BMW has revealed a more powerful and hardcore version of its M5 saloon – the CS.
Standing for Clubsport, the name has featured on some of the brand’s most extreme road cars, including the M2 CS and M4 CS, and features a host of changes that aim to make it lighter and better-suited to track use.
The M5’s 4.4-litre V8 engine has been tweaked to deliver 626bhp – 10bhp more than the standard car – which makes it capable of reaching 0-60mph in under three seconds and reaching a top speed limited to 189mph. Power is delivered to all four wheels through an M Steptronic automatic gearbox.
Elsewhere, the suspension has been dropped by 7mm next to the standard car, while it receives new shock absorbers from the M8 Gran Coupe. These are said to ‘greatly improve on-the-limit handling’. The CS also sits on 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres that have been created especially for track use.
It also features carbon ceramic brakes as standard, with these alone said to shave 23kg off the weight of the M5 Competition, while the use of lightweight carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) on the spoiler and rear diffuser help to make the CS 70kg lighter overall.
Throughout the M5 CS there is a ‘gold bronze’ theme, with the model getting a host of special accents in this colour, including to the grille and alloy wheels. The Laserlight headlights also feature a cool yellow tone that harks back to past rally models. Three paint finishes are on offer – metallic grey or a matte dark green and matte grey.
Inside, the cabin benefits from BMW’s new 12.3-inch media system, while you also get four carbon bucket seats – a feature unique to the CS. Alcantara is also used throughout, including to the steering wheel and headlining.
BMW has said the model will be limited-run, though hasn’t confirmed how many will be built or when production will stop.
Prices for the M5 CS start from £140,780, with first deliveries expected in the spring.
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