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.
Data checked: specs 30 Aug 2026, price 1 Jul 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
Lotus Emira: we're still completing price, turning circle, braked towing and CO2 emissions.
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.
$168,700RRP
- with the Lotus Emira's standard kit: $168,700 (nothing to add)
No price
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Track the BMW M4 & Lotus Emira
Get price-drop alerts on these models plus our free weekly new-car rundown. Unsubscribe anytime.
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.
Recalls on our record
BMW M4
- REC-000132 · published 10 Jun 2021Due to a manufacturing fault in the hydraulic unit brake booster, panic braking could cause loss of brake power assistance and the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) without prior warning.Year range on the notice: 2019 - 2020
- REC-000126 · published 31 Jan 2019The CFK drive shaft contains a 3-hole-flange with pushing piece which is not produced with sufficient long-term durability.Year range on the notice: 2016
Lotus Emira
- REC-005857 · published 19 Dec 2023Due to a manufacturing defect, the driver and passenger side A-pillar trims may have been fitted incorrectly.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2023
- REC-005856 · published 19 Dec 2023Due to a software issue, the windscreen wipers may operate at half the required speed.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2023
- REC-005855 · published 19 Dec 2023Due to a defect during assembly, the driver and passenger's seatbelt locking mechanism may engage at the incorrect point.Year range on the notice: 2022
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
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 — features our data doesn't list for 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 Supercharged petrol making 298kW and 430Nm, paired to a 6-speed manual driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4.1 seconds.
The BMW M4 has the clear power advantage at 353kW vs 298kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), 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
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 $2,879/year for the BMW M4 and $2,907/year for the Lotus Emira. That is a $28 annual difference in favour of the BMW M4.
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 prioritise performance, 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 or prefer Lotus's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
BMW M4: Top CarSorted Score, 59 vs 55
The BMW M4 comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (59 vs 55), taking 3 of 4 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: practicality (BMW M4 ahead by 17), reliability (BMW M4 ahead by 15), value (Lotus Emira ahead by 13). The BMW M4 will save you roughly $28 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.
One enquiry, local dealers' best price on each. Free for you to use. If you buy, the dealer may pay us a commission.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BMW M4 and Lotus Emira?
The BMW M4 is the cheapest at $168,700 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW M4 uses the least fuel at 10.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of BMW M4 and Lotus Emira carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW M4 has the largest boot at 440L with the seats up.
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.
Stay across the market
Get our weekly new-car rundown of launches, price moves, deals and reviews, straight from the data.
- Weekly new-car rundown
- Price cuts and new deals
- New launches and reviews
No spam, unsubscribe anytime. By subscribing you agree to receive marketing emails.
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
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
