2027 Lexus IS Returns With a New Green Special Edition
Table of Contents
The Lexus IS is not ready to disappear just yet.
After Lexus trimmed the lineup for 2026, the sports sedan will return for the 2027 model year with the IS 350 as the sole powertrain choice. The big news this time is a limited Special Appearance Package with exclusive green paint, black wheels and green interior accents.
Lexus unveiled the 2027 Lexus IS Special Appearance Package on August 29, 2026. Only 350 examples will be available for North America. Pricing has not been announced yet, but Lexus says the 2027 IS is expected to arrive around the start of 2027.
2027 Lexus IS gets a new green look
The biggest visual change for the 2027 Lexus IS comes from its new Envious green exterior colour.
The Special Appearance Package is based on the IS 350 F SPORT and adds several appearance and performance focused features. The green exterior is matched with a black interior featuring green stitching.
The car also gets 19 inch black BBS forged alloy wheels, which give the IS a more aggressive look without changing its familiar sports sedan formula.
The main Special Appearance Package features include:
- Envious green exterior paint
- Black NuLuxe trimmed seats with Ultrasuede inserts
- Green interior stitching
- 19 inch black BBS forged alloy wheels
- Handling Package
- Sport tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension
- Drive Mode Select with ECO, Normal, Sport S, Sport S+ and Custom modes
- Torsen limited slip rear differential on rear wheel drive versions
In other words, Lexus has not tried to reinvent the IS for 2027. It has given the old sports sedan another special outfit and added equipment that should appeal to buyers who still want a traditional performance focused four door car.
The Lexus IS keeps its 3.5 liter V6
The 2027 Lexus IS continues with a naturally aspirated 3.5 liter V6.
The engine produces 311 horsepower and 280 lb ft of peak torque. Buyers can choose between rear wheel drive and all wheel drive. Rear wheel drive models use an eight speed automatic transmission, while all wheel drive versions use a six speed automatic.
There is no hybrid or electric powertrain attached to the IS for 2027. Lexus is keeping the formula fairly straightforward: a naturally aspirated V6, automatic transmission and the choice of rear or all wheel drive.
That may sound old school in 2026, but that is also part of the IS’s appeal.
2027 Lexus IS powertrain at a glance
| Specification | 2027 Lexus IS |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5 liter naturally aspirated V6 |
| Power | 311 hp |
| Torque | 280 lb ft |
| Rear wheel drive transmission | 8 speed automatic |
| All wheel drive transmission | 6 speed automatic |
| Special Edition base | IS 350 F SPORT |
Lexus has already reduced the IS lineup
The 2027 model year comes after a major change to the IS range.
For 2026, Lexus removed the IS 300 and the V8 powered IS 500 from the lineup. The IS 350 became the sole version of the sedan.
That means the 2027 model year does not bring back the old range of engines. Instead, the IS continues with the 311 hp 3.5 liter V6. Lexus offered the same basic engine output for the 2026 IS 350.
The disappearance of the IS 500 was particularly notable because it used a naturally aspirated 5.0 liter V8. But for 2027, the IS 350 remains the one carrying the torch.
The Special Appearance Package is limited to 350 cars
The 2027 Lexus IS Special Appearance Package will be a genuinely limited model.
Lexus plans to build only 350 examples for North America. That makes the green IS considerably less common than the regular IS 350.
Lexus has not announced the price yet. The company says pricing information will be released later, while the 2027 IS is expected to reach dealerships around the beginning of 2027.
For buyers interested in the special edition, the limited production number will probably be one of the biggest talking points once pricing becomes available.
The IS keeps doing what it has always done
The Lexus IS has been around in its current generation for a very long time, but Lexus continues to update it rather than simply sending it into retirement.
For 2027, the recipe remains familiar. You get a 311 hp naturally aspirated V6, rear wheel drive or all wheel drive, an automatic transmission and F SPORT hardware. The Special Appearance Package adds the Envious green paint, black BBS wheels and green interior details.
It is not a radical change. It does not need to be.
The more interesting part is that Lexus is still finding a reason to keep this sports sedan around. For buyers who prefer a traditional V6 powered luxury sedan over another crossover or electrified model, the IS remains one of the few options in its segment.
And now it comes in green.
2027 Lexus IS: What to know
- The Lexus IS returns for the 2027 model year.
- The IS 350 remains the sole model in the lineup.
- The car uses a naturally aspirated 3.5 liter V6.
- The engine produces 311 horsepower and 280 lb ft of torque.
- Rear wheel drive models use an eight speed automatic.
- All wheel drive models use a six speed automatic.
- The new Special Appearance Package gets Envious green paint.
- The package includes black 19 inch BBS forged alloy wheels.
