BMW 4 Series vs Lexus RC
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The BMW 4 Series wins on money kept: 57% retained after three years vs 55%, worth about R 364 281 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| 4 Series | RC | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 1 005 063 | R 1 713 400 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 17 567/m | R 29 947/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 77% | 76% |
| Retained after 3 years | 57% | 55% |
| Value after 3 years | R 572 135 | R 936 416 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 432 928 | R 776 984 |
| Value after 5 years | R 409 061 | R 653 753 |
| Our tier | Premium (established) | Premium (established) |
BMW 4 Series →
Essentially a two-door 3 Series, the 4 Series has been sold in South Africa since 2014 in coupe, convertible and Gran Coupe forms. The M4 accounts for a large share of local interest in the nameplate. Depreciation runs steeper than the 3 Series because the body styles are more niche.
Known for: 3 series style with two doors
Lexus RC →
The RC coupe reached South Africa in 2015 and ended its run sold only as the V8-powered RC F. Lexus SA confirmed it was discontinued at the end of 2023 after just four registrations that year. Its rarity and naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 give it a small enthusiast following on the used market.
Known for: rare v8 coupe
Common questions
Which holds value better, the BMW 4 Series or the Lexus RC?
The BMW 4 Series. It keeps about 57% of its price after three years against 55% for the Lexus RC, a gap of 2 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The BMW 4 Series loses about R 432 928 over three years and the Lexus RC loses about R 776 984. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the BMW 4 Series runs about R 17 567 per month and the Lexus RC about R 29 947, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.