WHEEL 2 WHEEL | BMW M850i vs Lexus LC 500 - Halo Wars

What is a Halo car? A Halo car is essentially a culmination of the best of what a brand can be; from design to materials, to technology, to performance, a Halo car is built to impress. It can be hard to determine which car in a lineup is the Halo. Today we look at some possible Halo car contenders: the 2020 BMW M850i and the 2020 Lexus LC500. Both are quite similar to each other and could be defined as the brand's Halo car, but they behave very differently. Watch the video to see which one wins this head to head.
Which would you have? 2020 Lexus LC500 or 2020 BMW M850i?
Special THANK YOU to International BMW for providing the 8 Series for this review!! They are awesome people, super easy to work with, and always make sure I have the best cars to show you guys!
www.internatio...
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#Wheel2Wheel #BMWM850i #LexusLC

[@dwnshft]

Special thanks to my Patrons Dan Mulcahy, Nick Peterson, and Loren Kaiser for their support of the channel! Which GT Halo car would you have?

[@richlo465]

Downshift Lexus

[@PhillyFan20]

It's hard to beat the sound of a naturally aspirated V8. The LC 500 sounds amazingly good.

[@dwnshft]

100% agree

[@never4ever386]

Almost every reviewer smile with glee when they rev up the LC.

[@cottagegymfun]

...emotional and Lexus in one sentence, who'd of thought 🤣

[@De1Litto]

The LC500 makes an Aston Martin DB11 look normal. Beautiful car

[@dwnshft]

This comment...yessss

[@borinvlogs]

Yes I'd still rather take the Aston Martin V12 Superleggera or less expensive F-Type SVR.

[@dwnshft]

@@borinvlogs superlegerra is possibly the best looking car of the decade but I like v8 sound over v12 I SAID IT! The Jag is ok and will snarl, but it'll only be driveable 3-4 days a week with electronics issues

[@borinvlogs]

@@dwnshft We have got the F-Type V6S for nearly 5 years. Never had one issue except auto cruise control feature which was replaced under warranty years ago. Apart from that it's a flawless beauty with arguably the best V6 exhaust note. Aston Martin Vantage one day.

[@dwnshft]

@@borinvlogs fair enough. I do love the Ftype, I've just heard horror stories with JLR. Amazing sounding and looking cars

[@abuahmedalabri935]

Definitely Lc500. Sounds like no others had Naturally breathing engine makes to love it End of day. Its turn the heads

[@dwnshft]

Yesssss 💯

[@dumyjobby]

I will take the lc500, looks unique and beautiful, the interior design is incredible, then is a Lexus. Will be reliable, and keep it's value well. Something the BMW cannot claim. Also the engine sound is fantastic

[@dwnshft]

This guy gets it

[@lisa-sk5bt]

domitry jobby , I agree

[@Aikynbreusov]

Scotty Kilmer agrees with your decision

[@edmundcharles5278]

The LC 500 interior IS NOT up to snuff with the BMW or Mercedes AMG GT series and the interior needs to be updated now! There's only one deficit cup holder, there is no place to place your smart phone aside from the awkward flip-up arm rest, the seats need more movement options- massage feature would be nice, there's hardly any ambient lighting throughout the vehicle, the rear seats do not fold down, there's minimal trunk storage, etc!

[@dumyjobby]

@@edmundcharles5278 i totally don't agree, massage functions, ambient lighting, few buttons Leith stupid big screens are all stupid fads. Also I don't know about the BMW interior but Mercedes look expensive but are really cheaply built

[@johnc6466]

LC500 all day. More character IMO

[@dwnshft]

Hell yeah

[@jh1603]

Honestly unless you're just a BMW fanboy I'm not sure how one could even debate this comparison. LC regularly gets compared to cars over 2x its price (Aston Martin mostly)

[@dwnshft]

Agreeeee

[@jh1603]

@@dwnshft my next car. Cant wait

[@dwnshft]

@@jh1603 that's awesome! I wouldnt get flare yellow. The red looks A1 or the new convertible in blue looks great too

[@jh1603]

@@dwnshft yeah its going to be infrared most likely.

