I might be a bit biased, but BMW offers a range of sleek and sporty coupes. In fact, it’s done so since the 3 Series glory days. Of course, nowadays the coupes get sold under the relatively new 4 Series moniker.
Few cars can compete with the 4 Series coupes. At least, not until a new Japanese car came on the scene. The Lexus RC F is a car that is gunning for the BMW M4’s share of the market.
But, is it enough to offer some serious competition? As much as it pains me to say so, the answer is yes. Here’s how the two cars compare; I’ll let you decide for yourself. No doubt you will come to the same conclusion as me!
BMW M4 engine and transmission specs
The basic BMW M4 model comes with a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine. A “TwinPower” unit, it offers dual turbocharging as standard. Mated to a six-speed manual, it can deliver 424 brake horsepower. And it’ll go from 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds. Curiously, the six-speed automatic variant is 0.2 seconds faster!
Lexus RC F engine and transmission specs
Featuring a 5.0-litre V8, the Lexus RC F boasts 470 brake horsepower as standard. It’s worth noting there are no turbochargers in sight. The car is naturally-aspirated! From zero to 60 mph, the car will make it in 4.4 seconds. That’s a little slower than the manual BMW M4. There are no manual transmissions offered; it only comes with a semi-automatic gearbox.
Head to head: on the road
For this test, Inchcape Lexus have kindly lent me an RC F. I also managed to borrow a BMW M4, albeit from my local BMW dealer. I must admit; I didn’t want to hand either car back. Yes, that’s right; even the RC F! So, how did they perform on the road?
To start, I took the BMW M4 out for some test driving as this was the car I borrowed first. I couldn’t help but notice how the power delivery was smooth until around 5,500 rpm. Going around corners at speed was no problem for this Bavarian beast. The plethora of handling and safety features made the car a dream to drive in the twisties.
Next up was the Lexus RC F. I must admit; this was the first time I drove a Lexus. I have driven Toyota cars in the past, such as the Supra and the MR2. I had assumed the experience would be similar, given that Lexus is a part of Toyota.
The Lexus RC F was certainly a different kind of car to drive than its Toyota brethren. When it comes to power delivery, the V8 feels “busier” and perhaps not as smooth as the BMW M4’s turbo engine. But, I guess that’s the price you pay for not having forced induction!
Still, the Lexus isn’t a slouch by any means.
Which one should you get?
There aren’t any major downsides to either car as such. They both offer high performance. They just do it in different ways. I would go so far to say that both cars are a tie in this showdown!
I know that doesn’t help you decide. I recommend driving both of them and seeing which one feels more comfortable to handle.