BMW M4 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.
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Price Breakdown
The BMW M4 starts from $168,700 before on-road costs, while the Lotus Emira opens at $199,990. That makes the BMW M4 the more affordable entry point by $31,290.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $185,570 and $219,989 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Lotus Emira by roughly $1,995 in fuel alone.
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 M4 features a 12.3-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 BMW M4 stands out with ventilated seats, Harman Kardon audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Lotus Emira. The Lotus Emira counters with KEF audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the BMW M4 gets merino leather upholstery while the Lotus Emira offers leather.
Drivetrain
The BMW M4 uses a Petrol producing 353kW and 550Nm of torque, sent through a manual to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.2 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 BMW M4 has the clear power advantage at 353kW vs 268kW. In the real-world sprint, the Lotus Emira is 0.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW M4 measures 4,801mm long on a 2,857mm wheelbase, 388mm longer than the Lotus Emira at 4,413mm (2,575mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW M4 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 440L in the BMW M4 and 151L in the Lotus Emira, giving the BMW M4 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
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,879/year for the BMW M4 and $2,480/year for the Lotus Emira. That is a $399 annual difference in favour of the Lotus Emira.
Estimated annual total: $2,879 (BMW M4) vs $2,480 (Lotus Emira). The Lotus Emira saves you roughly $399 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW M4) vs 3 years / 100,000km (Lotus Emira). The BMW M4 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW M4 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Lotus Emira if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Lotus's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW M4 takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Lotus Emira will save you roughly $399 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the BMW M4 has a clear edge. The BMW M4 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 M4 and Lotus Emira?
The BMW M4 is the cheapest at $168,700 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Lotus Emira by $31,290.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Lotus Emira uses the least fuel at 8.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of BMW M4 and Lotus Emira carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW M4 has the largest boot at 440L.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW M4 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The BMW M4 has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW M4 makes the most power at 353kW. 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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