Verdict
The BMW i8 Coupe costs RM1,408,800, RM29,800 more than the RM1,379,000 Lexus LC, yet its RM90 annual road tax is a fraction of the LC’s RM10,991. Its plug-in hybrid system adds two motors, an 11.6-kWh battery and 55 km of EV range, while the rated 1.8 L/100 km consumption is far below the LC’s 8.6 L/100 km. The Lexus counters with 470 hp, 540 Nm and a 270 km/h top speed, plus stronger driver-assistance kit. Both hit 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds.
Pick the BMW i8 Coupe if you want 55 km of EV range, 1.8 L/100 km rated economy and dramatically lower RM90 annual road tax.
Pick the Lexus LC if you want the 470 hp, 540 Nm naturally aspirated 4.969-litre petrol experience and more complete active-safety equipment.
Key differences
- Price: BMW i8 Coupe RM1,408,800; Lexus LC RM1,379,000.
- Road tax per year: BMW i8 Coupe RM90; Lexus LC RM10,991.
- Power and torque: BMW i8 Coupe 231 hp and 320 Nm petrol engine; Lexus LC 470 hp and 540 Nm.
- Rated fuel economy: BMW i8 Coupe 1.8 L/100 km; Lexus LC 8.6 L/100 km.
- Top speed: BMW i8 Coupe 250 km/h; Lexus LC 270 km/h.
- Kerb weight: BMW i8 Coupe 1,485 kg; Lexus LC 1,965 kg.
i8 Coupe
- 55 km EV range from an 11.6-kWh battery
- RM90 annual road tax and 1.8 L/100 km rated economy
- 480 kg lighter with all-wheel drive
- 231 hp and 320 Nm trail the Lexus LC's 470 hp and 540 Nm
- 250 km/h top speed is 20 km/h lower
- No blind-spot monitoring or lane-keeping assist
LC
- 470 hp and 540 Nm from a 4.969-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine
- Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and steering-correction lane keeping
- Ventilated and heated front seats, plus active cruise control
- RM10,991 annual road tax versus RM90
- 8.6 L/100 km rated economy versus 1.8 L/100 km
- No EV range, battery or plug-in charging capability
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM1,408,800 | RM1,379,000✓ |
| Body type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Segment | Sports Car | Luxury |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM90✓ | RM10,991 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 12-valve, DOHC, direct fuel injection, turbocharged with variable valve timing | 32-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, naturally-aspirated, Otto/Atkinson Cycle with variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 1,499 cc | 4,969 cc |
| Horsepower | 231 hp | 470 hp✓ |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 540 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Petrol Plug-in Hybrid | Petrol |
| Bore | 82 mm | 94 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.5 | 12.3 |
| Number of Motors | 2 | — |
| Motor Horsepower | 143 hp | — |
| Motor Torque | 250 Nm | — |
| Battery Capacity | 11.6 kWh | — |
| EV Range | 55 km | — |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 3.7 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 6-Speed Steptronic Sport Automatic Transmission | Direct Shift |
| Gears | 6 | 10 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Aisin | Aisin |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 4.4 seconds | 4.4 seconds |
| Rated Economy | 1.8 L/100 km✓ | 8.6 L/100 km |
| Top Speed | 250 km/h | 270 km/h✓ |
| Co2 | 42 g/km✓ | 267 g/km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,689 mm | 4,770 mm |
| Width | 1,942 mm | 1,920 mm |
| Height | 1,298 mm | 1,345 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,800 mm | 2,870 mm |
| Weight | 1,485 kg | 1,965 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 32 litres | 82 litres |
| Doors | 2 | 2 |
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Boot Space | 200 litres✓ | 197 litres |
| Front Tyre | 215/45R20 | 245/40R21 |
| Rear Tyre | 245/40R20 | 275/35R21 |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Potenza S001 | Bridgestone Potenza S001L Run-flats |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Germany (CBU) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | Multi-link |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 20" Radial Spoke Style 516 Jet Black Alloy | 21" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 20" Radial Spoke Style 516 Jet Black Alloy | 21" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | Dynamic Damper Control (adaptive suspension) | Adaptive F Suspension - Sachs |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Front Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Seat Belts | 4 Three-point | 4 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | — | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on Two Rear Passenger Seats | Available on two rear passenger seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, light braking (under 60 km/h) | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For All Seats | For All Seats |
| Safety Notes | — | Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), TPMS |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Adaptive LED Projector with High Beam Assist | LED Projectors |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function | 8-way Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function, Ventilated and Heated |
| Rear Seats | Two Seats | — |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front | 1 Front |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 1 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front |
| Audio | 8.8" BMW Navigation System Professional with Touchscreen, iDrive Touch Controller and 16-speaker 600W Harman Kardon Sound System | 10.3" Lexus Premium Audio Remote Touch Controller with 13-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Sound System, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Two Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Two Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | — |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Active Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Operation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with Surround View Camera | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | 5-year/100,000 km free scheduled maintenance | 5-year/100,000 km free service |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used i8 Coupe & LC for sale
i8 Coupe vs LC FAQ
Is the BMW i8 Coupe or Lexus LC better?
The BMW i8 Coupe is the better Malaysian ownership case for low road tax, plug-in capability and rated fuel use. The Lexus LC is better for outright petrol power, with 470 hp and 540 Nm, plus blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assistance.
What is the price difference?
The BMW i8 Coupe is RM29,800 more expensive: RM1,408,800 against RM1,379,000 for the Lexus LC.
Which costs less to tax and run on official figures?
The BMW i8 Coupe. Annual road tax is RM90 against RM10,991 for the Lexus LC, while rated consumption is 1.8 L/100 km versus 8.6 L/100 km. It can also cover up to 55 km on electric power.