BMW Z4 vs Lexus IS
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Convertibles 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 Z4
From $99,200
Convertible
Petrol
Petrol
145kW
6.5 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
281L
Lexus IS
Price TBC
Convertible
Petrol
2.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 petrol
153kW
9.3 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
109L
Lexus IS: we're still completing price, 0-100km/h, warranty, ground clearance 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
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The BMW Z4 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto — features our data doesn't list for the Lexus IS. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The BMW Z4 uses a Petrol producing 145kW and 320Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.6 seconds.
The Lexus IS responds with a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 petrol making 153kW and 252Nm, paired to a 6-speed automatic driving the rear wheels.
The Lexus IS has the clear power advantage at 153kW vs 145kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW Z4 measures 4,324mm long on a 2,470mm wheelbase, 311mm shorter than the Lexus IS at 4,635mm (2,730mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Lexus IS generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 281L in the BMW Z4 and 109L in the Lexus IS, giving the BMW Z4 a 172L advantage. The Lexus IS seats 4 vs 2.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.2m to 11.0m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,853/year for the BMW Z4 and $2,651/year for the Lexus IS. That is a $798 annual difference in favour of the BMW Z4.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW Z4 if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Lexus IS if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW Z4 takes 2 of 3 key spec categories. The BMW Z4 will save you roughly $798 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the BMW Z4 has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BMW Z4 and Lexus IS?
The BMW Z4 is the cheapest at $99,200 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW Z4 uses the least fuel at 6.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of BMW Z4 and Lexus IS 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 Z4 has the largest boot at 281L.
Which is the most powerful?
The Lexus IS makes the most power at 153kW.
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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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