Lexus IS500 Vs BMW M3 Vs Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing: Full Assessment & Comparability

Have we taken know-how too far? Have we engineered-out all of the really thrilling bits of efficiency automobiles? Lexus has a (not so) refined reminder that typically reinventing the wheel is not what we’d like. Typically we’d like old school V-8, and a few mechanical grip to make drivers really blissful.

Take into consideration BMWs of yesteryear, just like the E9X M3s from BMW with their screaming V-8 engines or Cadillac’s personal CTS-Vs with their supercharged V-8s (when these fashions had been a bit smaller). They’re beloved now, and Lexus appears to be the one competitor within the class making such a splash with a recipe that hasn’t modified a lot.

I used to be in a position to spherical up a small group of the world’s finest present sporty sedans, together with the

Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing
, BMW M3 Competitors, and, after all, our Lexus IS500 F Sport Efficiency tester. This specific instance is completed in a bespoke “Flare Yellow” which isn’t out there to the general public, and with choices together with the BBS solid wheels, got here to a grand whole simply shy of $69,000. The IS500 begins at $60,595, making it the least costly of its opponents in our comparability.

In an effort to give you an trustworthy and unbiased evaluation, the automobile reviewed on this article was pushed every day all through the course of each day life for a interval of 1 week. For detailed perception into testing procedures and information assortment, please evaluation our methodology coverage.

2025 Lexus IS500 F Sport Efficiency First Impressions

Oh, look, a Lexus IS. If it weren’t brilliant metallic yellow, you’d assume, “there goes one other IS350.” This isn’t an peculiar IS, although. That is one thing a lot meaner. The IS500 F Sport Efficiency (a bizarre title) may not seem like one thing out of the peculiar upon first look, however take a better look, and all of it begins to make sense. The ever-so-slight bulge within the hood is an indicator of the monster dwelling beneath it. The bigger wheels and brakes are one other.

Past that, it’s simply the signature quad exhaust shops from Lexus F and the insane holler that comes from them that lets passers-by know…this ain’t no V-6. A tiny IS500 badge on the again (in the very same font and measurement as the opposite fashions) is a really “Lexus” strategy to differentiate the mannequin, however they had been very eager to maintain individuals from calling it a full F product. I am not going to check with it because the IS500 F Sport Efficiency, although. “IS500” is sufficient. But it surely’s not an ISF, OK?

The IS will not be new from Lexus, however its form is a good-looking one. The longer you look, particularly in yellow, the extra you begin to see its coupe-inspired design cues. The physique line that kicks up from the rear doorways neatly aligns parallel to the with the tapered c-pillar graphic and goes a good distance in direction of visually shortening the IS. Add to that the tall rear decklid that sits proudly on its rear haunches. These design modifications assist the IS stay a muscular, however elegant automotive. The added “F”… I imply “500” bits solely additional intensify its magnificence.

Exterior Dimensions

Driving Impressions And Efficiency

Okay, possibly it’s largely an ISF. Most of what makes these automobiles is the thunderous V-8 beneath the hood, anyway. It’s no totally different right here. It places out the identical energy because the F fashions, makes the identical noises, and revs simply as excessive. This 5.0-liter is a real gem and deserves each little bit of reward it has acquired over time. No turbos, or superchargers, or something to get in the best way. Simply pure naturally aspirated energy.

It’s not the quickest factor on the highway, however since when is a wailing V-8 producing 472 horsepower a gradual factor? That’s precisely as a lot because the turbocharged Cadillac produces, and nearly the identical as a base model of the

BMW M3
would. It’s not gradual, however what it doesn’t provide in straight-line pace, it greater than makes up for with theater and charm.

I believed I wouldn’t want a V-8 since newer, smaller engines can produce extra energy, and nonetheless sound first rate. It seems that’s not essentially true. There’s only a feeling you get when exploring the rev vary of such a splendidly made V-8 that can not be duplicated by tech and downsizing. It may be easy, however it simply supplies one other layer to the expertise that others can’t fairly match. I’m going to overlook it dearly when it’s gone.

