Next-Gen Lexus IS Revealed: When Designers Break All the Rules
"This compact sedan reimagined: A bold new vision in concept form."
Late last week, it was announced that production of the Lexus IS sedan—a longtime competitor to the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C-Class, and Audi A4—will cease in November. This decision marks the end of a model line that began in 1999 and has continued through three generations.
Although only the most devoted IS enthusiasts were visibly saddened by the news, some—like digital artist Theophilus Chin—believe that a custom, modernized design would serve as a fitting farewell for Lexus’s compact luxury sedan.
Heavily Inspired by the 2021 Electric Sedan Concept
The foundation of his design is the Lexus Electrified Sedan Concept unveiled in 2022. Many key elements are also borrowed from Lexus’s all-new 2026 ES sedan. Ironically, this reimagined IS bears surprisingly little resemblance to the original model.
That’s not to say the design suffers visually—in fact, features like the concept’s aggressively sweeping roofline and larger alloy wheels give this not-quite-IS render a striking, commanding presence. However, this also means sacrificing some details from the Electrified concept, such as its ultra-slim wing mirrors, flush door handles, and sculpted scalloped flanks. The rear follows a similar approach, now boasting a subtle ducktail spoiler, a more sharply raked rear windshield, and a full-length light bar for the taillights.
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Frankly, none of these design elements feel out of place on a new production IS—if it were ever to make it to production, that is. While that’s unlikely, this impressive interpretation from an independent artist captures the essence of a true Lexus sedan.
The render really comes alive at the front. Unlike the sharper, more aggressive angles of the Electrified Sedan Concept, the fictional front end features sleek LED headlamps, a more refined spindle grille, and less angular, GR Supra-inspired triangular air intakes—still prominent but more elegant—mirroring the styling seen on the updated Lexus RZ SUV. Interestingly, the front fascia also echoes Toyota’s fifth-generation Prius, and the thin air intake on the nose hints at a plug-in hybrid powertrain rather than a fully electric one. This design choice fits well with Lexus’s recent shift away from naturally aspirated V8 engines in most of its lineup.
The Final Lexus IS?
Theophilus Chin’s render isn’t the only recent tribute to the Lexus IS legacy. Late last month, Lexus revealed the IS 500 Ultimate Edition as a homage to the model’s history. Limited to just 500 units across North America, the changes are primarily cosmetic. Built on the IS F Sport platform, it retains the powerful 5.0-liter 2UR-GSE V8 engine, unchanged. And that’s no drawback—the robust V8 delivers an impressive 472 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque, while producing one of the most iconic V8 exhaust notes in recent memory.
The primary upgrades include a new silver exterior shade called Wind and an interior refresh dubbed Circuit Red, featuring striking black contrast stitching. On the outside, the IS 500 Ultimate Edition rolls on 19-inch BBS alloy wheels, with vivid red brake calipers peeking out from behind. Unfortunately, beyond these touches, the special edition doesn’t offer many other enhancements.
Hopefully, the Ultimate Edition isn’t the final chapter in the IS’s story. With over 1.3 million units sold across more than 40 countries, this model has earned a special place in many enthusiasts’ hearts. But if Lexus finds itself uncertain about the IS’s future direction and seeks fresh inspiration, well—we might just know the perfect designer to turn to.
