The 2022 BMW M5 CS is a higher performance version of the sixth-generation midsize sedan. Powered by a turbocharged V-8 engine rated at 627 horsepower, it slots just above the M5 Competition and acts as the range-topping model of the 5 Series lineup. It's also the most powerful M model ever built and the first M5 with a "CS" badge. Production of the 2022 M5 CS will be limited to just one year. What sets it apart from the regular M5 apart from the beefed-up engine? Let's find out in the review below.

2021 BMW M5 CS

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2021 BMW M5 CS
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 627
  • Torque: 553
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

- Almost identical to M5 Competition - CFRP splitter and mirror caps - Gold Bronze kidney surround - Gold Bronze wheels - CFRP spoiler and diffuser - Exclusive color available - Revised rear diffuser - Unique but not spectacular

Design-wise, the CS model is basically identical to the M5 Competition. There are no reshaped bumpers and engine hood and no bigger spoiler in the rear. So what makes it special then? Well, BMW added a few extras in the trim department. The first thing that catches the eye is the front grille surround in Gold Bronze color. When the headlamps are on, you'll also notice that the lower L-shaped lights are yellow instead of white. This is a tribute to GT race cars that feature yellow headlamps during events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans. At the bottom of the bumper there's a splitter made from carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP).

Moving onto the sides, there's more Gold Bronze detailing, particularly on the front fender gills and on the rims. The latter are 20-inch, forged wheels in a Y-spoke design that are exclusive to this model. The CFRP mirror caps round off the profile. Around back, there's more Gold Bronze detailing for the "M5 CS" badge on the trunk lid and a spoiler and diffuser made from CFRP. The latter looks a bit different than the M5 Competition's. Instead of three vertical fins, it features a two-piece element. It doesn't look necessarily sportier, but it's definitely different.

The M5 CS comes with a new and exclusive color called Brands Hatch Grey Metallic. BMW also offers two Individual hues, Frozen Brands Hatch Grey and Frozen Deep Green (pictured), both with a matte finish. If you want more gold on your M5 CS, you can optionally have the brake calipers finished in this color. The standard calipers are red.

Interior

- Based on M5 Competition - Carbon-fiber seats - Individual rear seats - Black Merino leather - Red stitching - Nurburgring outline on the seats - Illuminated "M5" logos - Alcantara steering wheel

The cabin of the M5 CS is of the same variety as the exterior. If you've seen the M5 Competition, you've seen the CS too, but the latter comes with a few extras that help if stand out. The M5 CS is a four seater. Instead of a traditional bench, the sedan features individual seats in the back. Up front, both the driver and the passenger will sit in M Carbon seats. This are optional in the M5 Competition.

Most surfaces are wrapped in black Merino leather, but there's plenty of Mugello Red stitching on the dashboard, door panels, seats, and center console for a bit of contrast. The seats also include CFRP inserts, while a red "CS" badge adorns the passenger-side dash. Speaking of lettering, the door sills include illuminated badges. The carbon seats feature integral head restraints and not only they boast illuminated "M5" logos, but they also sport an outline of the Nurburgring track. Just so you don't forget where this sedan was tested.

The steering wheel is wrapped in Alcantara, like a proper race cars, and features black chrome trim on the spokes. The gear-shifting paddles are made from carbon-fiber. The armrest on the center console has been replaced with a fixed, lightweight cover. It also covered in Merino leather and red contrast stitching. Apparetly BMW doesn't offer lighter upholstery colors and that's a shame.

Drivetrain and Performance

- Twin-turbo, 4.4-liter V-8 - 627 horsepower - 553 pound-feet of torque - The most powerful M model yet! - 0 to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds - Top speed at 189 mph - Eight-speed automatic - Revised suspension - Pirelli track tires - Carbon-ceramic brakes

The M5 CS draws juice from the same S63-type, 4.4-liter V-8 engine as the regular M5 and M5 Competition. But the twin-turbo mill has been upgraded and it now cranks out 627 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque.



