Compare the2026 BMW 4 Series ConvertibleVS 2026 Lexus LC

The 4 Series Convertible’s pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The LC doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

In the past twenty years hundreds of infants and young children have died after being left in vehicles, usually by accident. When turning the vehicle off, drivers of the 4 Series Convertible are reminded to check the back seat. The LC doesn’t offer a back seat reminder.

The 4 Series Convertible’s standard pretensioning seatbelts also sense rear collisions and remove slack from the seatbelts to help protect the occupants from whiplash and other injuries. The LC doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The 4 Series Convertible offers an optional Active Park Distance Control that uses rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision. The LC doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The 4 Series Convertible offers all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The LC doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

Both the 4 Series Convertible and the LC have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

The 4 Series Convertible’s corrosion warranty is 6 years longer than the LC’s (12 vs. 6 years).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the 4 Series Convertible for 2 years and 26000 miles longer than Lexus pays for maintenance for the LC (3/36,000 vs. 1/10,000).

There are over 43 percent more BMW dealers than there are Lexus dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the 4 Series Convertible’s warranty.

On the EPA test cycle the 4 Series Convertible gets better mileage than the LC Convertible:

Regenerative brakes improve the 4 Series Convertible’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The LC doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the 4 Series Convertible’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The LC doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the BMW 4 Series Convertible uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended for maximum performance). The LC requires premium, which can cost on average about 84.9 cents more per gallon.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the BMW 4 Series Convertible higher (6 to 7 out of 10) than the Lexus LC (4). This means the 4 Series Convertible produces up to 13.2 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the LC every 15,000 miles.

All wheel drive, available in the 4 Series Convertible, provides the best traction for acceleration in wet, dry, and icy conditions. In corners, all wheel drive allows both outside wheels to provide power, balancing the car. This allows for better handling. The Lexus LC is not available with all wheel drive.

The 4 Series Convertible’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The LC doesn’t offer launch control.

The BMW 4 Series Convertible may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 250 to 300 pounds less than the Lexus LC.

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the 4 Series Convertible a Subcompact car, while the LC Convertible is rated a Minicompact.

The 4 Series Convertible has 8.8 cubic feet more passenger volume than the LC Convertible (84 vs. 75.2).

The 4 Series Convertible has a much larger trunk with its top down than the LC Convertible (10.6 vs. 3.4 cubic feet).

A low lift-over trunk design makes loading and unloading the 4 Series Convertible easier. The 4 Series Convertible’s trunk lift-over height is 26.5 inches, while the LC’s liftover is 33.6 inches.

The 4 Series Convertible’s standard rear seats fold to accommodate long and bulky cargo. The LC doesn’t offer folding rear seats.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the 4 Series Convertible’s power trunk can be opened or closed just by waving your foot, leaving your hands completely free. The LC doesn’t offer a power or hands-free opening trunk.

In case of a sudden change of weather, the 4 Series Convertible has a standard remote convertible top that can be raised from a distance to protect the interior of the vehicle from damage. On a hot day the 4 Series Convertible has a standard remote opening feature, to lower the top from outside. The LC doesn’t offer a remote top, so the driver will have to run to the car, get in, turn the ignition on and raise the top to prevent the interior from being damaged.

The LC’s cornering lamps activate a lamp on the front corner when the turn signal is activated. The 4 Series Convertible’s optional adaptive cornering lights turn the actual headlight unit up to several degrees, depending on steering wheel angle and vehicle speed. This lights a significant distance into corners at any speed.

When the 4 Series Convertible is put in reverse, the passenger rearview mirror tilts from its original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirror into its original position. The LC’s mirror doesn’t automatically adjust for backing.

For greater rear passenger comfort, the 4 Series Convertible has standard rear a/c vents to keep rear occupants more comfortable. The LC doesn’t offer rear vents.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the BMW 4 Series has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the front center console. The LC doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The 4 Series Convertible’s optional Parking Assistant Plus can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The LC doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

The BMW 4 Series comes in coupe, convertible and four door hatchback bodystyles; the Lexus LC isn’t available as a four door.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the 4 Series Convertible first among compact premium cars in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The LC isn’t in the top three in its category.

The BMW 4 Series outsold the Lexus LC by over 12 to one during 2024.