Lotus Emira vs BMW M4
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.
Price Breakdown
The Lotus Emira starts from $207,990 before on-road costs, while the BMW M4 opens at $168,700. That makes the BMW M4 the more affordable entry point by $39,290.
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 $228,789 and $185,570 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
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW M4 counters with ventilated seats and ambient lighting that the Lotus Emira does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
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 M4 responds with a Petrol making 353kW and 550Nm, paired to a manual driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 3.5 seconds.
The BMW M4 has the clear power advantage at 353kW vs 268kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW M4 is 0.6s 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, 388mm shorter than the BMW M4 at 4,801mm (2,857mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW M4 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 390L in the Lotus Emira and 440L in the BMW M4, giving the BMW M4 a 50L 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 $2,480/year for the Lotus Emira and $2,879/year for the BMW M4. That is a $399 annual difference in favour of the Lotus Emira.
Estimated annual total: $2,480 (Lotus Emira) vs $2,879 (BMW M4). 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: 3 years / 100,000km (Lotus Emira) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW M4). The BMW M4 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 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.
The Verdict
The BMW M4 takes 5 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, Lotus Emira and BMW M4?
The BMW M4 is the cheapest at $168,700 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Lotus Emira by $39,290.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Lotus Emira uses the least fuel at 8.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BMW M4 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
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 / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW M4 makes the most power at 353kW. The BMW M4 is quickest to 100km/h in 3.5s.
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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