Lotus Emira vs BMW 8 Series
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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.
Lotus Emira
Price TBC
Coupe
Petrol
Turbo petrol
268kW
8.7 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
151L
BMW 8 Series
From $294,900
Gran Coupe
Petrol
Petrol
390kW
10.7 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
440L
Lotus Emira: we're still completing price, turning circle 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
The Lotus Emira features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the BMW 8 Series gets a 10.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Lotus Emira stands out with KEF audio that you will not find on the BMW 8 Series. The BMW 8 Series counters with wireless charging, panoramic roof, ventilated seats, power tailgate and Bowers & Wilkins audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Lotus Emira gets leather upholstery while the BMW 8 Series offers vernasca leather.
Drivetrain
The Lotus Emira uses a Turbo petrol producing 268kW and 430Nm of torque, sent through a 8-speed dual clutch to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.1 seconds.
The BMW 8 Series responds with a Petrol making 390kW and 750Nm, paired to a auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 3.9 seconds.
The BMW 8 Series has the clear power advantage at 390kW vs 268kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW 8 Series is 0.2s 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, 669mm shorter than the BMW 8 Series at 5,082mm (3,023mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW 8 Series generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 151L in the Lotus Emira and 440L in the BMW 8 Series, giving the BMW 8 Series a 289L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.6m diameter
Large
Based on 12.6m 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.
Large
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 11.1 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: 3-point turn
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: careful, tight swing
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 $2,480/year for the Lotus Emira and $3,050/year for the BMW 8 Series. That is a $570 annual difference in favour of the Lotus Emira.
Estimated annual total: $2,480 (Lotus Emira) vs $3,050 (BMW 8 Series). The Lotus Emira saves you roughly $570 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 3 years / 100,000km (Lotus Emira) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW 8 Series). The BMW 8 Series has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Lotus Emira if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Lotus's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW 8 Series if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW 8 Series takes 4 of 5 key spec categories. The Lotus Emira will save you roughly $570 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the BMW 8 Series has a clear edge. The BMW 8 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.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Lotus Emira and BMW 8 Series?
The BMW 8 Series is the cheapest at $294,900 before on-road costs.
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 Lotus Emira and BMW 8 Series carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW 8 Series has the largest boot at 440L.
Which has the best warranty?
The BMW 8 Series has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW 8 Series makes the most power at 390kW. The BMW 8 Series is quickest to 100km/h in 3.9s.
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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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