It’s within the corners the place I began to know why Lexus didn’t need to name it an F. The reality is, the automotive has loads of mechanical grip, no less than sufficient in a canyon driving setting. I’m certain on observe it might fall to the opponents by fairly a bit. Even with its adaptive suspension, it’s squishy, there may be way more pitch, dive, and body-roll than both its opponents or different F merchandise.

The

Mazda Miata
involves thoughts, however since when does anybody complain about that automotive’s dealing with traits? It is smart that they might need to mentally dethrone it as a full F. It’s way more of a road automotive than a observe weapon. I occur to like it for that. The title matches its character. It doesn’t beat you up, even over the roughest of highway surfaces. The opponents want they could possibly be this cozy.

Braking And Acceleration

Acceleration within the IS500 hits reliably beneath heavy load. That is an engine that likes to be revved, and the best way

naturally aspirated V-8
energy motivates the automotive feels uniquely dependable, and the method of accelerating (briskly) turns into addicting. That is in all probability one more reason gas economic system is on the decrease facet. The IS500 is not the quickest or quickest automotive round, however acceleration is greater than satisfactory to really feel like a sports activities automotive expertise. Energy is delivered easily and linearly, as you’d count on from one of these powertrain.

Braking feels very robust within the IS500. The preliminary chew on the pedal is rapid, and the stopping energy is equally spectacular.

• Acceleration 0-60 MPH: 4.4 Seconds
• Braking: 60-0 MPH: 111 Toes

Efficiency Specs

Lexus IS500 Gas Financial system

The Lexus IS500 achieves a comparatively respectful 20 MPG common, with an much more respectable 25 on the freeway. For a big and never very new V-8, these are first rate numbers. That’s, after all, in case you can resist the urge to plant your foot on the accelerator each probability you get. I wasn’t so proof against the temptation and thus, didn’t obtain fairly so spectacular gas economic system numbers. The common was hovering nearer to the 16-18 MPG vary.

Inside Design And Consolation

It’s no secret that the Lexus IS has an aged inside. There’s solely so lengthy all the lineup might journey on the coattails of the

legendary LFA
. That automotive set the usual for Lexus design and high quality from the late 2000s until now. Lexus IS phasing out that design language, however components stay. What I admire is the simplicity of it. It’s straightforward to change into snug with the inside of the IS500. The seats are sporty, however snug.

The steering wheel is the suitable measurement. It has a moonroof (not a sunroof), and the rear seats will do in a pinch. It feels compact, however not cramped. Suppose BMW’s e90 3-Sequence, however extra coupe-like in really feel. The supplies themselves are neither stellar nor low high quality. In reality, I’d go as far as to say, for the worth and efficiency provided of the entire automotive, the supplies used are fairly good.

Decide an attention-grabbing inside shade, and also you’d be hard-pressed to need one thing considerably extra snug. An inside refresh would have complimented the outside’s good-looking late design, however minimalism is at work right here, and I don’t thoughts that one bit. Bear in mind, it is a efficiency automotive on the decrease finish of the worth spectrum as in comparison with its opponents. Drivers right here merely don’t want

Maybach ranges of inside high quality
.

Inside Dimensions

Expertise And Ease Of Use

Hear me out, and I do emphasize “hear” me out on this. The aged tech contained in the Lexus IS500 is completely sensible. There aren’t any overly difficult menus and in-house mediocre apps. There aren’t any surprises or hidden options you had been promised however can by no means truly discover after spending all of your hard-earned cash. Essentially the most gimmicky half is the contact capacitive local weather controls, however they work properly right here, and every thing else is managed by well-weighted buttons.

The infotainment display screen is now a touchscreen, so that you aren’t required to make use of the dreaded mouse pad. The sound system on this automotive needs to be the most effective in the marketplace at any worth level in all the automotive business. The readability is unbelievable, and the bass is spectacular. I really like the old-school tiny crimson LED beneath the labeled “Mark Levinson” stereo controls. It’s a beautiful throwback letting you already know precisely who was accountable for this lovely sound. 7

I discovered myself so torn between wanting to listen to my favourite songs blasting by way of the stereo and simply shutting it off fully to then put my foot down and hearken to the mighty 5.0-liter V-8 sing as an alternative. It doesn’t matter what you select, the IS500 will make all the suitable noises. You get (wired)

Apple CarPlay
, which is ok, though I want it was no less than up to date to a USBC port quite than an old-school USB.

