Lexus IS could return to Australia as electric Tesla rival

Lexus Australia is open to bringing the new-generation Lexus IS to local showrooms, according to the company's boss, as evidence mounts of it becoming an electric vehicle to rival Tesla.

In an interview with Drive, CEO John Pappas admitted his love for the IS, adding Lexus was "considering" bringing the model back to Australia after the sedan was axed from the line-up in 2021, due to new safety regulations.

"I love the IS … that was a beautiful car, and we were really sad when we had to stop the IS because of the safety regulations – which is most important," Mr Pappas told Drive.

"If there was an opportunity for us to bring [the Lexus IS] back … and it was available to us, met our requirements, we'd definitely be considering it, yes."

As reported in February 2022, the next-generation Lexus IS is said to be launching in 2025 with battery power – with the Tesla Model 3 in its sights – according to unverified reports out of Japan.

MORE: Lexus takes aim at Tesla Model 3, electric sedan due in 2025

Last week, Lexus parent company Toyota has confirmed it will be adding luxury sedan and wagon models to its line-up by 2026 – and we may have already seen them, hiding in plain sight.

Dozens of vehicles were teased as part of Toyota's electric-vehicle showcase in December 2021, including a Lexus Electrified Sedan concept (top) and its wagon counterpart.

"We've got a lot of IS fans in Australia and … they love the IS, so you know, never say never on an IS sedan," Mr Pappas said.