Lexus is celebrating 25 years of the IS with a properly distinctive version of its long-running sport sedan. The newly revealed 2027 Lexus IS Special Appearance Package is based on the IS 350 F SPORT and immediately separates itself with a new Envious Green exterior finish paired with 19-inch black BBS forged alloy wheels. The color gives the IS a noticeably different personality, especially against the darker wheels and aggressive F SPORT bodywork. Inside, Lexus carries the theme into the cabin with black NuLuxe-trimmed seats featuring Ultrasuede inserts, green contrast stitching, and satin chrome-finished accents.
Thankfully, this is more than a paint-and-wheel package. Lexus includes the Handling Package as standard, bringing a sport-tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension, multiple selectable drive modes, and a Torsen limited-slip rear differential on rear-wheel-drive models. Power continues to come from Lexus’ naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 producing 311 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, a combination that feels increasingly old-school in a segment filled with turbocharged four-cylinder engines and electrified powertrains. Rear-wheel-drive models use an eight-speed automatic transmission, while all-wheel-drive versions receive a six-speed automatic. The Special Appearance Package also comes loaded with technology, including Traffic Jam Assist capability, Lane Change Assist, Front Cross-Traffic Alert, a Panoramic View Monitor, Triple Beam LED headlights, Mark Levinson audio, a moonroof, and a power rear sunshade.
Only 350 examples of the 2027 Lexus IS Special Appearance Package are planned for the North American market, giving this green IS considerably more exclusivity than the typical appearance package. Lexus says the cars will begin arriving at dealerships later this year, though pricing has not yet been announced. At a time when traditional naturally aspirated sport sedans are becoming harder to find, the combination of a 311-horsepower V6, rear-wheel-drive availability, a limited-slip differential, forged BBS wheels, and genuinely standout paint makes this one of the more interesting versions of the current IS yet. It may not reinvent Lexus’ compact sport sedan, but it gives enthusiasts another compelling reason to appreciate it while it is still around.