[@chuanyong5442]

Good unbiased review. LC500 for me hands down!

[@dwnshft]

Thanks!

[@Aikynbreusov]

Scotty Kilmer says you made the right decision

[@riddler2222]

The LC500 by a wide margin.

[@dwnshft]

Absolutely

[@Gforce000]

Throwing in the reliability and resale value, then one would not even look at BMW

[@dwnshft]

Even without reliability thrown in, I wasn't looking at the BMW...that LC was amazing 😍

[@kevinohfficial]

I love BMWs, have an M3 myself, but my father just got an LC 500 and my goodness, that engine is an absolute gem! Drove it from Connecticut to New Jersey and not only is it a great car to drive in in traffic, but pushing the engine to the higher RPMs it just sings!

[@happios]

The sound ! Lc500 wins this one easily. If you want a fast car get a c8 ...but a GT that looks exotic, there is no comparison

[@dwnshft]

Totally agree, the BMW is fast and fun, but it's not the better GT car

[@danielmiller9012]

Yeah C8 is much faster and has an edge in the handling department.. But this destroys it everywhere else.. Build quality, interior, ride quality, safety, reliability, fuel economy, even sound. Plus the Lexus badge is better than chevy even tho they dont badge the chevy on the corvettes anymore. . Yes Lexus is owned by Toyota but it's not MAD directly by Toyota.. Corvette is made directly by Chevy and more ppl know corvette is chevy than they know lexus is owned by Toyota.

[@longgrayline8055]

Having owned a number of high-end cars, I have developed a love for Lexus. Why? They don’t let you down. They crank every time and they last for 300,000+ miles. I love Porsche, BMW, etc., but nothing makes an owner angrier than a car that constantly has issues and spends as much time being fixed at the dealership as it does on the road. No thanks.

[@BlindFlowMC]

I thought porsches were reliable if you get them new.

[@Ronin.rider.reviews]

@@BlindFlowMC but 300k on a Porsche is still 300k on a Porsche

[@BlindFlowMC]

@@Ronin.rider.reviews i only like toyota, porsche, and lexus lol. I was condering getting into hondas / acura too

[@slchance8839]

@@BlindFlowMC Most things (car and otherwise) should be reliable when new. If not, then it's shoddy workmanship, not unreliability. Reliability comes into play when the car is tested by time and adversity.

[@my2moneypits]

The LC with the tan interior... best interior in a car hands down 🙏

[@charlesanim-mensah359]

Absolute

[@BenzG1L]

Own a 2018 loaded LC and would buy it again in a heartbeat even if I was given the opportunity to trade-in at full retail value. I think that says a lot for this sublime GT.

[@dwnshft]

It is quite possibly my favorite car I've driven this year

[@Guedjouma]

I really liked how you constructed the the comparison between these two cars. Just high-lighting their their best attributes in a very professional manner and leaving it up to the viewer to make the final dicision on their preference is a way to go. No negativity, no attitude no "Hey. what's up".

[@dwnshft]

Hahah glad you enjoyed the video! People will always accuse you of being biased whenever you pick a winner they disagree with, but I try to stay as neutral as possible

[@ArkitektoHardinero]

Lexus LC500. It's a work of art. 👌

[@dwnshft]

Yeeeesssss

[@tharinduprasanna]

All the way Lexus

[@dwnshft]

100%

[@davidwhitnall9783]

Not even a contest, the LC500 is stunning and sounds awesome. The BMW looks old fashioned next to the LC is boring.

[@lc500girl4]

I have the Lexus LC 500 in infrared red. Absolutely LOVE it!!! So many people stopped me and asked about the car ;) I also looked at the BMW 8 series but it didn't give me the emotional attachment like the Lexus did. And the BMW looks like any other BMWs on the road, especially the front.

