Compare the2024 BMW i4VS 2023 Lexus RZ

The i4’s pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The RZ doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

Both the i4 and the RZ 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, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

The i4’s corrosion warranty is 6 years longer than the RZ’s (12 vs. 6 years).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the i4 for 2 years and 26000 miles longer than Lexus pays for maintenance for the RZ (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 i4’s warranty.

The i4 eDrive40’s standard electric motor produces 27 more horsepower (335 vs. 308) than the RZ’s electric motors. The i4 xDrive40’s standard electric motors produces 88 more horsepower (396 vs. 308) and 122 lbs.-ft. more torque (443 vs. 321) than the RZ’s electric motors. The i4 M50’s standard electric motors produces 228 more horsepower (536 vs. 308) and 265 lbs.-ft. more torque (586 vs. 321) than the RZ’s electric motors.

As tested in Car and Driver the i4 M50 electric motors is faster than the Lexus RZ:

On the EPA test cycle the i4 gets better mileage than the RZ:

The i4 can travel longer on a full charge than the RZ on a full charge:

The i4 M50’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 RZ doesn’t offer launch control.

For better stopping power the i4’s brake rotors are larger than those on the RZ:

The i4 stops much shorter than the RZ:

For better traction, the i4 M50’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the RZ (F:255/35R20 & R:285/30R20 vs. F:235/60R18 & R:255/55R18).

The i4’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the RZ’s standard 60 series front and 55 series rear tires. The i4 M50’s optional 255/35R20 front and 285/30R20 rear tires have a lower 35 series front and 30 series rear profile than the RZ’s optional 50 series front and 45 series rear tires.

The rear suspension of the i4 uses air springs for a smoother, controlled ride than the RZ, which uses coil springs. Air springs maintain proper ride height and ride more smoothly.

The i4 offers an optional driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The RZ’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The i4 has a standard automatic rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The RZ doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

The i4 M50 handles at .96 G’s, while the RZ 450e Premium pulls only .83 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The i4 is 7.6 inches shorter in height than the RZ, making the i4 much easier to wash and garage and drive (lower center of gravity).

A low lift-over trunk design makes loading and unloading the i4 easier. The i4’s trunk lift-over height is 28.3 inches, while the RZ’s liftover is 29.8 inches.

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the i4. The RZ doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

The i4 uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The RZ uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

A maintenance reminder system is standard on the i4 to save the owner time and money by calculating maintenance intervals for brake fluid replacement and vehicle inspections based on odometer mileage. This takes the guesswork out of keeping your vehicle in top condition and helps it last longer. Lexus doesn’t offer a maintenance reminder on the RZ.

The power windows standard on both the i4 and the RZ have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the i4 is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The RZ prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

If the windows are left open on the i4 the driver can close them all at the outside door handle or from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the RZ can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the i4 has standard cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The RZ doesn’t offer cornering lights. The i4 also offers optional adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle.

The i4 is available in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. The RZ doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

Consumer Reports® recommends the BMW i4, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The i4 was chosen as a Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 2023. The RZ has never been chosen by Car and Driver in their “10Best” issue.