Lexus IS500 Climax Edition Announced for Japan as Final Send-Off

Lexus has unveiled a limited-run IS500 Climax Edition for the Japanese market, a special variant of its V8-powered sports sedan that mirrors the U.S.-spec IS500 Ultimate Edition, but with subtle market-specific changes. The model will be limited to 500 units, with a retail price of ¥9,500,000 (approx. ₹55.89 lakh) and will go on sale in August 2025. 

The naming choice—Climax Edition—has drawn attention due to its unconventional connotation, but Lexus has not offered an official explanation for the designation. Whether intentional or not, the name underscores the model's positioning as a final tribute to the ageing third-generation IS, which has now been on sale for over 12 years without a full model redesign.

Under the hood, the Climax Edition remains mechanically identical to its American counterpart, retaining the naturally aspirated 5.0-litre 2UR-GSE V8 engine, which produces 465 bhp and 535 Nm of torque. Power is sent exclusively to the rear wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission. 

Performance enhancements include Brembo six-piston front brakes with 380-mm ventilated discs, and 19-inch matte black forged BBS wheels, all carried over from the IS500 Ultimate Edition sold in the U.S. The car is finished in Neutrino Grey. 

Inside, the IS500 Climax Edition features a red and black dual-tone interior with additional unique elements such as dimpled leather on the steering wheel and shift knob, laser-etched red detailing on the analogue clock, and custom scuff plates. The "Climax Edition" branding appears both on the centre console and within the digital gauge cluster, distinguishing it visually from other IS500 trims.