Lexus is preparing to launch an all-electric rival to the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class by 2027, according to reports from Best Car Web. The next generation of the Lexus IS mid-size luxury sedan will ditch internal combustion entirely, focusing exclusively on electric powertrains. This marks a significant shift for Lexus, which has historically offered gasoline-powered sports sedans.
The End of Combustion for Lexus IS
The current IS model, which ceased sales in Australia in 2021 due to safety regulations, has been kept alive in other markets with updates. However, the aging platform – first introduced in 2013 – is nearing its end. While facelifts have extended its lifespan, the interior has remained largely unchanged until recent minor revisions.
The new IS will be positioned similarly in price to the larger, more comfort-focused ES sedan, and will measure approximately 4.79 meters in length, making it smaller than the ES (5.14 meters). The design is expected to draw heavily from the striking LF-ZC concept revealed in 2023.
Lexus Electrification Strategy
This move aligns with Lexus’ broader electrification strategy, which includes offering electric versions of the ES sedan for the first time. The ES will be available in single-motor front-wheel drive or dual-motor all-wheel drive configurations. The IS, in contrast, is expected to offer rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive EV options, with Lexus aiming for up to 368kW of power and a range exceeding 1000km—potentially leveraging solid-state battery technology.
A History of Concepts and Future Plans
Lexus has been teasing its electric future for years, starting with the Electrified Sedan Concept in 2021. The side design from this concept was later used on the new ES model. More recently, the LFA Concept, an almost identical redesign, signals a production vehicle is on the horizon. These moves indicate Lexus is fully committing to an electric future for its sports sedan lineup.
Lexus’ transition to an all-electric IS is a clear response to the growing EV dominance in the luxury mid-size segment. By focusing solely on electric power, Lexus is betting that the market will shift decisively away from combustion engines within the next few years.
