The all-new BMW M5 CS is the fastest most powerful Beemer ever and it’s heading our way.
BMW Group Australia reveals it has secured 20 vehicles for local enthusiasts, all of which are available via the online via BMW Shop (shop.bmw.com.au) – BMW’s new online ordering service that launched in mid-2020.
The bad news? It’s $305,900 driveaway.
The 4.4-litre M TwinPower Turbo V8 engine of the M5 CS produces 467kW, an increase of 7kW over that of the BMW M5 Competition, making it the most powerful car in the history of BMW M.
At the same time, a rigorous commitment to lightweight design has achieved a 70kg saving over the BMW M5 Competition.
It’s equipped with an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic.
M5 CS sprints from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.0 seconds, making it 0.3 seconds faster than the BMW M5 Competition and placing it firmly in supercar territory.
The special-edition model needs just 10.4 seconds to reach 200km/h from rest – 0.4 seconds less than the Competition — while top speed is electronically governed 305 km/h.
M xDrive allows the car’s handling characteristics to be modified in stages from variable all-wheel-drive mode (4WD) with its rear-biased baseline setup through to a pure rear-wheel-drive setting (2WD) without intervention from the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control).
Agility becomes even sharper in 4WD Sport mode when the system directs a greater proportion of engine torque to the rear wheels.
M5 CS builds on the chassis of the Competition with judicious modifications to the springs, suspension and anti-roll bars – and features a 7mm drop in ride height along with shocks developed for the M8 Gran Coupé.
High-performance rubber is standard, but it can be fitted at no cost with mixed-size Pirelli P Zero Corsa track tyres — 275/35 R 20 front and 285/35 R 20 rear.
Both tyre choices are fitted to 20-inch M forged wheels in Y-spoke design with a Gold Bronze finish.
M carbon ceramic brakes are fitted as standard and are 23kg lighter than the Competition, delivering outstanding stopping power.
The six-piston fixed calliper units at the front and single-piston floating callipers at the rear sport the M logo and are painted in red as standard, with a gold finish available as an option at no cost.
The sports exhaust system delivers a stirring soundtrack but the M Sound Control button can be used by the driver at any time to soften the sound.
The M5 CS is hard to miss with with exclusive accents in Gold Bronze and body elements in carbon fibre.
The distinctive Gold Bronze finish is applied to the kidney grille surround, the 20-inch M forged wheels, the “M5 CS” badges on the grille, the M gills on the front wings and the boot lid.
The door sill finishers feature illuminated “M5 CS” badges, while the bonnet is made entirely from carbon fibre and features air vents with applications in exposed carbon fibre.
The splitter on the front apron, exterior mirror caps, additional rear spoiler on the boot lid and the rear diffuser are also fashioned from carbon fibre.
These parts, in addition to their aerodynamic function, also help to achieve the 70kg weight reduction.
The four stainless-steel tailpipes have an even more focused appearance than those of the BMW M5 Competition.
The L-shaped light tubes of the standard BMW Laserlight are also enhanced.
When activated as daytime driving lights and side lights against the dark background of the BMW Individual Shadowline trim, they shine in the familiar white.
But, when low or high beam is activated, they switch to a distinctive yellow tone that drivers can see when they unlock the car remotely and trigger the Welcome Light, evoking endurance GT race cars in dramatic fashion.
With individual seating for four occupants, the two front seats are weight-saving M Carbon seats, with fine-grain Merino leather cover.
They’re finished in black with contrasting panels and decorative stitching in Mugello Red.
The outline of the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit is displayed on the head restraints.
On the front seats, the restraints also have illuminated M5 logos.
The rim of the M Alcantara steering wheel features a race-inspired centre marker perforation with red background.
Gearshift paddles are made from carbon fibre and the steering wheel spokes have Black Chrome trim.
Alcantara is also used for the headliner and provides a premium look and feel.
A fixed cover, which sits atop the centre console where an armrest with opening lid are usually found, brings about a significant weight reduction.
The colour red is also used for the “CS” badging on the instrument panel and between the bucket-style seats in the rear.
M seat belts feature red and blue contrast stitching in another nod to the famous BMW M colours.
These hues also feature in an “M5” badge on the velour M floor mats with bespoke piping and in the illuminated “M5 CS” badge on the door sill finishers.
Finally, in addition to M Brands Hatch Grey metallic, the special-edition model can also be ordered with the exclusive BMW Individual matte paint finishes Frozen Brands Hatch Grey metallic and Frozen Deep Green metallic.
CHECKOUT: Billboards speak to BMWs
CHECKOUT: BMW’s first M bike breaks cover