Lexus releases IS Black Line special edition, includes blue woodgrain

One reason we like the Lexus IS is that it combines classic rear-driven sports sedan dynamics with distinctive Japanese styling. However, if it wasn’t distinctive enough for you – an appropriate limited edition is now available.

The 2020 Lexus IS 300 Black Line and IS 350 Black Line are based on the popular F Sport trim, but packs a smattering of individual options that will mark it out against its brethren. As the name indicates, there’s a black pack outside – you’ll find a blacked-out grille, black twin-five spoke 18-inch wheels, and black mirror caps.

However, it doesn’t stop there: step inside and the upholstery is a cool two-tone black/grey combination with blue stitching. The secondary trim is wood … dyed in a blue indigo colour. You’ll find this on the dash, around the window switches, and on the upper section of the steering wheel. Woah!

Lexus Australia boss Scott Thompson says the aforementioned flourishes are “nuanced appointments” that allow IS customers to choose “more tactile finishes and sleeker visual cues.”

The Black Line additions cost an additional $1,500 over the underlying F Sport versions equipped with metallic paint – bringing the list price to $69,707 for the 180kW/350Nm two-litre turbo IS 300, and $75,522 for the 232kW/380Nm 3.5-litre V6 IS 350. Metallic paint in four hues is standard.

150 cars will reach Australia – seventy per cent of which will be for the IS 300 four-cylinder. The engines are the only difference in specification – other inclusions are generous, with both cars packing leather trim, heated, ventilated and power-adjustable front seats, a ten-inch display with navigation and DAB digital radio (but not Apple CarPlay or Android Auto), and ten speakers.

Both cars also include front collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and LED headlights with automatic high beam.

2020 Lexus IS Australian prices

IS 300 Luxury: $59,340

IS 300h Luxury: $61,890

IS 350 Luxury: $65,100

IS 300 F Sport: $66,707

IS 300 Black Line: $69,707

IS 300h F Sport: $70,310

IS 350 F Sport: $72,522

IS 350 Black Line: $75,522

IS 300 Sports Luxury: $77,022

IS 300h Sports Luxury: $81,160

IS 350 Sports Luxury: $83,142