Compare the2023 BMW 8 SeriesVS 2023 Lexus RC F

The 8 Series has a standard PostCrash iBrake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The RC F 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.

The 8 Series offers all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The RC F doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

Both the 8 Series and the RC F 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, rearview cameras, driver alert monitors, available blind spot warning systems, rear parking sensors and rear cross-path warning.

The 8 Series’ corrosion warranty is 6 years longer than the RC F’s (12 vs. 6 years).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the 8 Series for 2 years and 26000 miles longer than Lexus pays for maintenance for the RC F (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 8 Series’ warranty.

The battery on the 8 Series is in the trunk, which protects it from hot underhood temperatures that can degrade battery life. By keeping the 8 Series’ battery 20 to 30 degrees cooler, its life is increased by years. The RC F’s battery is in the hot engine compartment.

The M850i’s standard 4.4 turbo V8 produces 51 more horsepower (523 vs. 472) and 158 lbs.-ft. more torque (553 vs. 395) than the RC F’s 5.0 DOHC V8.

As tested in Motor Trend the M850i 4.4 turbo V8 is faster than the Lexus RC F:

On the EPA test cycle the 8 Series Coupe gets better mileage than the RC F:

Regenerative brakes improve the 8 Series’ fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The RC F doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the 8 Series’ 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 F doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

All wheel drive, available in the 8 Series, provides the best traction for acceleration in wet, dry, and icy conditions. In corners, all wheel drive allows both outside wheels to provide power, balancing the car. This allows for better handling. The Lexus RC F is not available with all wheel drive.

For better stopping power the 8 Series’ brake rotors are larger than those on the RC F:

The 8 Series stops shorter than the RC F:

For better traction, the 8 Series has larger front tires than the RC F (F:245/35R20 & R:275/30R20 vs. F:235/35R19 & R:275/35R19).

The 8 Series’ optional 275/30R20 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 30 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the RC F’s 35 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the 8 Series offers optional 20-inch wheels. The RC F’s largest wheels are only 19-inches.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires available on the 8 Series can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The RC F doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

The 8 Series M850i has active sway bars, which help keep it flat and controlled during cornering, but disconnect at lower speeds to smooth the ride and offer greater off-road suspension articulation. This helps keep the tires glued to the road on-road and off. The RC F doesn’t offer an active sway bar system.

The M850i offers an available active suspension system, which counteracts cornering forces actively, limiting body roll and improving handling and stability. Lexus doesn’t offer an active suspension on the RC F.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the 8 Series’ wheelbase is 3.6 inches longer than on the RC F (111.1 inches vs. 107.5 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the 8 Series is 2.9 inches wider in the front and 3.2 inches wider in the rear than on the RC F.

The M850i xDrive Coupe handles at .99 G’s, while the RC F pulls only .92 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The M850i xDrive Coupe executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the RC F (24 seconds @ .84 average G’s vs. 24.9 seconds @ .8 average G’s).

The front grille of the 8 Series uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The RC F doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The 8 Series Coupe has 1.1 inches more front headroom, 6.5 inches more front shoulder room, 2.2 inches more rear legroom and .8 inches more rear shoulder room than the RC F.

The 8 Series Coupe has a much larger trunk than the RC F (14.8 vs. 9.9 cubic feet).

The 8 Series’ standard rear seats fold to accommodate long and bulky cargo. The RC F doesn’t offer folding rear seats, only a ski pass-through.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the 8 Series’ power trunk can be opened or closed just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The RC F doesn’t offer a power or hands-free opening trunk.

The 8 Series’ standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. An easy entry system costs extra on the RC F, and is not available on all models.

The 8 Series has a standard heads-up display that projects speed, tachometer, warning and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The RC F doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The 8 Series’ power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The RC F’s cruise control switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the 8 Series has standard cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The RC F doesn’t offer cornering lights. The 8 Series also has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle.

The 8 Series has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the car heater warms up. A heated steering wheel costs extra on the RC F.

The 8 Series’ optional Parking Assistant Plus can parallel park by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The RC F doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

The BMW 8 Series comes in coupe, convertible and sedan bodystyles; the Lexus RC F isn’t available as a convertible or sedan.

Insurance will cost less for the 8 Series owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the 8 Series will cost $160 less than the RC F over a five-year period.

The BMW 8 Series outsold the Lexus RC by almost three to one during 2022.