Compare the2022 Lexus RCVS 2022 BMW 4 Series Coupe

Both the RC and the 4 Series Coupe have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors, available all wheel drive and rear parking sensors.

For its top level performance in all IIHS frontal, side, rear impact and roof-crush tests, and its standard front crash prevention system, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the RC the rating of “Top Pick” for 2017, a rating granted to only 216 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The 4 Series Coupe has not been tested, yet.

Lexus’ powertrain warranty covers the RC 2 years and 20,000 miles longer than BMW covers the 4 Series Coupe. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the 4 Series Coupe ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the RC first among compact premium cars in their 2021 Initial Quality Study. The 4 Series Coupe was rated second.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are better in initial quality than BMW vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus third in initial quality, above the industry average. With 22 more problems per 100 vehicles, BMW is ranked 20th, below the industry average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than BMW vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in reliability, above the industry average. With 27 more problems per 100 vehicles, BMW is ranked 10th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than BMW vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Lexus third in reliability. BMW is ranked 12th.

The RC has 1.9 gallons more fuel capacity than the 4 Series Coupe (17.5 vs. 15.6 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

For better stopping power the RC’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the 4 Series Coupe:

For better traction, the RC has larger standard tires than the 4 Series Coupe (235/40R19 vs. 225/45R18). The RC’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the 4 Series Coupe (F:235/40R19 & R:265/35R19 vs. F:225/40R19 & R:255/35R19).

For better maneuverability, the RC’s turning circle is 3.2 feet tighter than the 4 Series Coupe’s (34.2 feet vs. 37.4 feet). The RC AWD’s turning circle is 4.6 feet tighter than the 4 Series Coupe xDrive’s (34.8 feet vs. 39.4 feet).

The RC has 1 inch more front headroom and 3.6 inches more front legroom than the 4 Series Coupe.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Lexus service is better than BMW. J.D. Power ranks Lexus second in service department satisfaction. With a 29% lower rating, BMW is ranked 8th.

The RC’s optional easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The 4 Series Coupe doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The RC’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The 4 Series Coupe does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The RC’s standard power windows have a locking feature to keep children from operating them, but the driver can still raise and lower both of them with the lock engaged. BMW does not offer a locking feature on the 4 Series Coupe’s standard power windows.

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The RC offers available headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The 4 Series Coupe doesn’t offer headlight washers.