8 Series vs LC 500
The 8 Series and the LC 500 are direct rivals in the sports car class, one from BMW and one from Lexus. Look at the scorecard and the 8 Series stands out, ahead in 2 of 4 areas. The fuel economy & range numbers explain a lot of that.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance LC 500 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range 8 Series wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing 8 Series wins
- Engine & Performance3.7
- Fuel Economy & Range4.1
- 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
-
The LC 500 has 136 hp more power
On total system output, the LC 500 posts 471 hp against 335 hp for the 8 Series, a gap big enough to feel in everyday use. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
-
The 8 Series has better fuel economy
This is one of the widest gaps in the whole comparison: 24 mpg for the 8 Series versus 18 mpg for the LC 500. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
-
The 8 Series has better city fuel economy
The LC 500 lists 16 mpg; the 8 Series comes in at 21 mpg. That’s not a rounding error. City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
-
The 8 Series has better highway fuel economy
At 29 mpg versus 24 mpg, this is a decisive lead for the 8 Series, the kind of difference you notice without looking for it. The 8 Series uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
-
The LC 500 has 30 lb-ft more torque
Only a little separates them: 398 lb-ft on the LC 500, 368 lb-ft on the 8 Series. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | 8 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 stands out with 136 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. Net result: the LC 500 leads this part of the comparison.
Total system output
8 Series: 335 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
8 Series: 368 lb-ft LC 500: 398 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Fuel Economy & Range
8 Series leads
The 8 Series is the clear pick if fuel economy & range is what you care about most. On the 8 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. If fuel economy & range is your priority, the 8 Series is the car to pick.
Fuel economy (combined)
8 Series: 24 mpg LC 500: 18 mpg The 8 Series uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (city)
8 Series: 21 mpg LC 500: 16 mpg Hybrids often shine in the city, and the 8 Series has the better rating here.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Neither pulls ahead on space & practicality; the numbers are close throughout. This section won’t settle the choice, so weigh the other areas more heavily.
Off-road & Towing
8 Series leads
On balance, the 8 Series leads the off-road & towing section, just not by much. Choose the 8 Series and you get available all-wheel drive. Available all-wheel drive improves traction in rain, snow and on loose surfaces. For off-road & towing, the 8 Series is the one to beat.
AWD / 4WD available
8 Series: yes LC 500: no The 8 Series offers all-wheel drive; the LC 500 doesn’t, which matters if you face harsh winters.
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 | 8 Series | LC 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 3.0L turbo I6 | 5.0L V8 |
| Total system output | 335 hp | 471 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 368 lb-ft | 398 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD (xDrive AWD available) | RWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | 8 Series | LC 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 24 mpg (winner) | 18 mpg Thirstiest in class |
| Fuel economy (city) | 21 mpg (winner) | 16 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 29 mpg (winner) | 24 mpg |
| Fuel tank | N/A (not specified) | 21.7 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | 8 Series | LC 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 5.4 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | 8 Series | LC 500 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes (winner) | No |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | 8 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 | 8 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 | 8 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 8 Series if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (24 mpg vs 18 mpg combined)
- you want better city fuel economy (21 mpg vs 16 mpg)
- you cover long highway distances (29 mpg vs 24 mpg on the highway)
- you face snow, ice or slippery back roads
Choose the LC 500 if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (471 hp vs 335 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (398 lb-ft vs 368 lb-ft of torque)
- you already know your way around Lexus’s products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the 8 Series or the LC 500?
The 8 Series wins more of the areas we compared, so it’s the safer pick unless you know that 136 hp more power would make a real difference in your routine.
Executive Summary
The 8 Series against the LC 500: two brands, one class, and more nuance than the marketing suggests. To me, the standout is that the 8 Series offers better fuel economy. There’s more, too: the 8 Series offers better highway fuel economy. In fairness to the LC 500, 136 hp more power is a genuine strength.
If you’d rather have strength in fuel economy & range, go with the 8 Series. If engine & performance is what you’d miss, go with the LC 500.
My pick: I think most people will be happier with the 8 Series, unless having 136 hp more power matters more to you than the rest.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.