BMW 4 Series vs Lexus RC
The BMW 4 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 4 Series leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | BMW 4 Series | Lexus RC |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 31 mpg ✓ | 26 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 28 mpg ✓ | 22 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 36 mpg ✓ | 32 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,450 ✓ | $2,900 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 285 g/mi ✓ | 345 g/mi |
| Engines offered | SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI, SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI S | SIDI & PFI |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S8), Manual 6-spd | Automatic (S6), Automatic (S8) |
| Drivetrains | Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Premium | Premium |
| EPA class | Compact Cars | Subcompact Cars |
| Years covered | 2015–2027 | 2015–2025 |
| Configurations on record | 160 | 50 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
4 Series vs RC: common questions
Which is better on gas, the BMW 4 Series or the Lexus RC?
The BMW 4 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 4 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 4 Series and RC offer?
BMW 4 Series: SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI, SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI S. Lexus RC: SIDI & PFI.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
The EPA classifies the BMW 4 Series as Compact Cars and the Lexus RC as Subcompact Cars, so they aren't a like-for-like match on size.
More 4 Series comparisons
Comparison id: bmw-4-series-vs-lexus-rc