Lexus RC vs BMW 6 Series

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.

2015–2025

Lexus RC

Subcompact Cars · 50 configurations

26mpg combined (best)
All Lexus RC specs

2015–2019

BMW 6 Series

Subcompact Cars · 55 configurations

25mpg combined (best)
All BMW 6 Series specs

Head-to-head specifications

MetricLexus RCBMW 6 Series
Best combined MPG26 mpg25 mpg
Best city MPG22 mpg21 mpg
Best highway MPG32 mpg31 mpg
Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year$2,900$3,050
Lowest CO2 output345 g/mi361 g/mi
Engines offeredSIDI & PFISIDI
TransmissionsAutomatic (S6), Automatic (S8)Automatic (S8)
DrivetrainsAll-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel DriveRear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel typesPremiumPremium
EPA classSubcompact CarsSubcompact Cars
Years covered2015–20252015–2019
Configurations on record5055

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

RC vs 6 Series: common questions

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

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 RC and 6 Series offer?

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

Are they in the same vehicle class?

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

More RC comparisons

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