- The interior gets green stitching and black upholstery.
- The Handling Package comes as part of the special edition.
- Only 350 Special Appearance Package cars will be available in North America.
- Lexus has not announced pricing yet.
- The 2027 Lexus IS is expected to arrive around the start of 2027.
2027 Lexus IS price and availability
Lexus has not announced the price of the 2027 IS Special Appearance Package yet.
The company says more pricing information will be revealed later. The new model is expected to arrive around the beginning of 2027, with only 350 Special Appearance Package examples planned for North America.
For now, the 2027 Lexus IS is essentially proof that the traditional sports sedan still has some life left. Lexus could have simply let it fade away, but instead the IS gets another model year and another limited edition.
The difference this time is that the IS is wearing green.
Sources & References
Official sources
Lexus USA Newsroom
2027 Lexus IS Special Appearance Package announcement
Official Lexus source covering the Envious green paint, 19 inch BBS wheels, 311 hp V6, Handling Package, Technology Package and 350 unit North American production.
Lexus USA: What’s New for 2027
Lexus 2027 model year information
Official Lexus page with the latest information on its 2027 model lineup, including the IS.
Lexus USA: 2026 IS announcement
2026 Lexus IS official specifications and lineup
Useful for background on the IS 350, F SPORT grades and the previous Special Appearance Package.
US automotive sources
Car and Driver
2027 Lexus IS Special Edition coverage
The source article covering the 2027 IS return, Envious green Special Edition and 350 unit production.
Car and Driver: 2027 Lexus IS Review and Specs
2027 Lexus IS review, pricing and specifications
Useful for independent information on the IS 350 engine, transmissions, fuel economy, interior and performance.
Edmunds
2027 Lexus IS reviews and specifications
Independent US automotive source covering the 2027 IS, including its V6, driving characteristics, features and competitors.
Kelley Blue Book
2027 Lexus IS Special Edition coverage
US automotive pricing and buying resource with additional details on the Envious green Special Appearance Package and expected positioning.
2027 Lexus IS Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the key questions and answers about the 2027 Lexus IS and its new green Special Appearance Package.
What is new on the 2027 Lexus IS?
The biggest change for the 2027 Lexus IS is the new Special Appearance Package. It brings an exclusive Envious green exterior colour, black 19 inch BBS forged alloy wheels, a black interior with green stitching and the Handling Package.
What engine does the 2027 Lexus IS use?
The 2027 Lexus IS uses a naturally aspirated 3.5 liter V6 engine. It produces 311 horsepower and 280 lb ft of torque.
Is the 2027 Lexus IS available with all wheel drive?
Yes. The 2027 Lexus IS is available with rear wheel drive or all wheel drive. Rear wheel drive models use an eight speed automatic transmission, while all wheel drive models use a six speed automatic transmission.
What is the 2027 Lexus IS Special Appearance Package?
The Special Appearance Package is a limited package based on the IS 350 F SPORT. It adds Envious green exterior paint, black 19 inch BBS forged alloy wheels, green interior stitching and the Handling Package, along with other performance focused equipment.
How many 2027 Lexus IS Special Appearance Package cars will be made?
Lexus plans to limit the 2027 Lexus IS Special Appearance Package to 350 examples for North America.
What colour is the new 2027 Lexus IS Special Edition?
The special edition uses an exclusive Envious green exterior colour. Lexus pairs the green paint with a black interior and green stitching.
What wheels does the 2027 Lexus IS Special Appearance Package get?
The special edition gets 19 inch black BBS forged alloy wheels. These wheels are included as part of the Special Appearance Package.
Does the 2027 Lexus IS have a hybrid or electric powertrain?
No. The 2027 Lexus IS continues with a naturally aspirated 3.5 liter V6 engine. Lexus has not announced a hybrid or electric powertrain for the 2027 IS.
What happened to the Lexus IS 300 and IS 500?
Lexus removed the IS 300 and the V8 powered IS 500 from the lineup for the 2026 model year. The IS 350 became the sole version of the sedan and continues into the 2027 model year.
When will the 2027 Lexus IS go on sale?
The 2027 Lexus IS is expected to arrive around the start of 2027. Lexus has not announced final pricing for the Special Appearance Package yet.
What transmission does the 2027 Lexus IS use?
Rear wheel drive versions of the 2027 Lexus IS use an eight speed automatic transmission. All wheel drive versions use a six speed automatic transmission.
What performance features come with the 2027 Lexus IS Special Appearance Package?
The package includes the Handling Package, sport tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension and Drive Mode Select with ECO, Normal, Sport S, Sport S Plus and Custom modes. Rear wheel drive versions also get a Torsen limited slip rear differential.
