Will There Be a Next-Gen Lexus IS? 2027 Redesign Rumors and Leaks
The third-generation Lexus IS has been around since 2013, and while it got a sharp new facelift for 2025, the real question on every enthusiast’s mind is whether a next-generation model is actually coming .
TL;DR: Yes, a next-generation Lexus IS is widely expected to arrive in 2027, but it will be radically different. According to multiple reports from Japanese media, the new IS will drop its V6 and V8 engines entirely to become a dedicated pure electric vehicle (EV) . It’s expected to feature futuristic styling inspired by the LF-ZC concept, offer up to 500 horsepower, and target an impressive 1,000 km (620 miles) of range . While nothing is official from Lexus, these reports paint a picture of a bold, tech-focused sedan designed to take on the upcoming BMW i3 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class EV.
Key Takeaways
- Full Electric Transition: The next-gen IS is reportedly dropping all internal combustion engines in favor of an exclusive EV powertrain .
- 2027 Launch Window: The new model is expected to debut around mid-2027, aligning with the launch of key rivals .
- Stunning New Design: The car will likely draw heavy inspiration from the radical 2023 LF-ZC Concept, featuring a low, aerodynamic silhouette .
- Serious Performance and Range: Flagship versions are rumored to have a dual-motor AWD setup with nearly 500 horsepower and a range target of about 1,000 km (620 miles), possibly using solid-state batteries .
The Evolution of a Sports Sedan: From V8 to EV
The Lexus IS has always been the brand’s compact sports sedan, known for its sharp looks, comfortable interior, and surprisingly playful handling . It’s always been a bit of a “wolf in sheep’s clothing”—or perhaps a “sheep in wolf’s clothing,” as Car and Driver recently put it, praising its premium cabin and relaxed ride over raw speed .
But the automotive world is changing fast. The current generation, despite its recent facelift, is built on an aging platform. Reports now suggest Lexus is preparing to completely reinvent the IS . This isn’t just a typical redesign; it’s a fundamental shift in identity, moving from a traditional luxury sports sedan to a high-tech electric performance car.
A Timeline of Rumors and Leaks
- 2021 – The First Hint: Lexus reveals the Electrified Sedan Concept, a sleek, futuristic four-door that gives us our first glimpse of the brand’s electric sedan ambitions .
- 2023 – The Real Preview: The LF-ZC Concept debuts, showing a much more production-ready vision. It promises a super-low drag coefficient, giga-casting manufacturing, and a next-generation battery . The IS is believed to be the production version of this car .
- Late 2024 – A Timeline Shift: An Australian report indicates Lexus pushed the launch of two key EVs from 2026 to mid-2027. This perfectly aligns with the rumors of the new IS’s arrival .
- 2025 – The Final Facelift: Lexus gives the current IS another facelift, ensuring it stays competitive in the U.S. market while the next-gen model is developed in the background .
- 2027 – The Big Reveal: The new, pure-electric Lexus IS is expected to make its official debut, directly competing with the next generation of German electric sports sedans .
The Future is Electric: Performance and Tech Breakdown
The Powertrain: Goodbye V8, Hello Instant Torque
One of the biggest changes is the powertrain. The current IS offers a V6 and a glorious, naturally-aspirated V8 in the IS 500 F Sport Performance . The next generation is expected to skip hybrids and go straight to pure electric power .
- Performance: The rumored dual-motor, all-wheel-drive version could produce nearly 500 PS (about 500 horsepower), a massive jump over the current V6 .
- Range: Lexus is reportedly targeting a class-leading range of 1,000 km (about 620 miles) on a single charge . This ambitious target strongly suggests the use of next-generation solid-state batteries, a technology Toyota has been developing for years .
- Driving Dynamics: Lexus isn’t forgetting its heritage. The new IS is expected to feature advanced steer-by-wire technology and chassis tuning focused on the “Lexus Driving Signature,” promising a unique driving feel even without a combustion engine .
Design and Platform: A Radically New Look
The visual change will be just as dramatic as the mechanical one. Expect the new IS to look almost nothing like the current model.
- Design: The production car will heavily borrow from the LF-ZC Concept, with a low, sleek, and aerodynamic profile . It’s described as a “radical” departure, moving away from a traditional three-box sedan towards a more modern, fastback-like shape .
- Dimensions: It’s expected to grow slightly, with a length of around 4,790 mm (about 3 inches longer than the current car), giving it a more substantial presence on the road .
- Construction: The new IS may use giga-casting technology, a process that uses giant aluminum casts to reduce weight and improve structural rigidity, a technique made famous by Tesla .
“Lexus focuses on practical engineering that prioritizes comfort, reliability, and real-world usability over unnecessary complexity. The jump to a pure EV platform is the biggest engineering challenge the IS has ever faced.”
Lexus IS: A Look at the Lineup
To understand where the 2027 IS is headed, it helps to see where it’s been and what it currently offers.
| Model | Generation & Status | Key Powertrains | Key Features | Starting Price (USD, approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lexus IS 350 | Current (3rd Gen, 2013-present) | 3.5L V6 (311 hp) | Rear or All-Wheel Drive, 8-speed or 6-speed auto | ~$45,000 |
| Lexus IS 500 | Current (3rd Gen) | 5.0L V8 (472 hp) | Rear-Wheel Drive, 8-speed auto, sport-tuned suspension | ~$60,000 |
| 2027 Lexus IS EV | Next (4th Gen) | Single Motor (RWD) or Dual Motor (AWD) | Up to 500 hp, 1,000 km range, Solid-State Battery (rumored), Steer-by-Wire | TBD |
FAQ: Your Next-Gen IS Questions Answered
1. Is the new Lexus IS really going to be all-electric?
According to multiple reports, yes. The Japanese magazine Best Car reports that the next-generation IS will completely abandon internal combustion engines to become a pure EV .
2. When will the 2027 Lexus IS be released?
The most consistent rumor is a debut sometime in mid-2027, which aligns with the launch timelines of its key electric rivals from BMW and Mercedes-Benz .
3. Will the new IS have all-wheel drive?
Yes. The top-tier performance version is expected to be a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, providing instant traction and power to all four wheels .
4. How much will the 2027 Lexus IS cost?
Pricing has not been announced. Given the significant leap in technology, performance, and size, it is expected to command a premium over the current V6 models, potentially starting north of $50,000.
5. Will the new IS be bigger than the current one?
Yes. It’s rumored to be about 3 inches longer, with a length of approximately 4,790 mm, giving it a more substantial presence and likely more interior space .
6. What cars will the new electric IS compete with?
It is being positioned as a direct rival to the upcoming all-electric BMW i3, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class EV, and the Audi A4 e-tron .
7. Why is Lexus skipping a hybrid version for the new IS?
The reports suggest that if Lexus can achieve a 1,000 km range with solid-state batteries, the need for a hybrid option is significantly diminished. It’s a bold bet on the future of EV technology .
References
References:
- WhichCar – Lexus IS sedan: Reports suggest it could return as an EV
- Yahoo! Autos – Radical New 2027 Lexus IS Could Drop Gas For Good: Report
- Paul Tan’s Automotive News – Next-generation Lexus IS electric sedan to debut in 2027
- Car and Driver – 2027 Lexus IS Review
Which Lexus model best fits your driving needs? Share your thoughts in the comments.
