Executive supercoupes are hot as f*** right now. A duo of new entrants from BMW and Lexus really up the ante on Audi’s 2014 RS5 and the forthcoming C63 AMG Coupe that is expected relatively soon on the horizon.

Other competitors are plenty in this segment, including the 2014 CTS-V Coupe from Cadillac, the Infiniti Q60 IPL and even the Camaro ZL1 — but these three are ripe for a design shootout because their performance and target markets are so completely mirrored — even more so than performance, the case may be. The M4 and RC F are not even in the states yet, but we know they will be some of the most desirable cars when they both do arrive later this summer as 2015 models.

A coupe shell is not only far more rigid than any four-door, the shorter wheelbase and a custom suspension setup will ensure better track pace than the previous car could deliver. Fun as the IS F was, it enjoyed being drifted a bit too much to really nail lap times on the Laguna Seca and Mount Fuji Raceway laptime boards.

But the RC F also faces stiff competition in the form of the all-new BMW M4 and the still-bombastic Audi RS5.

 

It is set up to be an epic rumble royal on the streets of LA this summer, but until then: let’s compare these three hardcore performance coupes side-by-side.

To score something subjective like design objectively, we need solid criteria.

This shootout will focus on three success metrics for the designs from each angle, with the most total mentions being the winner of the shootout:

• Most Hardcore Performance (Look/Feel)

• Most Expensive and Distinctive (vs Sedans)

• Freshest and Newest Design

NOSE

Most Hardcore Performance (Look/Feel): BMW

Most Expensive and Distinctive (vs Sedans): Lexus

Freshest and Newest Design: Lexus

NOSE LOW SIDE

Most Hardcore Performance (Look/Feel): BMW

Most Expensive and Distinctive (vs Sedans): BMW

Freshest and Newest Design: BMW

 

Front Three-Quarter

Most Hardcore Performance (Look/Feel): BMW

Most Expensive and Distinctive (vs Sedans): Lexus

Freshest and Newest Design: Lexus

 

Side Profile

Most Hardcore Performance (Look/Feel): Lexus

Most Expensive and Distinctive (vs Sedans): Lexus

Freshest and Newest Design: Lexus

Rear Three-Quarter

Most Hardcore Performance (Look/Feel): BMW

Most Expensive and Distinctive (vs Sedans): Audi

Freshest and Newest Design: Lexus

TAIL

Most Hardcore Performance (Look/Feel): BMW

Most Expensive and Distinctive (vs Sedans): Audi

Freshest and Newest Design: Lexus

SUMMARY

TOTAL SCORES	Number of Angle/Category Wins
2015 LEXUS RC F	9
2015 BMW M4	7
2014 AUDI RS5	2

Shocking, is it not? Despite the BMW M4 having so much tantalizing appeal, the Lexus is a far fresher and more distinctive design. Of course, the RC F is a new bodystyle for the Lexus F series, which helps — but the M4 is also a new nameplate atop the well-loved M3 coupe shell…

So Audi really sucked sand on this one? Yes, perhaps. But do not count the RS5 out just yet. As the only 2014 model in the running, we have a hunch that the RS team will not rest on their laurels. We might see an upgraded RS5 as a 2014.5 model year ahead — and are likely to meet the next-gen car as soon as the auto shows of late 2014….

2015 Supercoupe Design Shootout – Lexus RC F vs. BMW M4 vs. Audi RS5 3	Most Hardcore Performance (Look/Feel of Design)	Most Expensive and Distinctive Design (vs Sedans)	Freshest and Newest Design
NOSE	BMW	Lexus	Lexus
NOSE LOW SIDE	BMW	BMW	BMW
Front Three-Quarter	BMW	Lexus	Lexus
Side Profile	Lexus	Lexus	Lexus
Rear Three-Quarter	BMW	Audi	Lexus
TAIL	BMW	Audi	Lexus
CATEGORY WINNER	BMW	LEXUS	LEXUS

NEW M4 PHOTOS

2015 Lexus RC F Gallery

 

2015 BMW M4 Gallery

 

2015 Lexus RC F Gallery

 

2014 Audi RS5 Gallery

BMW M4