[@lowboost9078]

Lc500 will turn heads while the bmw it’s just another bmw I own both of these cars and nobody ever looks at the bmw to be honest

[@larryligon6542]

I own a Lexus LC500 in Infared and a Caramel toast interior . It is simply awesome . Great riding car , legendary reliability and looks that turns heads everywhere you go . Unbeatable combination .

[@iraklikh6619]

LC500 is truly amazing car with super quality design N/A engine.. BMW is just marketing product with no soul only technology

[@dwnshft]

Yes

[@lexuslfa4739]

exactly, even the chassis is mainstream, its not bespoke

[@sonniethuynh]

Wait untill Lexus release their v8 tt LC F, hopefully over 600hp. Plus Yamaha sound tuning department. It will be perfect.

[@seikocitizenwatches]

Sonnie Huynh - Baby LFA that is

[@AXELBONNAIRE]

600+hp ? Highly doubt it but would be amazing indeed

[@djardy07]

Yourguybenji around 650hp it will be. Twin turbo v8 Lexus will dust all BMWs on the road.. stock

[@carboydorifutoparty3976]

@@djardy07 if it still weights as much as a land yacht as it does already it's not touching anyone.

[@djardy07]

Carboy Dorifuto party compared to what?

[@fantomflyer3149]

Just brought an LC500 love it

[@dwnshft]

Nice! Congrats 😎

[@ravenred201]

LC hands down....

[@dwnshft]

It's awesome

[@seikocitizenwatches]

LC500 365 days/year the BMW styling is dated and unexcited to look at. Lexus will win owners’ hearts many years after the final payment and Lexus will hold its value at parting time that will give owner smiles 😊 each vehicle has strengths and weaknesses but LC500 has more strengths than weaknesses.

[@cambo2910]

Test drove the Beamer, Mercedes S coup but ended up buying the LC500 Sport + for its looks and exclusivity and never regretted it.

[@dwnshft]

💯

[@kelvinngala4027]

Am a bmw fanboy but i have to admit that the lexus won this one here...the competition here shud be btwn the lexus and the mercedes amg s63 coupe'

[@dwnshft]

Hahah respect my friend. That's a good idea for another wheel 2 wheel👍

[@happios]

kelvin ngala good call, I did cross shop the s63 coupe and the lc500. S63 is faster 0-60 as you would expect, but the lc500 is more engaging...the sound, the feel, it makes you feel like you are driving something special

[@dwnshft]

happios spot on

[@goodlife1500]

LC500 all the way

[@dwnshft]

All the waaaayyy

[@omaral-subhi8514]

Heloo beloo it doesn't matter I will take that LC500 anyday anytime 🤣

[@dwnshft]

💯

[@WM5000-ek9nk]

LC500 WON the BATTLE OF THE LUXURIOUS SPORTY COUPE

[@christschool]

I own the LC500. I do love it and you feel special when driving it. I won't sell it until the LC500F with 600hp comes out. I will say this though, the M850i is really for a different market. The BMW is extremely fast, but BMW still hasn't managed to make a V8 that is reliable, even after just 2 years of ownership. I agree with the infotainment system complaints on the Lexus. Its very frustrating to use and you wonder, "who thought this was a good idea". Here's how I look at cars. Is the car basically "fuck it" money for me or isn't it? Fuck it - Meaning, I'll buy it because how it makes me feel and how fun it is and I pay no attention to reliability, because fuck it, I'll just buy a new one. Neither the Lexus or the BMW are going to be bought by people with "fuck it" money. Fuck it money starts around $200k. At my age now, I'll never have fuck it money in terms of buying a $200k+ car. Those days are past. However, I can afford a $100k car, with a $200k like interior with no problem, but I don't have enough to NOT care if it spends time in the shop at $300/hr. Therefore, the Lexus makes far more sense in this category than the BMW, Jag F type R, or AMG GT.

[@Tbland0930]

I'm sure you know by now but there are no plans to build an LCF. Big coupe market is dead, unfortunately. Even the S coupe is being discontinued.

[@christschool]

@@Tbland0930 True, and its unfortunate. I guess I'll keep my current LC.

