BMW
M4
Lexus
RC
BMW M4 vs Lexus RC: 2024 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the BMW M4 comes out ahead of the Lexus RC on fuel economy and power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
M4
Overall
Extremely positive sentiment among owners, characterized by high satisfaction with performance, daily drivability, and emotional fulfillment. The M4 is consistently described as a "dream car" that delivers a thrilling, occasion-like driving experience. Owners of the current G82 generation (2021+) praise its all-around capability as a perfect daily driver that is "quick enough to do everything, but also super comfortable," with a smooth ride and impressive technology.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" version. Strong appreciation is expressed for both the F82 (2015-2020) and G82 (2021+) generations.
Known issues
- ⚠High Cost of Ownership: Very frequent warnings about expensive routine maintenance (tires, brakes) and major repairs (turbos) on used, high-mileage examples. Budgeting thousands annually is emphasized. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Carbon Bucket Seat Drawbacks: Recurrent mentions of being a "pain to live with," including difficulty entering/exiting, wear on bolsters, and compromised comfort for some passengers on long trips. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Risk of Purchasing Modified Used Vehicles: Recurrent strong advice against buying modified M4s due to unknown build quality, potential hidden damage from aggressive tuning, and the likelihood that the car was driven hard.
RC
Overall
Mixed to positive sentiment, heavily dependent on model variant and owner expectations. The RC F (V8) is consistently praised for its bulletproof reliability, exceptional build quality, comfortable and luxurious cabin, and the character of its naturally aspirated V8 engine. It is widely regarded as a superb grand tourer and daily driver that excels in comfort and long-term ownership confidence.
Best version to buy
RC F with the Torque Vectoring Differential (TVD). This configuration is specifically highlighted for improving handling dynamics over non-TVD models.
Known issues
- ⚠Underwhelming 8-speed automatic transmission (RC F): described as decent but not snappy or engaging, with laggy response in normal mode, slow shifts when cold. Not a dual-clutch. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Substantial weight negatively impacts handling: car feels heavy, not as agile or communicative as competitors, limits spirited canyon/track driving. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Firm ride quality (Non-F, especially F Sport): ride is noticeably firmer and less comfortable than a contemporary IS 350, described as less "cloud-like". Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Lexus RC is the better choice for most buyers.
It has stronger reliability sentiment in owner reports than the BMW M4, based on the data above. If the specific known issues on the Lexus RC are a dealbreaker, the BMW M4 is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the BMW M4 or the Lexus RC?
Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the Lexus RC than the BMW M4. See the known issues comparison above for the specific concerns owners report on each.
Which is better for families, the BMW M4 or the Lexus RC?
Data on family-specific factors like cargo space is limited for one or both models, but based on available reports, both are positioned as practical daily drivers. Check the specs table above for seating and body type.
Which has better fuel economy, the BMW M4 or the Lexus RC?
The BMW M4 is more fuel-efficient on paper: 10.2 L/100km combined versus 10.8 L/100km for the Lexus RC, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the BMW M4 or the Lexus RC?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the BMW M4 than the Lexus RC. See the known issues comparison above.