Is the 2022 BMW M5 CS more powerful than the M5 Competition?

Yes! Thanks to some upgrades operated under the hood the M5 CS packs an extra 10 horsepower over the M5 Competition. Compared to the regular M5, the CS brings an extra 36 horses to the table. While an extra 10 horsepower over the Competition might not sound like much, the CS is also 230 pounds lighter, so there's a notable improvement in the power-to-weight ratio department.

The M5 CS is also the most powerful M model ever created!

Is the 2022 BMW M5 CS quicker than the M5 Competition?

The M5 CS hits 60 mph from a standing start in 2.9 seconds. That's two tenths quicker than the M5 Competition and three tenths quicker than the regular M5. When it comes to top speed, the M5 CS reaches 189 mph. That's 34 mph more than the M5, but on par with the M5 Competition when fitted with the BMW M Driver's package.

The M5 CS comes standard with BMW M's eight-speed Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic. It's also fitted with an M-tuned xDrive system so it's an AWD sedan. However, it features a 2WD mode for pure rear-wheel drive. But the CS isn't just about extra power. It also features a returned suspension with new bearing springs for refined damper control and comes standard with Pirelli P Zero Corsa track tires. BMW's M carbon-ceramic brakes are also standard. The M5 CS is definitely ready for quick laps around the Nurburgring.

How much does the 2022 BMW M5 CS cost?

U.S. pricing for the M5 CS starts from $142,995. That's a massive $31,895 premium over the M5 Competition and $39,495 more than the regular M5. The M5 CS will be built for just one year, so BMW will roll out only a few thousand units. There's a big chance that the entire allocation for the U.S. will be sold out by the time the first units cross the pond to North America. Thi will happen in the second half of 2021, a couple of months later than in Europe.

Is the 2022 BMW M5 CS better than the Mercedes-AMG E63 S?

BMW is taking things up a notch with the M5 CS in the midsize segment. The M5 competition was already plenty powerful for the AMG E63 S, so the M5 CS will leave the Merc behind? The German sedan packs a twin-turbo, 4.0-liter V-8 engine that cranks out 603 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque, meaning the CS benefits from an extra 24 horsepower. On the other hand, the Bimmer loses the torque battle by a notable 74 pound-feet. And we're not including the AMG's 48-volt system that adds an extra 20 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of twist. Still, the E63 S is notably slower to 60 mph, needing 3.3 seconds to hit the benchmark. Its top speed is almost on par at 186 mph. But beyond the powerful engine, the AMG E63 S doesn't have any exclusive features like the CS. The good news here is that it's significantly more affordable at $107,500 before options.

Read our full review of the Mercedes-AMG E63.

Is the 2022 BMW M5 CS better than the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing?

The M5 CS might be the best midsize performance sedan out there right now, but Cadillac will soon unleash the CT5-V Blackwing. A successor to the old CTS-V, it will have enough power to give the Bimmer a run for its money. Rumored to be powered by a supercharged, 6.2-liter V-8 engine, the Blackwing model will arrive with at least 650 horsepower and more than 640 pound-feet of torque. It probably won't have an AWD system so it will be slower to 60 mph, but it will hit a top speed of at least 200 mph. It will also feature carbon-fiber seats (with a bookmatched design) and, unlike the Bimmer, it will be offered with a manual transmission. It will also start below the $100,000 mark. The CT5-V Blackwing will be unveiled on February 1, 2021.

Read our speculative review of the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing.

Conclusion

Having already introduced a Competition package for the M5, the CS model is pretty much a tour de force for BMW. It's proof that the 4.4-liter V-8 can handle even more power and it's a signal that M-badged Bimmer could soon generate 700 horsepower. But while it's a solid offering in the performance department, with no direct rival yet, the M5 CS is a bit disappointing on the outside. Yes, club sport style models aren't notably different than their regular counterparts, but it would have been nice to be more than just a Competition model with gold trim.