Compare the2023 BMW M2VS 2022 Lexus RC

The M2 has standard Post-Crash Braking, which automatically apply the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The RC doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Both the M2 and the RC have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front 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 and driver alert monitors.

The M2’s corrosion warranty is 6 years longer than the RC’s (12 vs. 6 years).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the M2 for 2 years and 26000 miles longer than Lexus pays for maintenance for the RC (3/36,000 vs. 1/10,000).

There are over 44 percent more BMW dealers than there are Lexus dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the M2’s warranty.

A hardened steel chain, with no maintenance needs, drives the camshafts in the M2’s engine. A rubber cam drive belt that needs periodic replacement drives the RC’s camshafts. If the RC’s belt breaks, the engine could be severely damaged when the pistons hit the opened valves.

The battery on the M2 is in the trunk, which protects it from hot underhood temperatures that can degrade battery life. By keeping the M2’s battery 20 to 30 degrees cooler, its life is increased by years. The RC’s battery is in the hot engine compartment.

The M2’s 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder produces 212 more horsepower (453 vs. 241) and 148 lbs.-ft. more torque (406 vs. 258) than the RC 300’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The M2’s 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder produces 193 more horsepower (453 vs. 260) and 170 lbs.-ft. more torque (406 vs. 236) than the RC 300 AWD’s standard 3.5 DOHC V6. The M2’s 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder produces 142 more horsepower (453 vs. 311) and 126 lbs.-ft. more torque (406 vs. 280) than the RC 350’s standard 3.5 DOHC V6.

Regenerative brakes improve the M2’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The RC doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the M2’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The RC doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The M2 offers a manual transmission for better acceleration, control and fuel economy. The RC doesn’t offer a manual transmission.

The M2’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The RC doesn’t offer launch control.

For better stopping power the M2’s brake rotors are larger than those on the RC:

For better traction, the M2 has larger tires than the RC (F:275/35R19 & R:285/30R20 vs. 235/40R19). The M2’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the RC (F:275/35R19 & R:285/30R20 vs. F:235/40R19 & R:265/35R19).

The M2’s 275/35R19 front and 285/30R20 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series front and 30 series rear profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the RC’s standard 45 series tires. The M2’s tires are lower profile than the RC’s optional 40 series front and 35 series rear tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the M2 has standard 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the RC. The RC’s largest wheels are only 19-inches.

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the M2 is 1.5 inches wider in the front and .8 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the RC.

The M2 is 4.7 inches shorter than the RC, making the M2 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The M2 has 4.2 cubic feet more passenger volume than the RC (88 vs. 83.8).

The M2 has 1.2 inches more front shoulder room, 4.9 inches more rear legroom and .9 inches more rear shoulder room than the RC.

The M2 offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed and tachometer readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The RC doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The M2’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The RC’s parking brake has to be released manually.

The M2’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The RC’s standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the M2 offers optional adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The RC doesn’t offer cornering lights.

The M2 has a standard center folding armrest for the rear passengers. A center armrest helps make rear passengers more comfortable and it can provide a boundary between children. The RC doesn’t offer a rear seat center armrest.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the BMW M2 offers an optional wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The RC doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The M2’s optional Parking Assistant can parallel park by itself, with the driver only controlling speed with the brake pedal. The RC doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

The BMW 2 Series outsold the Lexus RC by almost six to one during the 2022 model year.