Oh, and the candy side-to-side adjustable tachometer ripped straight from the

LFA
continues to be cool, regardless of how outdated it’s. This resolution supplies the very best data attainable within the easiest method attainable, however in a format that’s horny. Please, Lexus, hold doing inside bits like this.

Cargo And Storage Area

The IS500 retains a comparatively deep trunk from each different IS. This can be a small automotive, so having virtually 11 cubic toes of trunk is completely acceptable. Once more, it is a efficiency automotive, not a household hauler, though you possibly can in all probability haul the household in it anyway.

2025 Lexus IS500 Vs. The World

The tried-and-true old-school Lexus IS500 has discovered itself proper within the crosshairs of two of the world’s most spectacular sport sedans. The BMW M3 wants no introduction, and has remained the business customary for the phase so long as it has existed. It’s a mighty factor, absolutely worthy of the huge status it has gained over six generations of BMW. It’s by far the quickest automotive right here and has all the time laughed within the face of the competitors.

Talking of legendary BMWs, the one automotive that might even consider dethroning the Bavarian king comes from, of all locations, America? Cadillac’s CT4-V Blackwing is an absolute weapon on and off the observe. Its breadth of functionality is arguably increased than that of the M3, and requires many hundreds of {dollars} much less to take action. Constructed on GM’s unbelievably succesful “Alpha” chassis, it’s the final of its variety, and in some ways, does the BMW M recipe higher than BMW themselves.

It’s a tall order for the seasoned Lexus, however the IS500 has a 5.0-liter ace up its sleeve that the remainder of the world appears to have forgotten, actually issues. An honorable point out, though excluded from this comparability, is the Volvo S60 Polestar Engineered (now labeled as “Plug-in-Hybrid”). That automotive stunned with an electrified turbo-four cylinder to make 455 horsepower and an acceleration determine that mainly matches the V-8 Lexus.

How The Lexus IS500 Compares To The Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing

• 

  2025 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Efficiency
  

  Regardless of being based mostly on a 13-year-old platform, the Lexus IS 500 is nearly as good because it was when it got here out, however higher because of its newest updates and tweaks, and above all, it is completely peach of an engine. Naturally-aspirated V-8s are a dying breed and the IS 500 will change into an artifact from a bygone period, quickly reminding us of how good we used to actually have it. If you happen to’re a sucker for N/A V-8 sports activities sedans, get one when you can and dangle onto it for expensive life.

  Professionals & Cons

  • Stellar V-8
  • Good-looking Exterior
  • Low Worth To Entry

  • Aged Inside
  • Questionable Gas Financial system
  • Clunky 8-Pace Automated

• 

  2025 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing
  

  Professionals & Cons

  • Tremec 6-Pace Handbook
  • Efficiency Traction Administration System
  • Distinctive Design

  • Poor Gas Financial system
  • Quiet Exhaust Word
  • Small Rear Seats

The Cadillac and Lexus are extra carefully matched on a daily-able efficiency automotive degree. The CT4-V Blackwing is likely one of the most spectacular all-in-one automobiles I’ve ever pushed. A lot, that I ended up shopping for one. It is dynamic, however snug. It surprises with a intelligent chassis management, options, energy, type, all at a worth that is not removed from the Lexus’s.

The IS500 can function a extra snug cruiser, however cannot maintain a candle to the extra athletic CT4-V Blackwing. On the subject of “cool” issue, although, the Lexus simply exudes class and that further little bit of muscle, one thing the Cadillac simply cannot pull off. A V-8 engine simply has that impact.

Efficiency

The Cadillac virtually completely splits the persona variations between the Lexus and BMW. Blackwing may not have the heritage of the others (by title), however the perfect of GM’s engineering powerhouse is current and accounted for. The alpha platform shocked the world and has remodeled each automotive it underpins.

The CT4-V Blackwing isn’t any exception. Its chassis is so playful and dynamic, however makes you’re feeling like a champion each time you’re taking a drive. Just like the extra digital M3, the Blackwing could make up for sloppy driving, however then, just like the extra mechanical IS500, it rewards expert driving, too. The CT4 is athletic in methods each the IS500 and M3 aren’t. It does the “float like a butterfly, sting like a bee” factor so properly, you’d simply neglect you’re in one thing with a Cadillac badge.