[@md.sharifahmed1113]

I really liked the video and the way you portraited the whole thing about these two cars. So impressive

[@dwnshft]

Md. Sharif Ahmed thank you!

[@andrewzhuk8713]

When you say “better gearbox” in the bmw, does it mean you will have to replace the entire car once it is out of warranty? 🤣

[@juliusadams1931]

When it comes to reliability the BMW can't even come close to a Lexus

[@dwnshft]

💯

[@sombut415]

Reliability, dependability and longevity hands down Lexus..

[@kristians2704]

so you're only choosing the Lexus because it's more reliable?

[@Gemini530]

He picked the bimmer. Everyone else picked the LC 😂😂😂

[@dr_emmz]

I thought I was the only one that noticed

[@willelliott5052]

Why is there no mention of price or reliability? I will assume that the BMW costs around $20k USD more and will be a money pit beyond warranty (a shop time pit from the time of purchase). These are GT cars. If you want to track, you are in the wrong dept. I think that the Lexus achieves the goals of the segment better.

[@pharmd718]

rented both cars before making the final decision. The LC500 was a better choice by a great margin. It is something very special. purchased the convertible.

[@RevLexus]

great video, love both but I think I would have the LC :D

[@juliusadams1931]

The luxus LC 500 is a much better car

[@dwnshft]

It's a much more special car

[@smora6054]

It's sad how the internet always chooses Lexus but in the real world everyone buys other brands(unless we are talking about RX's and ES's), great review though, LC500 all the way here!

[@dwnshft]

Thanks! A couple journalists I know have put their money where their mouth is on the Lexus thing! Savage geese just bought an LC in the past couple months😎👍

[@markedwards7721]

To get the BMW you are going to have to have $50,000 extra dollars. And Lexas still might build a turbo version some day (actually I hope they don't) And the brake discs aren't going to be toast at 60,000 miles like they will on the BMW. And to have these cars 10 years, you might have to buy two BMWs.

[@dwnshft]

The turbo would ruin the engine 😭

[@Toyota4Life]

The BMW is boring compared to the Lexus. The sound the Lexus makes... orgasmic. One of the best sounding cars ever made. That NA V8 motor in the Lexus is a masterpiece.The Lexus just looks better inside and out. The Lexus looks like a 200k car not a 100k car... that’s how good it is.

[@dwnshft]

Toyota4Life agreeeeee

[@Zero8880]

One of the most important traits is RELIABILITY. Although I haven't owned the 8 series yet (seriously considering the Grand Coupe) I have owned a BMW 650i and currently own a Lexus LC 500. The Lexus drives like a dream and draws soooo much attention. My 650i seemed like it was at the dealership for repairs for nearly half the time I owned it. Thankfully BMW had a 5 year warranty back then.

[@johntheaccountant5594]

I would take the LC500 for long term. I bet the service and repair bill and time it spends in a workshop is a lot less in ownership than the BMW

[@dwnshft]

💯

[@xcvxcvcxvxvcq]

The winner is Lexus.

[@dwnshft]

Yes it is. That's the one I'd have. It's just more special

[@Vinnerjose]

Lexus LC 500 is Beautiful, Sounds better and last longer. I will buy Lexus

[@tony34star]

What people don't understand is Lexus is the best in reliability that's what most people don't understand that get rid of there cars within 3 years. I take the Lexus sir

[@dwnshft]

Tony R same

[@seanteh7120]

Really like powerful BMWs but love the craftsmanship n uniqueness, a collector's item, the LC500. This Lexus will be timeless. Wish I can afford both though.

[@CarsofGlasgow]

Love that yellow colour!! I have a video on a grey UK spec LC :)

[@AlexSchwartzATV]

LC500 for sure.

[@brucejones5258]

You are an excellent reviewer.

[@dwnshft]

Master BRUCE

[@shinobu8649]

Just took delivery this week on a 21 LC performance. Looking for excuses to take it out 🤣

[@havenht]

I'll take a LC 500 over any million dollar cars just because it is so beautiful.

