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First Look

The new BMW M5 CS is the most powerful M car ever

M’s latest CS gets 626bhp, a 70kg weight reduction and lots of gold

Published: 26 Jan 2021

The fastest and most powerful BMW M production car ever. Given what’s in the back catalogue, that is quite the statement.

But then the new M5 CS looks and sounds like quite the super saloon. Following on from the hardcore M3, M4 and M2 CS models, the new fastest Five gets a 10bhp bump over the M5 Competition thanks to slight adjustments to its twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8.

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The result is a monumental 626bhp and 553lb ft of torque delivered to all four wheels (or just the rears when you’re feeling brave) through the M5’s standard eight-speed Steptronic auto ‘box.

The 0-62mph sprint is dispatched in 3.0 seconds – just a tenth off a McLaren 675LT and 0.3 seconds quicker than the M5 Comp – whilst 0-124mph takes 10.4 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 189mph. Should be plenty, ta.

BMW has shaved 70kg from the standard Competition too, with the biggest savings coming from CFRP exterior panels and the carbon fibre bucket seats in each corner of the cabin. Yep, it’s a strict four-seater.

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Want to get properly nerdy? The CS gets a 7mm drop in ride height, retuned bearing springs, bespoke engine mounts, a track-ready oil supply and dampers from the M8 Gran Coupé. BMW says these allow for improved “on-the-limit” handling. That’s what we like to hear. Oh, and carbon ceramic brakes are standard fit, although so they should be with prices starting at £140,780.

All CSs get the gold accents and 20-inch gold wheels you see here, and if there’s any justice in the world then all will be specced in this glorious green paint. The L-shaped lights now get a yellow tint too, which activates whenever the high or low beam is on.

First deliveries will take place in Spring this year. Hey, maybe BMW does know what the people want after all?

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