BMW is on the brink of announcing an even more extreme version of its M5 saloon, according to the head of the company’s M division Markus Flasch.
Seemingly inspired by the partial reveal of the new Porsche 911 GT3 by Top Gear’s Chris Harris, Flasch gave car fans a sneak peek at the M5 CS, which was covered by an M-branded veil. He gives us a quick look at the grille which, thankfully, isn’t as big as other modern BMWs and is coloured in matte gold. The 20-inch wheels get the same look, though the design looks to be the same as the M5 Competition’s.
While BMW is keeping its lips sealed on the car’s specs until its unveiling later this month, Flasch confirmed that the M5 CS will be considerably lighter than the current Competition, 70kg to be precise, and that it’ll feature carbon-backed bucket seats. The Competition’s 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 will also undergo a small upgrade, with power expected to rise from 616bhp to nearer 630bhp.
Like the Competition, the CS should come with an eight-speed automatic gearbox that sends power to all four wheels. But, if you fancy skidding about, the system will allow you to send 100% of the power to the rear axle just like BMWs of old. All that power means you’ll need some serious brakes, so the M5 CS gets a set of carbon ceramics as standard.
Another difference Flasch mentions is the move to yellow headlights, which serve as a nod to the company’s endurance racing cars.
We’re not sure how different the M5 CS will feel compared to the outstanding Competition, but it’ll no doubt appeal to diehard BMW enthusiasts with money to spend. How much? Well, with the current M5 Competition costing just over £100,000, we wouldn’t be surprised if the CS came with a £25,000 premium at the very least.
Keyword: BMW M5 CS 2021: M boss teases new super saloon