Lexus IS Black Line Adds Some Welcome Aggression

Unique and Limited

Even though it's due for a replacement soon, the current Lexus IS remains a popular, sporty, compact luxury sedan among buyers. And now, Lexus is adding a little bit of welcome aggression to its long-running sedan in the form of the new IS Black Line special edition. Built-in limited quantities, this unique package is available on both IS 300 and IS 350 models. 

Photos: Lexus 

Going Dark

Previously available in even more limited quantities, Lexus is expanding its IS Black Line for 2020 by producing a (still small) total of 900 examples. And as the name suggests, the upgrades here are mostly appearance-based. That includes the addition of a black chrome front grille, along with a set of Black Vapor chrome 18" split-spoke wheels at all four corners. 

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the Black Line IS right here in Club Lexus.

Adding Accents

The IS Black Edition is available in three colors - Obsidian, Ultra White, and Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0. Black exterior mirrors wrap out the outside, but there are more goodies to be found inside the cabin. There, Lexus has added unique black and gray seats, which are accented with Indigo Blue stitching. Indigo Blue accents also adorn the heated wood steering wheel, door switch panels, and glove box.

Photos: Lexus 

>>Join the conversation about the Black Line IS right here in Club Lexus.

Tech Options

The Black Edition IS also comes standard with a host of welcome tech and convenience options, including triple-beam LED headlamps, a Navigation System, Blind Spot Monitor, and Lexus' SmartAccess card key that works much like a traditional key fob but fits conveniently in your wallet. 

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>>Join the conversation about the Black Line IS right here in Club Lexus.

Varying Power

Engine options for the IS Black Line vary depending on which base model you go with. Rear-wheel drive examples of the IS 300 come equipped with a 2.0-liter, 241 hp turbocharged four-cylinder, and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The all-wheel-drive version of the IS 300 Black Line special edition uses a 3.5-liter V6 with 260 hp and a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

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>>Join the conversation about the Black Line IS right here in Club Lexus.

More Gusto

Both the rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions of the IS 350 Black Line special edition are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 311 horsepower, although the rear-wheel-drive version is paired with an eight-speed Sport Direct-Shift automatic transmission with paddle shifters, while the all-wheel-drive version is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the Black Line IS right here in Club Lexus.

Talking Costs

Stepping up to the limited Black Line IS will also cost you more than a regular model, as you might imagine. The rear-wheel-drive IS 300 starts out at $45,200, while the AWD version will cost you $47,650. The RWD IS 350 costs slightly more, and it'll start out at $48,820, while the AWD IS 350 carries a price tag of $50,985. But if you're looking for a sportier, more exclusive IS to park in your garage, the Black Line seems like a solid choice.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the Black Line IS right here in Club Lexus.

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