Did we feel that the BMW M5 Competition needed more power? We did not. Nonetheless, that's what BMW M has given its latest interpretation of the ultimate 5 Series, the 2021 BMW M5 CS. Don't worry, it gets a lot more besides, including a small weight reduction and cool yellow lights. Oh, and a sublime new green paint option. Can it hold a candle to the epic BMW M2 CS?
M5 gets the CS look
The car shown in our picture gallery here is finished in a new and exclusive BMW Individual matt colour called Frozen Deep Green metallic. Buyers can also specify Brands Hatch Grey metallic or Frozen Brands Hatch Grey metallic, but they'd be wrong... 'Goldbronze' is the name BMW gives the accent colour, found on the CS badging throughout the car and on the 20-inch forged alloy wheels. They're shod in Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres as standard, measuring 275/35 R20 at the front and 285/35 R20 at the rear.
Exposed carbon fibre and painted carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) are used elsewhere, most notably in the new CFRP bonnet. The lightweight material is also used on a more prominent front splitter, the door mirror caps, an extra spoiler for the boot and in the rear diffuser. A new set of sharp stainless steel exhaust outlets complement that latter item. BMW M quotes an overall weight reduction of 70kg, thanks to those components and also due to exposed carbon fibre for the engine cover and intake 'silencer', while soundproofing has been reduced, too.
The final aesthetic touch links the M5 CS to BMW's GT racers, in the shape of yellow light tubes in the front lamps. The CS gets BMW Laserlight as standard (with notably darkened backgrounds) and, with the daytime running lights or side lights switched on, these tubes are white as usual, but when in low or high beam, they turn yellow. This also happens as you approach the car after unlocking it.
The Nürburgring in luxury
Arguably, the interior is where the CS is most differentiated from the M5 Competition. Four buckets seats are standard, all with the outline of the Nürburgring circuit on their headrests. Black leather is the default upholstery, with contrasting panels and stitching in bright red. The front chairs are actually lightweight M Carbon seats, but don't let that fool you into thinking they're only fit for slender racing drivers. They adjust every which way electrically, have a heating function and the width of the figure-grabbing backrest can be altered pneumatically. They also feature illuminated M5 logos, lest you forget what car you're in.
Ahead of the driver is an Alcantara-trimmed steering wheel with a subtle 12 o'clock marker and carbon fibre gearchange paddles behind. To save weight, the centre console is stripped down and simplified, while there are special floor mats and distinct 'CS' logos on the dashboard and between the two individual rear seats. All the usual M-specific settings and displays found in the M5 Competition are accessible via the 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
The glorious oily bits
Those Pirelli tyres are a bit special, and BMW M tweaked the chassis to make the most of their dry weather grip. The M8 Gran Coupe's adaptive dampers were drafted in, while the M5's springs and anti-roll bars were modified, and the ride height was dropped another seven millimetres. The M Carbon ceramic brakes are standard on the CS, with red brake callipers (or gold for a fee).
BMW M didn't leave the mighty twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 engine alone, though the increase in power, from 625hp to 635hp at the same 6,000rpm, is a modest one. Maximum torque remains at 750Nm. Nonetheless, the M5 CS hits 100km/h from rest in three seconds dead (0.3 seconds quicker than the M5 Competition records), while its top speed is limited to 305km/h.
Irish pricing for the BMW M5 CS has been confirmed at €241,415 on-the-road...