4 Series vs RC 300
BMW versus Lexus: the 4 Series and the RC 300 go after the same sports car buyer. Scoring each area separately, the 4 Series comes out on top 2 times out of 4. Its lead is sharpest in fuel economy & range.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance 4 Series wins
- Fuel Economy & Range 4 Series wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance2.1
- Fuel Economy & Range7.2
- Engine & Performance1.6
- Fuel Economy & Range4.7
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 4 Series has better fuel economy
Among all the differences on this page, 31 mpg against 25 mpg is one of the most meaningful, and it favors the 4 Series. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
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The 4 Series has 14 hp more power
The RC 300 isn’t far behind at 241 hp, but the 4 Series’s 255 hp still comes out ahead. The 4 Series’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
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The 4 Series has better city fuel economy
The RC 300 gives up a lot on fuel economy (city): 21 mpg, compared with 28 mpg on the 4 Series. City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
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The 4 Series has better highway fuel economy
Few buyers will miss this one. The 4 Series brings 36 mpg to the table; the RC 300 brings 31 mpg. Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
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The 4 Series has 37 lb-ft more torque
A narrow win for the 4 Series. With 295 lb-ft to 258 lb-ft, it’s the kind of difference that adds up rather than stands out. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | 4 Series | RC 300 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 185 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 72.4 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 54.9 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 107.5 in |
Engine & Performance
4 Series leads
The 4 Series is the clear pick if engine & performance is what you care about most. The 4 Series answers with 14 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. Prioritize engine & performance, and the 4 Series is where you should land.
Total system output
4 Series: 255 hp RC 300: 241 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
4 Series: 295 lb-ft RC 300: 258 lb-ft The 4 Series’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Fuel Economy & Range
4 Series leads
The fuel economy & range numbers point firmly in one direction: toward the 4 Series. On the 4 Series, you get better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. On fuel economy & range alone, the 4 Series gets the nod.
Fuel economy (combined)
4 Series: 31 mpg RC 300: 25 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 RC 300: 21 mpg In town, driving style has a big effect, but the 4 Series starts from a better baseline.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
On paper, the space & practicality comparison ends all square. Don’t let space & practicality decide this one; look at the other sections instead.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The differences on off-road & towing are small enough to ignore in daily use. Neither car gives you a reason to choose it on off-road & towing.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech comparison is about what’s inside rather than how much. See the table for the 4 Series’s and the RC 300’s entries.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | 4 Series | RC 300 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas (48V mild hybrid) | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 255 hp (winner) | 241 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft (winner) | 258 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD (xDrive AWD available) | RWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | 4 Series | RC 300 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 31 mpg (winner) | 25 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 28 mpg (winner) | 21 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 36 mpg (winner) | 31 mpg |
| Fuel tank | N/A (not specified) | 17.5 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | 4 Series | RC 300 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 10.4 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | 4 Series | RC 300 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | 4 Series | RC 300 |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 10.3 in |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | 4 Series | RC 300 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 185 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 72.4 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 54.9 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 107.5 in |
“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 25 mpg combined)
- you want more power (255 hp vs 241 hp)
- you mostly drive in town (28 mpg vs 21 mpg in the city)
- you cover long highway distances (36 mpg vs 31 mpg on the highway)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the 4 Series or the RC 300?
On the specs compared here, the 4 Series makes more sense for most buyers; the RC 300 doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
I read both spec sheets (the 4 Series’s and the RC 300’s) so you don’t have to. It’s hard to argue with better fuel economy, which is exactly what the 4 Series brings. Another thing in the 4 Series’s favor is 14 hp more power.
Choose by what you’d use most: engine & performance leads to the 4 Series, the things a spec sheet can’t capture leads to the RC 300.
My pick: the 4 Series.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.