2 Series Coupe vs LC 500
BMW versus Lexus: the 2 Series Coupe and the LC 500 go after the same sports car buyer. Here the verdict on paper is fairly clear. The 2 Series Coupe takes 2 of 4 areas against the LC 500, starting with fuel economy & range.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance LC 500 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range 2 Series Coupe wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing 2 Series Coupe wins
- Engine & Performance2.1
- Fuel Economy & Range6.8
- Engine & Performance5.6
- Fuel Economy & Range0.0
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The LC 500 has 216 hp more power
At 471 hp versus 255 hp, this is a decisive lead for the LC 500, the kind of difference you notice without looking for it. The LC 500’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
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The 2 Series Coupe has better fuel economy
If fuel economy (combined) is one of your priorities, this settles it: the 2 Series Coupe leads clearly with 30 mpg to the LC 500’s 18 mpg. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
-
The LC 500 has 103 lb-ft more torque
The numbers aren’t close. The LC 500 lists 398 lb-ft for torque, while the 2 Series Coupe lists 295 lb-ft. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
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The 2 Series Coupe has better city fuel economy
A clear win for the 2 Series Coupe: 26 mpg against 16 mpg. Few specs in this matchup are as one-sided. Hybrids often shine in the city, and the 2 Series Coupe has the better rating here.
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The 2 Series Coupe has better highway fuel economy
Here the 2 Series Coupe pulls well ahead of the LC 500, with 35 mpg compared to 24 mpg. Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | 2 Series Coupe | LC 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 187.4 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 75.6 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 53 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 113 in |
Engine & Performance
LC 500 leads
On engine & performance, the gap between these two is wide, and it favors the LC 500. The LC 500 stands out with 216 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. The takeaway: on engine & performance, the LC 500 is the stronger car.
Total system output
2 Series Coupe: 255 hp LC 500: 471 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
2 Series Coupe: 295 lb-ft LC 500: 398 lb-ft The LC 500’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Fuel Economy & Range
2 Series Coupe leads
The LC 500 is outclassed on fuel economy & range; the 2 Series Coupe leads by a clear margin. The 2 Series Coupe takes this one with better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. So if fuel economy & range tops your list, lean toward the 2 Series Coupe.
Fuel economy (combined)
2 Series Coupe: 30 mpg LC 500: 18 mpg The 2 Series Coupe uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (city)
2 Series Coupe: 26 mpg LC 500: 16 mpg City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Neither the 2 Series Coupe nor the LC 500 has a real advantage in the space & practicality category. Don’t let space & practicality decide this one; look at the other sections instead.
Off-road & Towing
2 Series Coupe leads
By a small margin, the 2 Series Coupe is the stronger of the two in this area. The 2 Series Coupe steps ahead thanks to available all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive helps you get going on slippery roads, but good tires matter just as much for stopping and turning. Net result: the 2 Series Coupe leads this part of the comparison.
AWD / 4WD available
2 Series Coupe: yes LC 500: no Available all-wheel drive improves traction in rain, snow and on loose surfaces.
Safety & Tech
Nothing to tally in the safety & tech section, but plenty to read. The table lists what the 2 Series Coupe and the LC 500 each use.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | 2 Series Coupe | LC 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 5.0L V8 |
| Total system output | 255 hp | 471 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 398 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD (xDrive AWD available) | RWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | 2 Series Coupe | LC 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 30 mpg (winner) | 18 mpg Thirstiest in class |
| Fuel economy (city) | 26 mpg (winner) | 16 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 35 mpg (winner) | 24 mpg |
| Fuel tank | N/A (not specified) | 21.7 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | 2 Series Coupe | LC 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 5.4 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | 2 Series Coupe | LC 500 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes (winner) | No |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | 2 Series Coupe | LC 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 12.3 in |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | 2 Series Coupe | LC 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 187.4 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 75.6 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 53 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 113 in |
Price
| Spec | 2 Series Coupe | LC 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | N/A (not specified) | $101,850 Priciest in class |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the 2 Series Coupe if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (30 mpg vs 18 mpg combined)
- you mostly drive in town (26 mpg vs 16 mpg in the city)
- you want better highway fuel economy (35 mpg vs 24 mpg)
- you face snow, ice or slippery back roads
Choose the LC 500 if…
- you want more power (471 hp vs 255 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (398 lb-ft vs 295 lb-ft of torque)
- you’re comfortable with how Lexus does things
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the 2 Series Coupe or the LC 500?
We’d point most buyers to the 2 Series Coupe. The main exception is if you need 216 hp more power, which only the LC 500 offers.
Executive Summary
Here’s my honest read on a classic rivalry: BMW’s 2 Series Coupe against Lexus’s LC 500. Here’s what matters most to me: the 2 Series Coupe offers better fuel economy. There’s more, too: the 2 Series Coupe offers better highway fuel economy. Where the LC 500 fights back is 216 hp more power.
If fuel economy & range is your thing, the 2 Series Coupe fits. If engine & performance matters more, the LC 500 makes more sense.
My pick: the 2 Series Coupe, though I’d happily point you to the LC 500 if you value 216 hp more power above everything else.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.