[@dwnshft]

Haven Tran the LC is so good 😍

[@ronwink9573]

Hands down the Lexus is a beautiful car

[@bossbreezy3939]

Buying that Lexus in same color when I hit the lottery big facts

[@dwnshft]

DANICKA ANDRETTI BIG FAKS

[@KentBuchla]

What you mention at 09:30 , is it due to the 4-wheel steering?

[@aluandcache7336]

Really nice review

[@dwnshft]

Sp3r2 Socket thanks!

[@toms_garage]

Great video, love them both!

[@aluandcache7336]

To me for gt cars.. I would obviously want a car on what I can travel for more than 3 hours.. This car has a sheer comfort.. And still give the sporty feelings with best sounding v8..

[@dwnshft]

ALU and Cache Lexus v8s for the winnnnn

[@pfeamg9658]

Nice objective review!

[@dwnshft]

👍

[@jeffwolf8018]

One thing's for sure at 100,000 mi Alexis will still be strong and run for many more decades and the BMW will be in for repair after repair leaving the owner in the poorhouse. I used to own a 92 BMW 525i 5-speed manual and that car was incredible they have gone down the tubes to garbage plastic technology to the junks make today. That 92 BMW is probably one of the best vehicles I've ever had. It took my beating for almost three hundred thousand miles and never replaced the clutch transmission rear end or engine. However the guy before me had to do a head gasket on it with about 120,000 miles on her. Things like exhaust suspension of fuel pump are things I had to do and of course the brakes and when I did this suspension I lowered it an inch-and-a-half and it made it much tighter in the corners and put the fattest Wheels I could have on it on it without having to do modifications to the body. Then Wheels came within like an eighth of an inch of hitting the in side strut housing.

[@paulnjoo]

The Lexus looks like it's been built by aliens!! the BMW is as boring as it always has been.

[@edmundcharles5278]

It's clear that the Lexus LC 500 needs a Turbo V8 just like the BMW, Aston Martin, and Mercedes AMG GT series. This upgrade would not cost too much more in the LC 500 and it would make the vehicle a great cruiser at the lower rpm levels.

[@jameswillett7186]

The DOWNSHIFT guy says the BMW beats the LEXUS with it's technology, however the BMW is NOT in the same league as the LEXUS in terms of reliability which is more important to me than a high tech car.

[@adamsdailydriveway]

I just sold my m850, it’s fast, techy, looks great, sounds great, no complaints, but I’m stuck on wanting this dam lc500!!! Just wish it had a bit more power!! Imagine it came supercharged or twinturbo like Bmw. M850 does 11.7 1/4, Lexus lc does mid 12s…both gt car, but that m850 is a beast.

[@jldp24]

The Lex interior is a joke..the engine is lethargic..reliability will be just ok as it's a V8..its not even close in terms of comparison

[@jasons8458]

Dude, love your shades! Where can I find'em? (I'll take Lexus just for the sound of it.)

[@dwnshft]

Jason S good eye for the car and the shades! Hahah tbh I got these glasses years ago. They’re blenders but I love em

[@kevinwhitney1318]

What he didn’t cover and what was very imperative to me…he didn’t cover and compare rear seat space of either vehicle. The rear seats in the Lexus are useful only for toddlers or adult midgets…whereas the BMW 850i rear seats are tolerable for two average sized adults. Looks and sex appeal wise…the Lexus LC500 is the clear winner.

[@juggernaut6980]

LC500👍

[@techshark7477]

LC500 have better performance and much more elegant. 💜☝️☝️😎😎😎

[@dwnshft]

Not better performance, but yes more elegant

[@jaycobmelo1904]

Dude you have superior content

[@dwnshft]

Thank you my’lord 🙏

[@dr_emmz]

Nice review bro, but is it me or that every soul in this comment section, like every soul is going for the lexus lc 500 including me, like I have never seen a one-sided comment section like this before

[@dwnshft]

It’s hard to argue against the LC😍...unless of course you care about the stat sheet exclusively. The LC, to this day is my favorite new car on sale under a quarter million

[@nupecarrera]

I am cross shopping these two. BMW wins in performance and driving fun. LC is attractive but not ready to battle the Germans yet. LC F should get it done when ever it comes out.

