BMW 4 Series vs Lotus Emira
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Coupes compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Lotus Emira: we're still completing price, turning circle and braked towing.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The BMW 4 Series features a 14.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Lotus Emira gets a 10.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Lotus Emira counters with head-up display, heated front seats and KEF audio that the BMW 4 Series does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the BMW 4 Series gets sensatec synthetic leather upholstery while the Lotus Emira offers leather.
Drivetrain
The BMW 4 Series uses a Petrol producing 135kW and 300Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.5 seconds.
The Lotus Emira responds with a Turbo petrol making 268kW and 430Nm, paired to a 8-speed dual clutch driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4.1 seconds.
The Lotus Emira has the clear power advantage at 268kW vs 135kW. In the real-world sprint, the Lotus Emira is 3.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW 4 Series measures 4,770mm long on a 2,851mm wheelbase, 357mm longer than the Lotus Emira at 4,413mm (2,575mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW 4 Series generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 440L in the BMW 4 Series and 151L in the Lotus Emira, giving the BMW 4 Series a 289L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m diameter
Average
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Average
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 9.9 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: clears in one
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
1.9 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: swings in
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,824/year for the BMW 4 Series and $2,480/year for the Lotus Emira. That is a $656 annual difference in favour of the BMW 4 Series.
Estimated annual total: $1,824 (BMW 4 Series) vs $2,480 (Lotus Emira). The BMW 4 Series saves you roughly $656 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW 4 Series) vs 3 years / 100,000km (Lotus Emira). The BMW 4 Series has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW 4 Series if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Lotus Emira if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Lotus's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW 4 Series takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The BMW 4 Series will save you roughly $656 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the BMW 4 Series has a clear edge. The BMW 4 Series adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BMW 4 Series and Lotus Emira?
The BMW 4 Series is the cheapest at $83,500 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW 4 Series uses the least fuel at 6.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of BMW 4 Series and Lotus Emira carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW 4 Series has the largest boot at 440L.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW 4 Series has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The BMW 4 Series has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Lotus Emira makes the most power at 268kW. The Lotus Emira is quickest to 100km/h in 4.1s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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