BMW 6 Series vs Lexus RC

The Lexus RC is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 26 mpg combined versus 25 mpg for the BMW 6 Series, a 1 mpg advantage and costs about $150 less per year to fuel.

Across 5 measured categories, the Lexus RC leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.

2015–2019

BMW 6 Series

Subcompact Cars · 55 configurations

25mpg combined (best)
All BMW 6 Series specs

2015–2025

Lexus RC

Subcompact Cars · 50 configurations

26mpg combined (best)
All Lexus RC specs

Head-to-head specifications

MetricBMW 6 SeriesLexus RC
Best combined MPG25 mpg26 mpg
Best city MPG21 mpg22 mpg
Best highway MPG31 mpg32 mpg
Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year$3,050$2,900
Lowest CO2 output361 g/mi345 g/mi
Engines offeredSIDISIDI & PFI
TransmissionsAutomatic (S8)Automatic (S6), Automatic (S8)
DrivetrainsRear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel DriveAll-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
Fuel typesPremiumPremium
EPA classSubcompact CarsSubcompact Cars
Years covered2015–20192015–2025
Configurations on record5550

Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.

6 Series vs RC: common questions

Which is better on gas, the BMW 6 Series or the Lexus RC?

The Lexus RC is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 26 mpg combined versus 25 mpg for the BMW 6 Series, a 1 mpg advantage and costs about $150 less per year to fuel.

Which costs less to run per year?

By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Lexus RC runs about $2,900 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $3,050 for the BMW 6 Series — a difference of roughly $150 per year.

What engines do the 6 Series and RC offer?

BMW 6 Series: SIDI. Lexus RC: SIDI & PFI.

Are they in the same vehicle class?

Yes — the EPA classifies both the BMW 6 Series and the Lexus RC as Subcompact Cars, so they compete directly.

More 6 Series comparisons

Comparison id: bmw-6-series-vs-lexus-rc