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German super sedan gains more grunt, sheds weight to become quickest M5 ever built.
The 2021 BMW M5 CS has been officially unveiled.
The M5 CS follows a similar formula to that set out by previous CS-badged BMW models the likes of the M2 CS, M3 CS and M4 CS, adding more power and stripping weight to create a sharper, more track-focused package than the already-rapid M5 Competition.
Under the bonnet is the same 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine as the ‘standard’ M5 Competition, though revised tuning sees outputs climb to 467kW of power (up 7kW) and 750Nm of torque.
Drive remains sent to all wheels through an eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission.
MORE: 2021 BMW M5 Competition price and specs: new looks, upgraded drive
BMW claims a 0-100km/h sprint time of 3.0 seconds, towards a top speed of 305km/h – down 0.3 seconds, but identical in top speed to the Competition.
The top-spec M5 hasn’t merely earned its CS badge through bonus brawn under the bonnet, with the flagship four-door undergoing an array of weight-saving measures shedding a combined 70kg off the Competition’s kerb weight.
Carbon-fibre reinforced plastic has been used extensively throughout the M5 CS’s roof, extended front chin spoiler, rear diffuser, mirror caps, engine cover, new rear Gurney flap and dual-vented bonnet.
Inside, the centre rear seat has been removed, while a pair of front carbon-fibre bucket seats borrowed from the latest M3 and M4 feature – units likely lighter than the ‘standard’ M5 Competition’s more comfort-oriented seats.
Trimmed in leather and Alcantara, the front pews feature a map of Germany’s Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit embroidered into the headrest, hinting at the possibility of a record attempt to best the current timesheet leader, the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S and its time of 7 minutes 27.80 seconds.
The M5 CS doesn’t ride any lower than its Competition range-mate, though it benefits from a stiffer suspension tune developed on the Nurburgring. Adaptive dampers are standard-fit.
The CS gains a reworked oil pan with an additional sump, along with stiffer engine mounts with spring ratings of 900 Newtons per millimetre.
Filling the arches are new 20-inch, gold-finished forged alloy wheels, wrapped in 275/35 front and 285/35 rear Pirelli P Zero Corsa high-performance tyres.
Tucked behind the alloys are large carbon-ceramic brakes, with six-piston front and four-piston calipers, which BMW claims are 23kg lighter overall than the M5 Competition’s standard steel discs.
Differentiating the M5 CS from its ‘standard’ siblings in the styling department are a range of visual tweaks, including the aforementioned gold alloy wheels.
Up front, laser headlights with motorsport-inspired yellow LED daytime-running lights – shared with the BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupe First Edition – flank conjoined kidney grilles with gold accents and M5 CS badging.
The M5 Competition’s lower fascia design carries over, though the aforementioned new carbon-fibre splitter now sits along the bottom edge of the bumper.
Hiding the bent-eight powerplant is a new, carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic bonnet with dual bonnet vents and a ‘power dome’ bulge, while the new CFRP roof features double bubbles.
At the rear, a carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic ‘Gurney flap’ lip spoiler headlines the upgrades, while a more aggressive lower diffuser and M5 CS badging (finished in gold bronze) also feature.
Inside, joining the aforementioned carbon-fibre bucket seats is an Alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, plus ‘CS’ embroidery in the passenger side of the dashboard, carbon-fibre shift paddles, Alcantara headlining, red contrast stitching and a simplified centre console.
A full suite of comfort, connectivity and safety technologies also feature, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with smartphone mirroring, and an array of active safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane change assist and autonomous emergency braking.
The 2021 BMW M5 CS will go on sale in the UK in April. CarAdvice will reach out to BMW’s Australian arm for local arrival timing, and will update this story with its response.
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