While the Lexus IS has long struggled to gain traction in the European market—overshadowed by the dominant trio of the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class—the tide may soon be turning. With fresh design inspiration, an evolving drivetrain philosophy, and a strong legacy to build upon, Lexus appears poised for a compelling comeback.
The brand’s fortunes could shift dramatically if Toyota opts to retain some of its traditional powertrain offerings. Although diesel is no longer central to the conversation, a robust gasoline engine remains highly desirable. The American market has proven this with the strong reception of the IS 500, a high-performance variant equipped with a naturally aspirated V8—an offering that still resonates deeply with enthusiasts.
To envision what the next-generation IS might look like, independent designer Theophilus Chin—better known online as Theottle—has stepped in with a set of speculative renderings. Drawing heavily from the 2021 Lexus Electrified Sedan Concept, Chin updates the IS’s appearance using design cues from the recently refreshed Lexus ES, bringing a grounded realism to the futuristic concept.
The resulting design is both aggressive and elegant. A sharply styled front end features angular LED lighting and triangular intakes sculpted into a pronounced bumper. The iconic Spindle grille, now refined and more cohesive, anchors the face of the sedan. A subtle opening on the nose hints at a possible hybrid drivetrain—suggesting a bridge between Lexus’s combustion-engine heritage and its electrified future.
From the side, the silhouette remains faithful to the concept’s dramatic proportions, though Theottle tempers the visual drama with more realistic elements: standard door handles, production-ready mirrors, and stylish yet feasible alloy wheels. It’s a design that feels plausible—almost as if it has just exited Lexus’s final clay model evaluation.
At the rear, the design embraces sportiness with a ducktail spoiler perched above a slender, full-width LED strip. The rear window is flatter, the shoulders broader, lending the IS a more athletic, planted stance—reminiscent of performance sedans rather than executive shuttles.
However, fans shouldn’t expect these renderings to translate directly into the production model. Lexus is playing its cards close to the chest, and the camouflaged test mules spotted so far reveal little. Still, with the current IS platform dating back to 2013 (albeit refreshed in 2017 and 2020), a full redesign is inevitable—and imminent.
Hints from Lexus itself suggest the curtain may be closing on the beloved V8 engine. Special editions like the IS 500 Climax and Ultimate Edition, recently launched in Japan and the U.S., appear to be parting tributes to an era nearing its end. Toyota’s broader strategy is focused on hybridization and electrification, meaning the next-generation IS will likely arrive with hybrid options—and potentially, a fully electric variant.
As we await the official reveal, one thing is clear: the new IS has the potential to shake up the compact executive segment. With its legacy of sporty refinement and a forward-looking design philosophy, Lexus may finally be ready to mount a serious challenge to the German establishment.
Source: Lexus; Photo: Theottle