Lexus IS 2027 Special Edition Returns in Envious Green

The IS Keeps Evolving

Lexus has decided the IS isn’t ready for retirement. For 2027 the Japanese sports sedan receives a limited-run Special Appearance Package, a cosmetic and equipment-focused upgrade that keeps the aging third-generation model fresh without changing its mechanical core. The headline is a new Envious green exterior that carries through to subtle interior accents, a visual cue meant to make the IS stand out on the road.

What’s new for 2027

The Special Appearance Package is based on the IS 350 F Sport and adds several premium touches and technology features as standard. Production for North America is capped at 350 units, making this a genuine limited edition for buyers who want a distinctive take on a familiar sedan.

Highlights include:

• Envious green paint with matching interior stitching
• 19-inch forged BBS wheels
• Standard Handling Package with adaptive suspension and selectable drive modes
• Torsen limited-slip differential on rear-wheel-drive models
• Technology Package: Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Change Assist, Front Cross-Traffic Alert
• Luxury features such as moonroof, power rear sunshade, Mark Levinson audio, and triple-beam LED headlights

Design and interior

Lexus dresses up the IS with a two-tone approach: the striking Envious green outside and coordinated green stitching on NuLuxe seats inside. NuLuxe is Lexus’ synthetic leather offering, and the package keeps the cabin feeling premium while avoiding the complexity of a full redesign. The 19-inch forged BBS wheels not only look purposeful but also align with the Handling Package’s sportier focus.

Specifications and performance

Under the skin, nothing radical changes. The IS retains its naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 that delivers approximately 311 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options remain as before: power is routed to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic or to all four wheels with a six-speed automatic in AWD form.

This drivetrain is increasingly rare in a market shifting toward turbocharged engines and hybrids. The IS 350’s normally aspirated V6 is now something of an automotive relic, especially after the V8-powered IS 500 was retired last year.

Pricing and availability

Lexus will bring only 350 of these Special Appearance models to the U.S. market. Official pricing will be announced closer to dealer arrival later this year. As a reference point, Lexus charged about $61,485 for the 2026 IS 350 F Sport Special Appearance Package with rear-wheel drive, and approximately $63,095 for the AWD variant — both painted in Hakugin Matte White. Expect the 2027 Envious edition to be positioned similarly, with a premium for its limited-run status and upgraded equipment.

Market perspective: Why Lexus is doing this

The IS is in its third generation and has been on sale for well over a decade. Despite several facelifts, the platform is showing its age compared with fresher rivals like the BMW 3 Series. Limited editions and appearance packages are an effective, low-cost strategy to maintain buyer interest and move inventory while Lexus plans future replacements or new platforms.

Analysts and enthusiasts see the Special Appearance Package as both a celebration and a stopgap. It gives loyal IS buyers a more exclusive product, but it also raises the question: how long will Lexus continue to refresh an aging model with cosmetic tweaks rather than introduce a true next-generation IS?

Final thoughts

For shoppers who want a sporty sedan with a distinctive look and a rare naturally aspirated V6, the 2027 IS Special Appearance Package will be an appealing, collectible option. For the broader market, the edition highlights a broader industry shift — manufacturers squeezing extra life from current models as they prepare for electrified and new-platform lineups. Whether that’s satisfying for fans of traditional engines depends on how long they’re willing to wait for a full redesign.