This Lexus IS Looks Like a Drawing Come to Life

This Is Not Your Typical IS 350

It looked like the Lexus IS was on its way out, but Lexus decided to give it one more shot. The latest update isn’t a total overhaul. Think of it as a tune-up: sharper styling, improved tech, and a few tweaks to the chassis to keep it in the game. Underneath, though, it’s still the same platform that’s been around for over ten years.

Now, Lexus is trying something new – moving the IS into the world of art and culture. This latest project puts the IS in front of people who might not usually pay attention to cars.

At EXPO Chicago, Lexus is debuting a one-off IS 350, created in collaboration with artist Alex Alpert.

Turning the IS Into a Canvas

The concept is simple but not something you see every day: use the IS as a blank canvas. Alpert covered the car in his signature line art, with graphics that follow the body lines, making the surfaces look almost two-dimensional.

The hood features illustrations that tie back to what Lexus is all about: craftsmanship, precision, performance, and even hospitality. There’s also a quiet reference to Japanese heritage in the design, which adds a little more story to the car.

This art car is just the start. Over the next year, Alpert will bring similar live art projects to events like NYCxDesign and Art Basel in Miami. Here, the IS goes beyond being a car – it becomes a platform for something different.

When Will the Next-Gen IS Arrive?

This custom IS 350 won’t be showing up at dealerships, and Lexus hasn’t said anything about making a version you can buy. It’s a statement car, like the BMW art cars – a way to get people talking about the IS as the market moves away from sedans.

It’s hard to say if this will keep the IS around for much longer. The platform is still (very) old, and the competition isn’t letting up. For now, though, Lexus is letting the IS try something different – leaning into art and design while everyone else sticks to the usual playbook.