The IS500 continues to be extra soulful, however the dynamic character of the

Blackwing
helps make up for the shortage of cylinders with chassis management and its personal distinctive persona. It’s no naturally aspirated V-8, however the further torque supplied by a pair of turbochargers is actually welcomed. Additionally, having the choice for a Tremec six-speed is all the time a greater choice. The handbook within the Blackwing is pure bliss. The load of the shifts is ideal, as is the constructive engagement of each notch for each gear. It completely destroys the horrible eight-speed auto within the Lexus any day of the week.

Consolation

IS500 continues to be consolation king, however Blackwing has just a few options that the Lexus doesn’t. Whereas each have adaptive suspension, it’s the Cadillac that modifications extra dramatically between settings. Its seats are additionally extra supportive than the Lexus, and have a massaging operate. It simply isn’t as smooth because the Lexus although.

Expertise

The genius of GM’s tech is what occurs behind the scenes. PTM (Efficiency Traction Administration), for instance is a wildly efficient traction management system you possibly can manipulate through a steering wheel-mounted toggle, not not like Ferrari’s Manatino. The adjustable launch management, line-lock, and built-in recordable sprint cam with telemetry overlays are all superb options throughout the Cadillac that Lexus by no means developed for the IS500. Sure, these are performance-oriented options, however they’re developed technological advances that present the age of the Lexus.

Talking strictly infotainment-wise, the Lexus’s superior sound system blows the Cadillac’s away. It’s not even shut. All of the sounds the Lexus makes, whether or not from beneath the hood or from the audio system, are way more spectacular than the Cadillac’s. I simply want Lexus had added wi-fi Apple CarPlay to their system.

How The Lexus IS500 Compares To The BMW M3 Competitors

• 

  2025 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Efficiency
  

  Regardless of being based mostly on a 13-year-old platform, the Lexus IS 500 is nearly as good because it was when it got here out, however higher because of its newest updates and tweaks, and above all, it is completely peach of an engine. Naturally-aspirated V-8s are a dying breed and the IS 500 will change into an artifact from a bygone period, quickly reminding us of how good we used to actually have it. If you happen to’re a sucker for N/A V-8 sports activities sedans, get one when you can and dangle onto it for expensive life.

  Mannequin

  IS

  Engine

  5.0-Liter Naturally-Aspirated Gasoline DOHC V-8

  Transmission

  8-Pace Automated

  Horsepower

  472 HP @ 7,100 RPM

  Torque

  395 LB-FT @ 4,800 RPM

  Driveline

  Rear-Wheel Drive

  Beginning Worth (MSRP)

  $60,595

  Gas Financial system

  17 MPG Metropolis / 25 MPG Freeway / 20 MPG Mixed

  0-60 MPH

  4.4 Seconds (Mfr. Claimed)

  High Pace

  149 MPH (Mfr. Claimed)

  Professionals & Cons

  • Epic V-8 Engine
  • Good-looking Exterior
  • Mechanical Grip For Days

  • Aged Inside
  • Low-Tech
  • Not Significantly Gas Environment friendly

  Increase

• 

  2025 BMW M3
  

  The 2025 BMW M3 was revealed in mid-2024 after receiving an intensive mid-cycle replace that included a brand new exterior look, revised cabin, and a rise of 20 horsepower. At launch pricing began at $76,000 for the entry-level M3, $80,200 for the M3 Competitors, and $85,300 for the M3 Competitors xDrive. 

  Mannequin

  M3

  Section

  Sports activities Automobiles

  Engine

  3.0-Liter Inline-Six

  Transmission

  Six-Pace Handbook | 8-Pace DCT

  Horsepower

  473 HP @ 6,250

  Torque

  406 LB-FT @ 2,650 – 6,130

  Driveline

  RWD

  Beginning Worth (MSRP)

  $76,000

  Gas Financial system

  TBA

  0-60 MPH

  4.1 Seconds

  High Pace

  155 – 180 MPH (M Driver’s Bundle)

  Professionals & Cons

  • Supercar Fast
  • Luxurious Options
  • Razor-Sharp Dealing with

  • Costly
  • Has Grown Too A lot
  • No Handbook Possibility On High Mannequin

  Increase

Every day, actually any of those three are nice each day efficiency automobiles. The Lexus continues to be softer and extra forgiving in additional conditions although. It’s the higher all-rounder as in comparison with the M3. The place the BMW has change into hyper-focused on efficiency, Lexus remembers these may be most drivers’ solely automotive, so consolation and highway compliance goes a good distance in direction of each day enjoyment.

