Lotus Emira vs BMW 4 Series
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.
No price
- no option data for this car
$83,500RRP
- 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.
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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.
Recalls on our record
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
BMW 4 Series
- REC-006668 · published 16 Jul 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the starter motor solenoid switch can experience increased wear that could cause an internal short circuit.Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2025
- REC-006553 · published 4 Mar 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may develop an internal coolant leak.Year range on the notice: 2010 - 2022
- REC-006539 · published 17 Feb 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the starter motor solenoid switch can experience increased wear that could cause an internal short circuit.Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2023
- 2 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Lotus Emira features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the BMW 4 Series gets a 14.9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Lotus Emira stands out with head-up display, heated front seats and KEF audio — features our data doesn't list for the BMW 4 Series. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Lotus Emira gets leather upholstery while the BMW 4 Series offers sensatec synthetic leather.
Drivetrain
The Lotus Emira uses a Supercharged petrol producing 298kW and 430Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed manual to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.1 seconds.
The BMW 4 Series responds with a Petrol making 135kW and 300Nm, paired to a auto driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.5 seconds.
The Lotus Emira has the clear power advantage at 298kW vs 135kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), 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 Lotus Emira measures 4,413mm long on a 2,575mm wheelbase, 357mm shorter than the BMW 4 Series at 4,770mm (2,851mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW 4 Series generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 151L in the Lotus Emira and 440L in the BMW 4 Series, 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 $2,907/year for the Lotus Emira and $1,824/year for the BMW 4 Series. That is a $1,083 annual difference in favour of the BMW 4 Series.
Warranty: 3 years / 100,000km (Lotus Emira) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW 4 Series). The BMW 4 Series has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Lotus Emira if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Lotus's approach to design and ownership experience.
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.
The Verdict
BMW 4 Series: Top CarSorted Score, 68 vs 55
The BMW 4 Series comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (68 vs 55), taking 3 of 5 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: fuel economy (BMW 4 Series ahead by 34), performance (Lotus Emira ahead by 34), practicality (BMW 4 Series ahead by 19). The BMW 4 Series will save you roughly $1,083 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.
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, Lotus Emira and BMW 4 Series?
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 Lotus Emira and BMW 4 Series 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 4 Series has the largest boot at 440L with the seats up.
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 298kW. 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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