BMW M5 CS is Most Powerful M Model Yet

BMW’s M performance car division reveals its new M5 CS, proclaiming it to be the most powerful and fastest accelerating road car it has ever placed into production.

A sister model to CS versions of the M2, M3 and M4, the powered-up sedan is described as a “specialized performance model combining everyday usability with exceptional track performance.”

Set for North American delivery in second-half 2021, the M5 CS is limited to one model year only, 2022. Including $995 destination charge, it is priced at $142,995 – some $30,000 more than the M5 Competition.

Besides adopting a more powerful engine, the M5 CS also receives a reprogrammed xDrive all-wheel-drive system, bespoke chassis tuning and lightweight carbon-fiber parts that are claimed to cut 154 lbs. (70 kg) from the existing M5 Competition, among other upgrades. 

The M5 CS runs a lightly reworked version of the sixth-generation M5’s twin-turbocharged 4.4L gasoline V-8 producing 626 hp at 6,000 rpm and 553 lb.-ft. (750 Nm) of torque.

This is 9 hp more and the same torque loading as that offered by the M5 Competition, giving the new headlining M5 model an official 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 3.0 seconds, 0-124 mph (200 km/h) in 10.4 seconds and an electronically limited 189 mph (304 km/h) top speed.

Although not a direct rival, the all-wheel-drive Mercedes-AMG E63 S 4Matic+’s twin-turbocharged 4.0L V-8 develops 603 hp and 626 lb.-ft. (849 Nm) of torque, good for a claimed 0-62 mph time of 3.4 seconds and standard 155 mph (250 km/h) top speed.

Along with the increased performance, the revised M5 CS engine gains a redesigned oil pan with an additional sump and indirect charging air cooling.

BMW’s performance-car division describes the M5 CS’s chassis as based on that of the M5 Competition but with shock absorbers originally developed for the M8 Gran Coupe Competition that reduce ride height by 0.3 in. (8 mm).

The new dampers are claimed to reduce fluctuation in wheel loads. In combination with new spring bearings for the damper control measures front and rear as well as standard fit 20-in. wheels shod with 275/35 (front) and 285/35 (rear) Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires, the new model has what BMW M describes as “greatly improved on-the-limit handling” behavior.

The increase in performance brings M Carbon ceramic brakes as standard. Grabbed by six piston fixed calipers at the front and single-piston floating calipers at the rear, they’re claimed to weigh 51 lbs. (23 kg) less overall than the steel disc system that is standard on the M5 Competition.

Additional weight savings for the M5 CS are achieved through a carbon-fiber reinforced plastic hood. It also uses a carbon-fiber front splitter, mirror caps, rear spoiler and diffuser. 

BMW M5 CS 22 interior

Distinguishing features brought to the new M model include standard fit Laserlight headlamps featuring a new graphic and a welcoming light function, a kidney grille surround, an air duct feature within the front fenders finished in gold bronze and M5 CS badges front and rear. 

Other unique touches include door sills with illuminated “M5 CS” badges and various trim elements featuring BMW’s dark-tinted Shadowline treatment.

Inside (above), the new Über-M5 boasts four individual M Carbon bucket seats – those up front with integral headrests imprinted with a map of the Nürburgring – with electrical adjustment and heating as standard. Also featured are an M Alcantara steering wheel with shift paddles made from carbon fiber, an Alcantara headliner and a reworked armrest devoid of the stowage box seen on other M5 models.  

BMW M5CS 22 (rear)