The Lexus IS isn’t going out quietly. Just when it seemed the long-running luxury sedan was heading toward retirement after a rumored “Ultimate Edition,” Lexus has extended its life into 2026 with a subtle facelift. But now, the bigger shift is becoming clear. According to fresh reports from Japan, the IS will bow out in its current form and return as a fully electric model around 2027.
This isn’t just a refresh. It’s a full reset.
Inspired by the LF-ZC Concept
The upcoming Lexus IS EV is expected to draw heavily on the LF-ZC concept unveiled in 2023. That concept wasn’t just a design study. It was a signal of where Lexus is heading.
Low, sleek proportions. Sharper lines. A more futuristic cabin. All of it points to a cleaner, more aerodynamic take on what a sports sedan should look like in the electric era.
Lexus had already hinted that a production version of the LF-ZC would arrive around 2026. This new report lines up neatly with that timeline, suggesting the IS EV could be one of the first models to bring that vision to life.
Interestingly, the next-generation ES due in 2026 will also borrow from the same design language. But the IS EV is expected to lean more toward performance and driver engagement.
Bigger, But Still Driver-Focused
Here’s what we know so far.
The electric IS will grow slightly in size, measuring around 188.5 inches in length. That makes it roughly three inches longer than the current model, giving it a bit more presence on the road without stepping into full-size territory.
Lexus seems to be walking a fine line here. The goal is to modernize the IS without losing its identity as a compact, driver-oriented sedan. It will still sit below the ES in the lineup, but with a more aggressive stance and sportier intent.
Powertrain: Performance Meets Electrification
This is where things get interesting.
The IS EV is expected to offer two configurations:
A single-motor, rear-wheel-drive setup
A dual-motor, all-wheel-drive version
The dual-motor variant could push close to 500 horsepower. That’s a serious jump and puts it firmly in competition with performance EV sedans already in the market.
If Lexus gets the tuning right, this could be the car that finally answers a long-standing question: Can an electric Lexus still feel engaging to drive?
A Strategic Shift for Lexus
This move is part of a larger transition. Lexus has been steadily pivoting toward electrification, but without abandoning its core values of refinement and reliability.
Replacing the IS with an EV isn’t just about emissions or regulations. It’s about staying relevant in a market that’s quickly redefining what a luxury sports sedan should be.
The real challenge will be emotional. The IS has always had a loyal following, especially among drivers who value balance, handling, and a connection to the road. Translating that into an electric format won’t be easy.
What Happens Next?
For now, Lexus hasn’t officially confirmed the details. But the timeline, the concept alignment, and the broader industry shift all point in the same direction.
The Lexus IS as we know it is nearing its final chapter. What comes next could redefine it entirely.
And if Lexus plays this right, the IS EV won’t just replace the original. It might actually surpass it.
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