Next-Gen Lexus IS Potentially Leaked via New Patent Drawings
These next-gen Lexus IS patent images show a few subtle details when compared to the previously-revealed concept.
As most are already well aware, Lexus is in the midst of a journey down the road of electrification, one that will eventually see its entire lineup go all-electric. This also means that the luxury brand is working on overhauling its entire lineup and launching brand new products, with some rather enticing possibilities including the LFA’s true successor. One vehicle we haven’t heard much about, however, is the next-gen Lexus IS – but it seems as if it may also live on and perhaps look like the images recently revealed via a patent filing, as explained in this video from Kirk Kreifels.
While these images have been popping up seemingly everywhere, it isn’t immediately clear which country the patent was filed in, but regardless, comparing them to the concept previously shown by Lexus at its big electrification announcement reveals some interesting details. For starters, the front ends are essentially identical, with unique, slim headlights and a pair of hood vents, all of which gives off a very sporty vibe – just like the current-gen model.
Moving down the side, we can see conventional mirrors, along with a familiar crease in the front fender/door area that pays tribute to the existing model, with some pronounced pieces present on the lower portion of the doors. The rear of the next-gen Lexus IS has some interesting surfaces as well, with an old fashioned duck tail spoiler and more of an upward swept appearance and a diffuser to help balance it all out. Overall, it’s very similar to the concept, albeit with longer front and rear overhangs, it seems.
Perhaps the biggest news here, however, is that the next-gen Lexus IS will apparently be sold as a hatchback rather than a traditional sedan, as we can see in these photos, as well as the previously-revealed concept. Of course, there will likely be multiple body styles offered – including a wagon – but going with a traditional five-door hatch typically results in more cargo space than a regular sedan, which is a obviously a good thing.
As far as powertrains go, it remains a possibility that Lexus stuffs some sort of pure ICE or hybrid setup in the next-gen Lexus IS at least temporarily – as could be the case with the LFA’s successor – but ultimately, it’s expected to be sold as a pure EV. If that happens to be the case, with the right powertrain, the new IS could prove to be a compelling alternative to existing EVs like the Tesla Model 3 thanks to its attractive styling and what should be a more conventional interior design, but for now at least, we’ll just have to wait and see.
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