Lexus RC F vs BMW M4 - pictures

The Lexus RC F packs more punch than the BMW M4, but can this newcomer take on and beat the M4 at its own game? 

"The RC F's engine boasts 46bhp more than the M4's, but its power delivery and extra 200kg-plus of weight mean it's slower than its rival. However, unless you're a track day addict, the Lexus should provide plenty of performance." - Se

The naturally-aspirated 5.0-litre V8 produces a great, deep exhaust note. While the throttle response is crisp, it can't live up to the BMW's turbocharged mid-range punch. 

Inside, the RC F is more reserved than the exterior, with a centre console sloping down from the dash and cossets the driver. The deep-set sat nav screen is controlled via a touchpad behind the gearlever. Lexus has persevered with this

The rear seats in the Lexus are cramped, while rear three quarter vision is hampered by the chunky, sloping rear pillars. 

There's plenty of kit on offer in the Lexus, plus the refined cabin makes for a relaxed cruiser. 

The cabin highlight is the adjustable TFT screen acting as the dial pack. In Sport S+ mode, there's a large, central rev counter with a lap timer function, too. 

Eight-speed auto gearbox is relaxed and refined around town, but it can feel hesitant and sluggish in manual mode. 

The Lexus' chunky kerbweight makes it feel less responsive than the M4 on track, but agility is improved with the optional torque vectoring diff set to Slalom mode. 

5.0-litre V8 puts out 471bhp and makes a great noise. 

Lexus' latest design language has been applied to the RC F, with particular attention paid to the design of the lights. The £625 Solar Flare paintwork helps the Lexus stand out, too. 

The RC F doesn't generate the same level of grip as the M4, plus it feels heavy and lethargic when you try to change direction too quickly. It's just not quite as involving as we'd like. 

The M4 is powered by a 425bhp 3.0-litre twin-turbo six-cylinder engine, moving away from previous models' V8 powerplants. 

The ride isn't quite as comfortable as the Lexus', crashing over lumps and bumps thanks to the low profile tyres and 19-inch alloys. 

Inside, there's little to differentiate the M4 from the standard 4 Series coupe, but there's carbon-fibre detailing and a head-up display to mark it out. 

The back seats of the M4 are bigger and more comfortable than in the Lexus, and there's a generous cubbyhole count. The rear seats don't fold down, though, so the 445-litre boot is the maximum capacity you'll get from the M4.

"On our head-to-head track test, the BMW's extra torque meant it roared out of corners and away from the Lexus down the straights. The M4's acceleration is savage, but it feels like it's on edge all the time compared to the more relaxe

Despite its on-paper fuel economy advantage, the M4 only recorded 21.1mpg on test, far short of the claimed 34mpg. If you use all of the car's power, efficiency is seriously dented. It is cheaper to insure and tax than the Lexus, thoug

Eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox is snappy and contributes to the M4's feeling of being a European muscle car blending a rampant streak of acceleration with agile, exact handling. 

"Both the M4 and RC F are available in some vibrant colours, but there are more reserved finishes available as well." - James Disdale, road test editor. 

BMW has dropped its old V8 in favour of a six-cylinder turbo for efficiency advantages. It doesn't sound as good as the Lexus, with a slight artificiality, but there's plenty of low-down grunt that's not present in the RC F. 

Low-slung, muscular stance transforms the M4 intoa menacing coupe, with three big air dams spanning the width of the front end. 

Cut outs in the mirrors are a key feature of the M4 and M3 models past, reducing drag and channelling air down the side of the car to the rear. 

Point the M4 down a country road, and the extra focus on edginess and alertness shows its worth. There's confidence-inspiring grip, but it's easy to spin the wheels if you get a bit eager on the throttle. 

There's no denying the M4 boasts incredible performance.