4 Series vs LC 500
Two brands, one target. The 4 Series from BMW and the LC 500 from Lexus compete head to head for sports car shoppers. The 4 Series wins more of the areas that we compared (2 of 4), and its most convincing lead is in fuel economy & range.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance LC 500 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range 4 Series wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing 4 Series wins
- Engine & Performance2.1
- Fuel Economy & Range7.2
- 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
This is a headline difference. With 471 hp to the 4 Series’s 255 hp, the LC 500 has a lead that’s easy to see on paper and in practice. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
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The 4 Series has better fuel economy
Put simply, the 4 Series is far ahead here: 31 mpg compared with 18 mpg. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
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The LC 500 has 103 lb-ft more torque
The LC 500’s 398 lb-ft leaves the 4 Series’s 295 lb-ft well behind, so if this spec matters to you, the choice is easy. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
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The 4 Series has better city fuel economy
Not a close call. The 4 Series lists 28 mpg and the LC 500 lists 16 mpg. That’s a substantial gap. Hybrids often shine in the city, and the 4 Series has the better rating here.
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The 4 Series has better highway fuel economy
Among all the differences on this page, 36 mpg against 24 mpg is one of the most meaningful, and it favors the 4 Series. The 4 Series uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | 4 Series | 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 takes this one with 216 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. Weighing only engine & performance, the LC 500 comes out ahead.
Total system output
4 Series: 255 hp LC 500: 471 hp The LC 500’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Torque
4 Series: 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
4 Series leads
Few areas are as clear-cut as this one: the 4 Series leads the fuel economy & range section with room to spare. The 4 Series gives you better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. For anyone who cares most about fuel economy & range, the 4 Series is the safer choice.
Fuel economy (combined)
4 Series: 31 mpg LC 500: 18 mpg The 4 Series uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (city)
4 Series: 28 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
The differences on space & practicality are small enough to ignore in daily use. The takeaway: space & practicality is not where these two differ.
Off-road & Towing
4 Series leads
The off-road & towing numbers lean toward the 4 Series, not dramatically but consistently. Point to the 4 Series for 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. For off-road & towing, the 4 Series is the one to beat.
AWD / 4WD available
4 Series: yes LC 500: no Available all-wheel drive improves traction in rain, snow and on loose surfaces.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech data here comes as names and types, not scores. Check the table to see what each one uses.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | 4 Series | LC 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas (48V mild hybrid) | 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 | 4 Series | LC 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 31 mpg (winner) | 18 mpg Thirstiest in class |
| Fuel economy (city) | 28 mpg (winner) | 16 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 36 mpg (winner) | 24 mpg |
| Fuel tank | N/A (not specified) | 21.7 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | 4 Series | LC 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 5.4 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | 4 Series | LC 500 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes (winner) | No |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | 4 Series | 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 | 4 Series | 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 | 4 Series | 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 4 Series if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (31 mpg vs 18 mpg combined)
- you want better city fuel economy (28 mpg vs 16 mpg)
- you cover long highway distances (36 mpg vs 24 mpg on the highway)
- you want all-wheel drive available
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 trust Lexus and want to keep things familiar
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the 4 Series or the LC 500?
We’d point most buyers to the 4 Series. The main exception is if what you want most is 216 hp more power.
Executive Summary
I’ll be upfront: I have no stake in whether you buy BMW or Lexus. I only care that you end up with the right one of the 4 Series and the LC 500. The 4 Series has better fuel economy, and for most people that’s not a small thing. And the 4 Series doesn’t stop there; it also offers better highway fuel economy. The LC 500’s strongest argument is 216 hp more power.
The 4 Series is built for people who weigh fuel economy & range heavily, and the LC 500 for people who weigh engine & performance.
My pick: if it were my money, the 4 Series, unless your top priority is 216 hp more power.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.