New 626bhp BMW M5 CS storms in

• Most powerful ‘M’ model ever produced
• 0-62mph in three seconds
• Prices start from £140,780

The 2021 BMW M5 CS has been revealed. It’s a hardcore, lightweight version of the regular M5 Competition saloon and has more power, along with an upgraded chassis and revised styling. Prices start from £140,780, with first deliveries expected in spring. 

The new M5 becomes the latest BMW to wear the brand’s famous CS (Club Sport) badge, which was last seen on the M2 CS. When it goes on sale, the M5 CS will be a direct rival for the range-topping Porsche Panamera Turbo S and performance models like the Audi RS6 and Mercedes-AMG E 63 S. 

2021 BMW M5 CS: engine, chassis and performance

23

Power comes from the same twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine used in the regular M5 Competition but a modified ECU raises power to 626bhp. To cope with the stresses of track use, it has stiffened engine mounts and has undergone modifications to both the cooling and oil supply system.

As a result of these tweaks, the M5 CS manages 0-62mph in three seconds, a 0.3 second improvement over the Competition model. Top speed is electronically limited to 189mph. 

Like the standard M5, BMW’s xDrive four-wheel drive system distributes power to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The driver can choose to vary the power delivery to the front and rear axles, or disengage the front wheels entirely to send all of the power to the rear wheels. 

Chassis tweaks include a revised suspension setup that’s borrowed from the M8 Gran Coupe, which sits seven millimetres lower than the standard car. A set of grippy Pirelli P Zero performance tyres also feature, along with carbon ceramic brakes to help improve stopping power.

Design

Styling revisions to separate the M5 CS from the standard car include a new 20-inch alloy wheel design, and a new quad-exit exhaust system. Gold ‘M5 CS’ badges are dotted around the bodywork as well, together with matching gold detailing on the front grille surround and side gills located on the front wings. A new yellow-tinted LED headlight design also features. 

23

BMW has replaced several body panels with carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP), including the front splitter, bonnet, wing mirror caps, rear spoiler and rear diffuser. This helps reduce the car's weight by 70kg overall. The car’s carbon ceramic brakes are also lighter than the steel brakes used on the regular car, saving an additional 23kg. 

Interior and technology

The interior of the M5 CS features a pair of lightweight carbon fibre racing seats, along with Alcantara trim on the steering wheel and carbon fibre paddle shifters. Merino leather and red contrast stitching also features throughout the interior, along with matching red trim on the seats. 

23

In the back, the standard rear bench has been replaced by a pair of sporty looking individual seats, making the car a four-seater. Other changes include unique ‘M’ inspired seat belts with red and blue stitching, and illuminated door sills sporting the ‘M5 CS’ logo. 

Both the infotainment screen and digital instrument cluster are 12.3-inches in size, and feature a unique graphic display for ‘Road’ and ‘Sport’ driving modes. Switching the car into Sport mode brings up the ‘M View’ display in both the digital instrument cluster and head-up  display, showing speed, engine revs and the current gear. The steering wheel mounted red ‘M1’ and ‘M2’ buttons can be customised to switch between different chassis modes by the driver. 

Read our review of the BMW M5, or check out our list of the fastest saloon cars on sale today.