Digital Designer Gives Outgoing Lexus IS An Electric Concept Makeover

Late last week, news broke that production of one of Lexus’ longest-standing models – the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C-Class and Audi A4-rivaling IS sedan – is due to end in November. When that happens, it ends a lineage that started in 1999 and has since spanned three generations.

While few but the most ardent of IS fans were shedding tears at the news, there were some, like digital artist Theophilus Chin, who felt a custom, updated design would prove a fitting send-off for the Japanese marque’s compact luxury sedan.

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Heavily Inspired By The 2021 Electric Sedan Concept

The basis of his design is the Lexus Electrified Sedan Concept that the luxury brand introduced in 2022. From there, many of the core details have actually been lifted from Lexus’ new-for-2026 ES sedan. Ironically then, there’s surprisingly little IS in this IS reinvention.

Not that this in any way negatively affects the looks. Indeed, elements like the concept’s aggressively sweeping roofline and larger alloy wheels help give the not-quite-an-IS render a more commanding presence, even though that does mean we end up losing the Electrified concept’s uber-slim wing mirrors, flush door handles, and the scalloped flanks. It’s a similar story at the back, which now features a subtle ducktail spoiler, a more sharply raked rear windshield, and a full-length lightbar for the taillights.

Frankly, none of these features seem out of place on a new production IS, if it were to enter production. Which, of course, it’s not. Still, it’s an impressive interpretation from someone not connected to Lexus, creating a very Lexus sedan.

The front is where the render’s character truly comes alive. Though a far more subtle design than the Electric Sedan Concept’s more razored angles, the fictional front end includes LED headlamps, a more refined spindle grille, and less angular GR Supra-esque triangular air intakes – albeit still prominent – in-line with the design recently showcased on the updated RZ SUV. In a neat touch, the face is reminiscent of sister brand Toyota’s fifth-generation Prius, which, combined with the thin air intake on the nose, suggests something leaning towards a plug-in hybrid rather than a full electric model. It’s a fitting approach, given that Lexus is now walking back on the naturally aspirated V8 for most of its models.

The Final Lexus IS?

Theottle’s render is not the only celebratory example of the IS we’ve seen recently. In an ode to the history and legacy of the IS, Lexus unveiled the IS 500 Ultimate Edition towards the end of last month. Limited to 500 examples across North America, the tweaks are mostly cosmetic. Based on the IS F Sport, the 5.0-liter 2UR-GSE V8 remained unchanged. That’s not a bad thing, as this thumping mill pumps out 472 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque. It’s also one of the best-sounding V8 engines of all time.

The main upgrades are a silver exterior color called Wind, with an interior update called Circuit Red, the latter of which is decked out with black contrast stitching. Moving outside, it rides on 19-inch BBS alloy wheels behind which sit red brake calipers. Sadly, that’s pretty much it for this special edition.

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Hopefully, the Ultimate Edition isn’t the final chapter in the IS storybook. This is a car that’s sold 1.3 million variants across more than 40 countries, and it’s won a few hearts in the process. But, if Lexus is stumped on where to take a new IS and needs some inspiration from a new designer, we might know a guy….

Source: Theottle (Theophilus Chin), Lexus