[@Aikynbreusov]

That BMW 8 series looks like a blown up 6 series coupe or the 4 series coupe.... the Lexus just looks like it's from the future

[@puravida5683]

I chose the LC500 convertible, as my retirement car! I previously owned BMW cars, with questionable dependability, and high maintenance costs.

[@dwnshft]

Excellent choice

[@Cozy_Cornerrrr]

Speed is BMW Sound is Lexus but Lexus launches LC F soon

[@dwnshft]

Idk how soon, but yeah I'll be interested in that LCF

[@XBrandonLeeX765]

Downshift unfortunately, Lexus announced LCF will be delayed until 2023.

[@dwnshft]

@@XBrandonLeeX765 that is very sad news

[@maxmorris4562]

LC500

[@felixgarcia2567]

I love both of them

[@diamondd2778]

LC500 EAAASSSILY

[@JasonJasonJasonJason-p4s]

I guess I don’t have to choose, because I already did, i own the lc500🎉

[@davidbell1416]

Both cars are awesome, previous experiences with German v Japanese ; lexus wins. I now own LS460 with modded exhaust and when outsiders tell me it is the nicest sounding V8 that makes me feel chuffed. Yes aisin gearboxes are not as nippy as ZF but that package of comfort, ride quality, reliability, awesome HVAC and sensory involvement is with lexus.

[@dwnshft]

Nice!

[@ted6462]

LC500 all the way!!

[@LetsgoPavi]

I don’t like those new “car experts” , if you have used that Lexus touch pad at least for one day you would have understand that it’s most convenient system to use 👎🏽

[@lagunaboy2006]

I’ll go with Lexus.

[@Aikynbreusov]

The Lexus LC500 will take the cake all day long

[@joonchoi1191]

I liked them both so I bought em both lol

[@うっかり八兵衛-e7p]

どちらも美しいと思います。しかし、M850はグランクーペの方が、よりデザインのまとまりがいいですね。

[@zanequillen3244]

Everyone loves the lc 500 but I barely ever see anyone own it

[@KuyaArbee]

Oh look a mustang bmw m8 lol 😂 sorry LC500 doesn’t part bin share and it’s interior is totally unique!

[@dwnshft]

Lexus for the win

[@brucejones5258]

Mustang profile for sure.

[@djardy07]

Calm down pony boy! ISF had ya beat a while ago

[@dwnshft]

@@djardy07 I love the ISF, I'd like to see thenew 'Stang GT take that on...maybe future video idea...?

[@djardy07]

Downshift that’s sounds like some fun :)

[@garydaniels4426]

I will never understand this obsession with out right speed and performance. Style, looks and quality of build and drive is far more important. Media and tech obsession isnt also that important use your brain. Bye the way good review

[@surakah5975]

But the gear shifting is kinda slow on the Lexus

[@timw2083]

The BMW looks like a Mustang. That's not an insult but not a halo car

[@dwnshft]

Timothy Weatherspoon I agree with everything you just said

[@ForTehNguyen]

one looks like a mustang, one doesnt

[@dwnshft]

One looks like 100k one doesn't ... 👀

[@gazanova]

disagree on the gearbox, the 10spd on the LC is better.

[@lawrencehector267]

The Lexus will outlast the bimmer. I'm a fan of both but being around garage's and all are full of bimmers. Sad. Toyo/Lexus?.... I you see one in the garage. That is alot. I'll always go for the Lexus.

[@MAR0DEUR]

// LEXUS.

[@victornikolov537]

I choose Lexus It has style

[@naijaman1]

LC wins for sound and unique interiors

[@Aikynbreusov]

Scotty Kilmer says just buy the Lexus LC500 and be done with your comparison.....

[@maplefreak64]

I want one of LC. When it's possible, it's a convertible. But my purse doesn't permit that. If so selling a convertible of GT86 for 30,000 dollars, I buy that.