BMW M2 vs Lexus RC
What's the difference?

BMW M2

$95,990 - $118,888

2024 price

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Lexus RC

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2020 price

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Aston Martin Vanquish

Lamborghini Aventador

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz C43

Mercedes-Benz C63

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz E53

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Summary

2024 BMW M2

2020 Lexus RC

By Andrew Chesterton

By Justin Hilliard

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 6, 3.0L

V6, 3.5L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

9.7L/100km (combined)

9.4L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Potent powertrain
Intoxicating exhaust
Fun, fun, fun

Striking exterior design
Feels rather luxurious
Unrivalled value for money

Dislikes

Firm ride in the city
Backseat a challenge
Price is only going up

Infuriating multimedia system
Token second row of seats
Not very fuel efficient

2024 BMW M2 Summary

I think auto journalists are supposed to see vehicles a bit like parents see their children. You know, view them all as equals. No favourites. That kind of thing.

But I'm going to let you in on a tiny little secret, just between us. I liked this potent M2 before I even sat in it. And I like it just a little bit more than I love other bite-sized performance cars.

In fact, I like it more than I like bigger, more powerful, and more expensive models in the BMW M family.

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2020 Lexus RC Summary

If it wasn’t for this review appearing on your screen right now, would you have even remembered the Lexus RC was a thing?

At the time of writing, the RC is actually the fifth most popular model in its sports car segment. Yep, only the two-door versions of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and E-Class, and BMW 4 Series and Z4 sell better.

So, why is the RC seemingly invisible? But more importantly, does it deserve to be? Let’s test the RC 350 F Sport to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2024 BMW M2 2020 Lexus RC

Verdict

Proving good things still come in small packages, the pint-sized M2 remains my pick of the BMW M range. It's not the perfect daily drive, but I reckon the fun outweighs the foibles.

Verdict

If you’re a buyer that thinks with their head, the RC 350 F Sport is the obvious choice when compared to its direct rivals.

After all, it looks great (at least to these eyes), feels luxurious in more ways than one, and is unrivalled when considering value-for-money.

But, if you think with your heart instead, it’s clear it is isn’t on the same level dynamically and therefore doesn’t feel as sporty to drive as its name suggests.

So, don’t let its sports car classification fool you, the RC 350 F Sport is more of a grand tourer, or a comfortable cruiser, to be precise, and an underrated one at that.

BMW M2 vs Lexus RC What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

BMW M2 vs Lexus RC
What's the difference?