BMW i8 vs Lexus LC
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.
BMW i8
Price TBC
Coupe
Premium unleaded petrol (plug-in hybrid)
Plug-in Hybrid
266kW
2.1 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
—
Lexus LC
From $198,400
Coupe
Petrol
Petrol
351kW
11.6 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
197L
BMW i8: we're still completing price, length, width, height and wheelbase, plus 8 others.
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.
Plug-in hybrid fuel economy is shown as a hybrid (battery depleted) so it compares fairly with the other car. A PHEV's official "combined" figure assumes you start every trip fully charged, so real-world economy depends on how often you plug in. Electric range shows how far it goes before the petrol engine is needed.
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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
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Lexus LC counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, ventilated seats, power tailgate and Mark Levinson audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The BMW i8 uses a Plug-in Hybrid producing 266kW and 570Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed automatic (rear engine) + 2-speed automatic (front electric motor) to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.4 seconds.
The Lexus LC responds with a Petrol making 351kW and 540Nm, paired to a 10-speed auto driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4.7 seconds.
The Lexus LC has the clear power advantage at 351kW vs 266kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the BMW i8 is 0.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m diameter
Good
Based on 10.8m 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.
Good
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 9.2 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 $599/year for the BMW i8 and $3,306/year for the Lexus LC. That is a $2,707 annual difference in favour of the BMW i8.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW i8 if: You want lower running costs, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Lexus LC if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW i8 takes 2 of 3 key spec categories. The BMW i8 will save you roughly $2,707 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BMW i8 and Lexus LC?
The Lexus LC is the cheapest at $198,400 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW i8 uses the least fuel at 2.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of BMW i8 and Lexus LC carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which is the most powerful?
The Lexus LC makes the most power at 351kW. The BMW i8 is quickest to 100km/h in 4.4s.
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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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