Compare the2024 Lexus LCVS 2024 BMW 4 Series Convertible

Both the LC and the 4 Series Convertible have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

Lexus’ powertrain warranty covers the LC 2 years and 20,000 miles longer than BMW covers the 4 Series Convertible. 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 Convertible ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 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 above average in initial quality. With 21 more problems per 100 vehicles, BMW is rated lower.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 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 above average in long-term dependability. With 33 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, BMW is rated lower.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2023 Auto Issue reports that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than BMW vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Lexus second in overall reliability. BMW is ranked third.

The LC 500h’s standard 3.5 DOHC V6 hybrid produces 99 more horsepower (354 vs. 255) and 55 lbs.-ft. more torque (350 vs. 295) than the 430i Convertible’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The LC 500’s standard 5.0 DOHC V8 produces 89 more horsepower (471 vs. 382) and 29 lbs.-ft. more torque (398 vs. 369) than the M440i Convertible’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid.

The LC can travel with zero emissions on a full charge for .6 miles. The 4 Series Convertible can’t move without running its internal combustion engine.

The LC’s standard fuel tank has 6.1 gallons more fuel capacity than the 4 Series Convertible (21.7 vs. 15.6 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The LC Hybrid’s standard fuel tank has 6.6 gallons more fuel capacity than the 4 Series Convertible (22.2 vs. 15.6 gallons).

A 10-speed automatic is standard on the Lexus LC, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the 4 Series Convertible.

The LC 500h has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The 4 Series Convertible doesn’t offer a CVT.

For better stopping power the LC’s brake rotors are larger than those on the 4 Series Convertible:

For better traction, the LC has larger tires than the 4 Series Convertible (F:245/45R20 & R:275/40R20 vs. 225/45R18). The LC’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the 4 Series Convertible (F:245/45R20 & R:275/40R20 vs. F:225/40R19 & R:255/35R19).

The LC’s standard 275/40R20 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 40 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the 430i’s standard 45 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the LC has standard 20-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the 430i. The LC’s optional 21-inch wheels are larger than the 19-inch wheels optional on the 4 Series Convertible.

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the LC is 1.9 inches wider in the front and 1.7 inches wider in the rear than on the 4 Series Convertible.

For better maneuverability, the LC Active Rear Steering’s turning circle is 4.6 feet tighter than the 4 Series Convertible’s (34.8 feet vs. 39.4 feet). The LC’s turning circle is 4 feet tighter than the 4 Series Convertible’s (35.4 feet vs. 39.4 feet).

The LC Convertible uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The 4 Series Convertible doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Lexus service is better than BMW. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in service department satisfaction. With a 31% lower rating, BMW is ranked 7th.

The LC’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The 4 Series Convertible doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The LC 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 4 Series Convertible doesn’t offer a rear seat center armrest.