long-term durability is less certain.
The Verdict
Yuri and Jakub agree the choice depends on priorities. If you crave raw performance, track capability, and a manual option, the CT4-V Blackwing is the clear winner, offering better handling and a lower price. But if you’re after a unique, soulful V8 experience with luxury to match, the 2025 Lexus IS 500 F Sport delivers in spades. “It’s not about being the fastest,” Jakub says. “It’s about that grin every time you hear that V8 roar.” With only 500 units of the IS 500 Ultimate Edition available, Yuri adds, “Get one before it’s gone. This is the end of an era.”
So, which would you choose? The Lexus for its V8 charm or the Blackwing for its dynamic edge? Let us know in the comments!
