Verdict
At RM475,230, the BMW Z4 costs RM6,342 more than the RM468,888 Lexus RX, yet these are very different answers to premium motoring. The Z4 is a two-seat convertible with 255 hp, 400 Nm and a 5.4-second 0-100 km/h time; its RM379 annual road tax also undercuts the RX’s RM754. The RX counters with five seats, a 612-litre boot and substantially fuller active-safety kit, plus a five-year unlimited-mileage warranty. For Malaysian buyers carrying people or luggage, the Lexus is plainly more usable; the BMW is the focused choice.
Pick the BMW Z4 if a 5.4-second 0-100 km/h time, rear-wheel drive and a two-seat convertible body matter more than rear-seat space and driver-assistance hardware.
Pick the Lexus RX if you need five seats, a 612-litre boot, all-wheel drive and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability.
Key differences
- Price: BMW Z4 RM475,230; Lexus RX RM468,888.
- Performance: BMW Z4 0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds; Lexus RX in 7.6 seconds.
- Power and torque: BMW Z4 255 hp and 400 Nm; Lexus RX 275 hp and 430 Nm.
- Practicality: BMW Z4 has 2 seats and a 280-litre boot; Lexus RX has 5 seats and a 612-litre boot.
- Size and weight: BMW Z4 is 4,324 mm long and 1,491 kg; Lexus RX is 4,890 mm long and 1,914 kg.
- Warranty and road tax: BMW Z4 has 2 years and RM379/year; Lexus RX has 5 years and RM754/year.
Z4
- 5.4-second 0-100 km/h acceleration
- RM379 annual road tax
- Rated consumption of 6.5 L/100 km
- Only 2 seats and a 280-litre boot versus 5 seats and 612 litres
- No autonomous braking, blind-spot monitoring or lane-keeping assist
- Two-year warranty versus five years
RX
- Five seats and a 612-litre boot
- Autonomous braking, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert
- Five-year unlimited-mileage warranty
- 7.6-second 0-100 km/h time versus 5.4 seconds
- RM754 annual road tax versus RM379
- 1,914 kg kerb weight versus 1,491 kg
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM475,230 | RM468,888✓ |
| Body type | Convertible | SUV |
| Segment | Sports Car | Executive |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM379✓ | RM754 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, twin-scroll turbo with variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC Direct and Port injection with Turbocharger, Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | 2,393 cc |
| Horsepower | 255 hp | 275 hp✓ |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 430 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 82 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 11.1 | 11 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 8-Speed Steptronic Sport Transmission | 8-Speed Direct Shift |
| Gears | 8 | 8 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | ZF | Aisin |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 5.4 seconds✓ | 7.6 seconds |
| Rated Economy | 6.5 L/100 km | — |
| Top Speed | 250 km/h | — |
| Co2 | 149 g/km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,324 mm | 4,890 mm |
| Width | 1,864 mm | 1,920 mm |
| Height | 1,304 mm | 1,695 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,470 mm | 2,850 mm |
| Weight | 1,491 kg | 1,914 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 52 litres | 68 litres |
| Doors | 2 | 5 |
| Seats | 2 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 280 litres | 612 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 225/45R18 | 235/50R21 |
| Rear Tyre | 255/40R18 | 235/50R21 |
| Spare Tyre | — | Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Michelin Pilot Super Sport | Bridgestone Alenza 001 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Austria (CBU) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 18" Double Spoke Style 798M Alloys | 21" Multi-spoke Alloy with Hyper Chrome Metallic Machined Finish |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Double Spoke Style 798M Alloys | 21" Multi-spoke Alloy with Hyper Chrome Metallic Machined Finish |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | M Sport Suspension | Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Driver's Knee |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | — | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 2 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | — | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | — | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | — | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For All Seats | For All Seats |
| Safety Notes | Flat Tyre Indicator | Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projectors | Adaptive LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Memory Function | 10-way Power Adjustable Front Seats with Memory Function, Heated and Ventilated |
| Rear Seats | — | Power Folding and Recline, 40:20:40 Split-folding, Heated and Ventilated |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control with Lexus Climate Concierge |
| Rear Air-con | — | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front | 1 Front 12-volt, 4 Front USB, 2 Rear USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights | Map Lights and Ambient Lights (64 Colours) |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 10.25" BMW Navigation system Professional, iDrive Touch controller, 12-speaker Harman Kardon Surround Sound System | 14" EMV Touchscreen with Bluetooth, Navigation, Voice Recognition, Wired Android Auto, Wireless Apple CarPlay and 12-speaker Lexus Premium Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Two Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four 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 | Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | — |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Powered Boot with Contactless Opening |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, with 360-degree Camera and 3D Function |
| Auto Parking | Yes | — |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Convenience Notes | BMW ConnectedDrive, Concierge Service | Qi Wireless Charger |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 5 years✓ |
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 Z4 & RX for sale
Z4 vs RX FAQ
Is the BMW Z4 or Lexus RX better?
The Lexus RX is better for everyday family use, with five seats, a 612-litre boot, stronger safety equipment and a five-year warranty. The BMW Z4 is better if outright acceleration and a two-seat convertible layout are the priority.
What is the price difference?
The BMW Z4 costs RM475,230 and the Lexus RX costs RM468,888, so the Z4 is RM6,342 more expensive.
Which is quicker, the BMW Z4 or Lexus RX?
The BMW Z4 is quicker, reaching 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds. The Lexus RX takes 7.6 seconds, despite producing 275 hp and 430 Nm against the Z4’s 255 hp and 400 Nm.