BMW 8 Series vs. Lexus LC Sales: Numbers Don’t Tell the Whole Story
As six-figure luxury coupes go, the BMW 8 Series and Lexus LC are probably the best-looking cars on the market today. But on the sales chart, there is little competition between the BMW 8 Series and Lexus’ sports coupe. BMW is taking Lexus to the cleaners, but that isn’t because BMW’s flagship sports car is a better choice.
BMW 8 Series sales in 2023
Unfortunately, BMW doesn’t offer a month-by-month sales breakdown, but we do have quarterly data to look at. As of July 1, 2023, BMW sold 3,044 8 Series models. This includes Gran Coupe, Convertible, and M8 versions of the 8 Series, with no specific breakdown as to which models lead the charge.
However, it’s not all rosy for the German flagship. Only 1,472 8 Series models left dealerships in Q2, down nearly 33% from Q2 2022. And for 2023 as a whole, 8 Series sales are down just over 15% from 3,586 in the first half of last year.
How many Lexus LC models have sold in 2023?
In comparison, the Lexus LC has picked up considerably, this year selling 25% more models when compared to 2022. Furthermore, Q2 marked a massive uptick in sales of Lexus’ sport luxury coupe. GoodCarBadCar Data has the LC improving by 493% when compared to Q2 of last year. However, even those big sales jumps don’t put the Lexus LC anywhere near the BMW 8 Series on the sales chart. At just 1,153 cars sold thus far in 2023, the LC has a lot of work to do to catch the BMW. Or does it?
The Lexus LC is a one-note stunner
While the BMW 8 Series offers a wide lineup of options, the Lexus LC is a more singularly focused choice. The coupe-only lineup means those looking for more space or luxury can easily find it in the comparably-priced BMW. And limited trunk space means road-tripping isn’t exactly an easy task in the Lexus.
The Lexus does have a party piece in that 5.0-liter naturally-aspirated V8, however. At 471 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque, it outruns the base 8 Series without question. And without turbos, that V8 engine produces a sound that is far and away more enthralling than the BMW. In the end, though, the 8 Series offers more practicality for the same cash. And that added opulence makes all the difference in this tax bracket.
The BMW 8 Series offers more options than the Lexus LC
The discrepancy in BMW 8 Series and Lexus LC sales has nothing to do with price: both premium coupes cost nearly six figures. At that price, a few thousand dollars in either direction doesn’t make much difference.
However, BMW offers four versions of its 8 Series; the coupe, convertible, four-door Gran Coupe, and the high-performance M8. Meanwhile, the Lexus LC is available as a coupe or convertible, each with an optional hybrid powertrain, but none with four doors, and none with as much punch as the M8.
But even setting that aside the two-door versions of the 8 Series are more GT-ready than the Lexus LC. The LC is limited by its five cubic-foot trunk area, while the BMW offers nearly 15. And while rear seat space favors the Lexus by three inches, that matters little for most sport coupe buyers. And if it does, the 8 Series Gran Coupe re-takes the crown with 36.6 inches of rear legroom versus 32.5 in the LC.
The 8 Series family will always outsell the Lexus LC
Thanks mostly to its expanded lineup, the BMW 8 Series will always outrun the Lexus LC on the sales sheet. But considering its narrow customer target, the Lexus LC is far from a sales failure. If it’s a luxury coupe you’re after, it’s hard to argue with the unique experience of the Lexus LC 500 over the more muted BMW 8 Series.
