BMW sticks to what it knows with new M5 CS
There may not be any styling revelations with the muscular new BMW M5, but the car does include some noteable design details
Only a limited number of the new BMW M5 CS will be made, and with it comes some exclusive trimmings. However, the focus here is not on styling, but performance and power.
Equipped with a 4.4-litre V8 that produces 635hp, the M5 CS is the most powerful car in the entire history of BMW’s M series. It has a top speed of 189mph, and can go from 0 to 62mph in 3.0 seconds. This is achieved through more than just the sheer grunt of the V8.
The M5 CS has been built with weight reduction at the forefront of both exterior and interior design, with each and every part taken into consideration. This means carbon fibre and lots of it. For example, the bonnet is made up entirely of carbon fibre, with pieces of exposed composite outlining the air vents. Carbon fibre is also used for the front splitter, exterior mirror caps, rear spoiler, rear diffuser, M Power engine compartment cover and intake silencer. Inside, the armrests on the central console have been replaced by a fixed lightweight lid that tops the main storage compartment, and even the paddle shifters are made from carbon fibre.
The engineering team has also been busy. The chassis has been adapted to save weight, as have the bearing springs. The result of all this is that the new M5 CS is 70kg lighter than the M5 Competition.
As for the trimmings, the kidney grille is outlined by a new ‘Gold Bronze’ finish that has a matt appearance. The same colour is also used on badges, the M gills on the front wings, the boot lid, and the 20‑inch M forged wheels in Y-spoke design. The interior is adorned in black Merino leather with decorative ‘Mugello Red’ stitching. What at first looks like a stain on the head restraints is actually an outline of the Nürburgring circuit.
Although it is the fastest M series model ever made, it feels like BMW has played it safe with the new M5 CS. The shapes, lines and overall appearance of the model are all very familiar. In sharp contrast, the new iX model brings a completely different proposition forward for BMW.