BMW M5 CS brings more power and dynamism to marque's apex performance sedan

Bavarian automaker, BMW has added yet another bow to its M5 string in the form of the M5 CS. Not only is it a more focussed version of the performance sedan, but also the most powerful production BMW in history. If you're thinking of getting one after reading this, you better act fast because only 5 units will be finding homes in Mzansi in the 3rd quarter of 2021. We knew the car was set to launch soon following spy shots of test mules and, eventually, a teaser of the production car by M boss, Markus Flasch towards the end of last year.  

The new BMW M5 CS is powered by the similar 4.4-litre V8 engine as found in the M5 Competition, but pushing out 467 kW (a 7 kW hike) of power and an unchanged 750 Nm of torque. It uses a standard eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic and M xDrive all-wheel-drive system. The system can be altered to send all the grunt to the rear wheels for pure rear-wheel drive antics. Compared to the M5 Competition, the CS version is 70 kg lighter, thanks to the use of lightweight materials such as the carbon fibre bonnet, carbon fibre shell front seats and two individual seats at the rear instead of the conventional three seater bench.  

Meanwhile, the suspension has been re-tuned with bearing springs at both axles, while the damper control has been further refined. The chassis has been adapted to the lower vehicle weight and the increased performance potential of the standard mixed-size Pirelli P Zero Corsa track tyres (front: 275/35 R 20, rear: 285/35 R 20) has been given the once over.

Speaking of performance, the new BMW M5 CS accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in 3.0 seconds, 0-200km/h in 10.4 seconds while the top speed is governed at 305 km/h.  

As mentioned, the new M5 CS seats only 4 passengers and comes fitted with those cool-looking M Carbon front seats, while the two rear passengers are treated to individual seats. All seat headrests also boast a Nurburgring track outline motif, so we can expect to see this new M5 CS attempt a production sedan lap record at some point, otherwise, what would be the point? 

There are black Merino leather covers (fine-grain for the front seats) that boast contrasting panels and decorative stitching in Mugello Red. The integral head restraints still boast an illuminated M5 logo for the front seats. The M steering wheel is finished in Alcantara while the gearshift paddles are made from carbon fibre. The steering wheel spokes have Black Chrome trim. The interior is further complemented by a fixed lightweight cover on the centre console that replaces the usual armrest with an opening lid. The cover is finished in black Merino leather. Its black Merino leather is supported by red double stitching and that 'colour red' is used again for the “CS” badging on the instrument panel and between the bucket-style seats in the rear.

Visually setting it apart, the new M5 CS boasts “M5 CS” badges on the kidney grille while the M gills on the front wings and the boot lid are finished in the bold colour shade Gold Bronze. The wheels are also finished in the same Gold Bronze. The door sills, meanwhile, come with illuminated “M5 CS” badges.Instead of the white colour illuminated by the L-shaped light tubes of the BMW Laser headlights, the lights illuminate yellow. According to BMW, this brings successful GT racing cars to mind.

Elements such as the bonnet, front splitter, exterior mirror caps, rear spoiler, rear diffuser,  engine compartment cover and intake silencer are made from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP). Some elements feature exposed carbon fibre.Offered as standard is a stainless-steel sports exhaust system with four unadorned tailpipes and the M Carbon ceramic brakes. The callipers are painted in Red as standard, Gold colour can be had as an option. 

Available alongside the Brands Hatch Grey metallic paint shade are the exclusive BMW Individual matt paint finishes in Frozen Brands Hatch Grey metallic and Frozen Deep Green metallic featured here.

With only 5 units of the M5 CS making their way here, this is set to be an ultra-rare variant of the current F90 M5. Pricing and additional information will be communicated prior to their local introduction. 

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