BMW 2 Series vs Lexus RC
The BMW 2 Series is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 31 mpg combined versus 26 mpg for the Lexus RC, a 5 mpg advantage and costs about $450 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the BMW 2 Series leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | BMW 2 Series | Lexus RC |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 31 mpg ✓ | 26 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 27 mpg ✓ | 22 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 39 mpg ✓ | 32 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,450 ✓ | $2,900 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 279 g/mi ✓ | 345 g/mi |
| Engines offered | SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI, SIDI & PFI | SIDI & PFI |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S8), Automatic (AM-S7), Manual 6-spd | Automatic (S6), Automatic (S8) |
| Drivetrains | Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Premium | Premium |
| EPA class | Subcompact Cars | Subcompact Cars |
| Years covered | 2015–2027 | 2015–2025 |
| Configurations on record | 93 | 50 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
2 Series vs RC: common questions
Which is better on gas, the BMW 2 Series or the Lexus RC?
The BMW 2 Series is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 31 mpg combined versus 26 mpg for the Lexus RC, a 5 mpg advantage and costs about $450 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the BMW 2 Series runs about $2,450 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,900 for the Lexus RC — a difference of roughly $450 per year.
What engines do the 2 Series and RC offer?
BMW 2 Series: SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI, SIDI & PFI. Lexus RC: SIDI & PFI.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the BMW 2 Series and the Lexus RC as Subcompact Cars, so they compete directly.
More 2 Series comparisons
Comparison id: bmw-2-series-vs-lexus-rc