Efficiency

This one is hard as a result of, clearly, the BMW M3 is much faster in each driving state of affairs than the IS500, however efficiency consists of theater. BMW’s obsession with observe instances and cornering g-force numbers means it drives in a extra sterile means. It’s unbelievable and spectacular, however a bit more durable to fall right into a “circulation” when not on a racetrack. The IS500 sings and dances all alongside the journey, whereas the M3 shouts and carves up the road. It’s a very totally different expertise.

This stark distinction means you actually should select what you worth most. The BMW is much more practical, highly effective and sharp, however the Lexus has exponentially extra character and charm. The M3 hides your sloppy errors, the place the Lexus doesn’t. M3 can simply make you seem like a hero, the place IS500 rewards a bit extra of a wrestle whereas driving more durable. The M3 has all the time been a unbelievable performer as much as its restrict, which is undoubtedly a lot increased than your (the driving force’s) personal restrict. The Lexus, by comparability, is way happier at round six or seven tenths.

I really like how BMW has continued to up the ante with the M3 constantly over the generations, however the charismatic soul of Lexus’s IS500 is definitely simply as spectacular, simply another way. BMW could have eliminated its slick seven-speed DCT from the lineup, and the one strategy to get a stick is in non-competition kind, however the ZF eight-speed is finest tuned in a BMW, and the model within the M3 is miles higher than the Lexus Direct-Shift eight-speed slush field.

Consolation

Straightforward win for the Lexus right here. Whereas I really love BMW’s seats, notably in M automobiles, the IS500 simply does all-around consolation higher. It rides higher, its seats are, unbelievably, extra forgiving, even than BMW’s sensible sport seats, and particularly, the carbon buckets. It feels smaller, and simpler to maneuver than the BMW, too. Its heated seats burn hotter, and ventilated setting blows cooler up your bottom. I can’t consider a single facet the place the M3 is extra snug. It’s not uncomfortable, simply not as forgiving in any means because the IS500.

Expertise

Being a large fan of the Lexus’s fantastic sound system isn’t sufficient to permit it to win on this matter. BMW has over-complicated its infotainment methods, however the sheer variety of settings and trick options constructed into it’s spectacular. The ever-expanding widescreen has actually grown on me, and the readability of the graphics is nice. Sure, that Mark Levinson Lexus sound, however it’s not like BMW’s Harman Kardon system is a let-down. Fairly the other. It’s additionally very spectacular and one I usually sit up for listening to. BMW has tech within the bag in the meanwhile.

Our Advice For Which Mannequin You Ought to Purchase

The three automobiles couldn’t be extra totally different. If you wish to be swaddled mile after mile in full consolation, but additionally serenaded by one of many business’s best-sounding V-8 engines, in a chassis with gobs of mechanical grip, then maybe it’s the Lexus IS500 you’d go for. If you wish to be totally different, however nonetheless crave character and functionality, with a good-ol handbook transmission, the

Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing
is your automotive.

Possibly, although, it is best to simply let the Germans do what they do finest, and promote you an icon that may run circles round a number of the world’s finest sports activities automobiles, then simply go for the quintessential BMW M3. These three are so distinctive in the best way they go about executing the game sedan phase that selecting between them actually does come right down to how carefully one would match your personal persona. They provide vastly totally different experiences, whereas arriving at a reasonably related finish purpose.

I personally selected the Cadillac, however wouldn’t fault anybody for going with both of the others. In reality, there are a lot of components of each the IS500 and M3 that I want my Blackwing had. It’s OK to have wholesome competitors. If you end up behind the wheel of those three, you’ll all the time really feel like a champion, and that’s all that basically issues in a efficiency automotive on the finish of the day.