2025 Lexus RC vs. 2025 BMW 4 Series Coupe Comparison

This comparison is one of those rare occasions when two apparently similar cars — in this case, both compact luxury coupes — appeal to buyers in markedly different ways. The 2025 Lexus RC displays all the usual quality, dependability, and distinct styling that come with every vehicle wearing the Lexus badge. This marque, however, is not renowned for its driver engagement, and the RC doesn’t rewrite that script. We should also add that this is the final year of production for the Lexus RC, which debuted in 2015.

It is not that the 2025 BMW 4 Series Coupe lacks quality, prestige, or its particular exterior design, but those who prefer an involving driver experience will find the 4 Series a better fit. It’s also remaining in production for the foreseeable future.

If the buying decision is still unclear, let’s delve a little deeper into both cars.

2025 Lexus RC

Lexus buyers tend to be extremely loyal, which says a lot right there. We can imagine a scenario where someone has been through their Lexus RX SUV phase of doing the school runs and the soccer practice, seen their kids off to college, and then decides to get something as a reward for being a dutiful parent, where rear seats aren’t really a consideration. But it has to be a Lexus. The RC premium compact coupe could fit that bill perfectly.

It offers a choice of variants, with engines ranging from a gentle 241 horsepower to a galloping 478-hp V8 in the awesome RC F. all-wheel drive (AWD) is also on the menu. Standard equipment is fairly generous, especially on the safety front. Lexus also provides a better-than-usual powertrain warranty of six years or 70,000 miles (whichever happens first).

As we’ve touched on above, though, the RC (with the exception of the pricey RC F) is not exactly a driver’s dream. It’s tidy and composed, but not especially tactile, lacking those extra degrees of engagement that seem to be where BMW always manages to separate itself from the competition.

Lexus RC Highlights

Blind-spot monitoring: Outward vision can be tricky sometimes in a small coupe with wide rear pillars, so we’re pleased to see blind-spot monitoring as standard in the Lexus RC.

Mark Levinson audio: One of the many highlights of Lexus ownership is enjoying a crisp and clear Mark Levinson audio system. A 17-speaker, 835-watt surround-sound rig is on the RC’s options list, or standard in the RC F Final Edition.

RC F Final Edition: This range-topping (yet admittedly expensive) model comes and goes with a weight-saving carbon-fiber roof, adaptive suspension, Brembo brakes, and an active rear wing. We also love this car’s excellent V8 engine.

Resale values: Although we appreciate that a luxury coupe is an indulgence, having some financial upside is always good. In typical Lexus fashion, the RC retains its value much better than the class average.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the RC models for sale near you.

2025 BMW 4 Series

One major difference between the 2025 BMW 4 Series and the Lexus RC is that this nameplate covers a lineup that takes in a 2-door/fixed-roof model (just like the RC), plus a convertible variant, and a 4-door Gran Coupe. The 4 Series is based on the same platform as the evergreen 3 Series sedan, yet has a distinct exterior styling treatment. Meanwhile, the interior is laid out with up-to-the-minute tech and sumptuous materials. Between these two cars, it’s easy to tell which is the eldest and which was launched for the 2021 model year.

Anyone insisting on all-wheel drive will also be well served by the 4 Series, as it’s available with each engine option. Those units start at 255 hp and disappear past the horizon with 473 hp in the high-performance M4. Incidentally, the M4 has a lower starting price than the Lexus RC F Final Edition, yet has a much finer reputation as an enthusiast’s machine.

In terms of ride quality, the 4 Series tends to be on the firm side to optimize its handling abilities. That’s the preference for drivers who like sporty cars anyway, and we’ve found the 4 Series to have a certain fluidity in how it negotiates corners. A satisfying feel to the steering and strong, confident brakes enhances this experience. An adaptive M-tuned suspension is on the options list for the 386-hp M440i Coupe, for even more sophisticated and precise dynamics.

BMW 4 Series Highlights

BMW Curved Display: A standard feature across the 2025 4 Series range, it includes a digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment screen. This widescreen is the technological heart of the cabin and offers features like augmented video for navigation, and Remote View through the MyBMW app to check on the car’s surroundings.

Engines: We have long admired BMW engines because they deliver excellent and responsive power while still achieving competitive fuel economy.

Choice of body styles: With coupe, convertible (with a power-folding soft-top), or 4-door Gran Coupe variants, the 4 Series offers an array of choices that go beyond engines and tech.

M4: Not everyone will want this jewel in the 4 Series’ crown, but for fortunate enthusiasts with the funds and the fascination, the M4 is one of the most desirable cars before we get into Porsche, Ferrari, and McLaren territory.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the 4 Series models for sale near you.

Similarities

The overlap between these two cars is superficial. Both are small coupes from luxury marques. But start looking closer, and their paths diverge dramatically.

Pricing

The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors.
The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Lexus RC vehicles and New 2025 BMW 4 Series vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership.
These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.

Specifications

Conclusion

The fact that anyone who buys a compact luxury coupe can indulge in what they want, as opposed to what they need, means they’re probably looking for a blend of style and sportiness, and aren’t really concerned about practicality or space for more than one passenger. The winner here must surely be the one that isn’t heading for the history books, and that’s the BMW 4 Series. Even if Lexus had been planning to keep the RC going, we’d still choose the BMW because of its greater driver appeal and because it’s a much newer vehicle overall.