If you thought the updated 2021 BMW M5 was impressive, brace yourself, because BMW just outdid themselves with the new limited-production 2022 BMW M5 CS sedan, which delivers more power, greater performance, lighter weight and exclusive interior upgrades to make the new M5 CS truly a one-of-a-kind vehicle in its class.
The combination of increased power and a rigorous weight-reduction program through the extensive use of CFRP materials improves the power-to-weight ratio to elevate the performance and dynamics further enhancing the M5’s already very high street and track capabilities.
For the first time, the M5 features a four-passenger seating configuration with M carbon sport seats up front and two individual bucket seats for the rear passengers.
Power and Drivetrain
The S63 4.4-liter M TwinPower turbo V8 has been tuned to deliver 627 hp at 6,000 rpm, an increase of 10 hp over the Competition model. The torque band delivers its full 553 lb.-ft from 1,800 to 5,950 rpm, 90 rpm wider than the M5 Competition. The eight-cylinder’s engine redline is 7,200 rpm. The high-pressure direct fuel injection ensures precise fuel atomization and fast engine response. The liquid-to-air intercooling for the two turbochargers and oil system with two pumps make sure that the M5 CS is as competent on track as it is on the street.
Combined with the reduced vehicle weight, the high levels of power and torque and working through the 8-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission with Drivelogic and the M xDrive all-wheel drive system, the M5 CS reaches 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds, 0.2 seconds quicker than the M5 Competition model. Top speed with the standard M Driver’s Package is 190 mph. The M Driver’s Package also includes a voucher for BMW driver training.
The rear-biased M xDrive all-wheel drive system distributes the available 553 ft-lbs. of torque between front and rear axles via an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch while the Active M Differential further optimizes power between the rear wheels for maximum grip and lateral dynamics.
The driver can select from three xDrive modes including 4WD, 4WD Sport and 2WD. The Dynamic Stability Control system can be adjusted between three settings to further enhance driver control – DSC ON, MDM (M Dynamic Mode) and DSC OFF.
The eight-speed M Steptronic transmission provides extraordinarily short shift times and fast, precise responses to every input of the accelerator. The Drivelogic switch on the gear selector lever allows three modes – efficient, sport or track with extremely rapid gearshifts. A transmission oil cooler ensures the transmission operates within its best temperature range even when the car is put through its paces on a closed track.
Exhaust system and M Sound button
The dual-branch, electric flap-controlled sport exhaust system, with quad stainless-steel tips, fitted to the M5 CS amplifies and enhances the V8’s soundtrack while giving the option for quieter operation when necessary. The exhaust tone’s characteristics are changed depending on the selected mode – EFFICIENT, SPORT or SPORT+. Additionally, the M Sound button can soften the exhaust tone for a more understated note.
Chassis tuning
The M5 CS builds on the very high dynamic abilities of the M5 Competition Package’s chassis and suspension tuning. This means stiffer engine mounts (5,139 lb/in vs. 3,312 lb/in) than the standard M5 Sedan, 10% firmer springs, 0.2-inch lower ride height, increased front negative camber, a firmer rear anti-roll bar and tow-link ball-joint mounts. The M5 CS receives further spring and Dynamic Damper Control tuning over the M5 Competition to take advantage of the lower vehicle weight and of the optionally available (no-cost) Pirelli P Zero Corsa high-performance tires.
Standard mixed-size non-runflat performance tires measure 275/35R20 at the front and 285/35R20 at the rear and are fitted to Gold Bronze 20-inch M forged Y-spoke wheels – 9.5 J x 20 in front and 10.5 J x 20 in the rear. Pirelli P Zero Corsa high-performance tires are available as a no cost option and make full use of the M5 CS’s enhanced handling capabilities for those looking to experience their new sedan in a closed track environment.
The standard Dynamic Damper Control and M Servotronic steering offer a choice of electronic drive modes – COMFORT, SPORT and SPORT+. COMFORT focuses on everyday usability combined with standout dynamics. SPORT mode reduces wheel and body movements to create more direct contact with the road, but still has sufficient comfort dialed in. This setting is suited perfectly to sporty driving on twisty roads and offers the ideal handling balance for laps of the Nürburgring. SPORT+ mode maximizes dynamic performance on smooth asphalt allowing the driver to sense the connection with the road surface acutely, making it the best setting for dedicated closed racetracks.
SETUP button takes drivers straight to the configuration menu.
Pressing the SETUP button positioned takes the driver to the 12.3-inch central display’s menu for programming an individual configuration for the powertrain and chassis options. This allows drivers to tailor the car’s setup to the driving situation at hand and to their personal preferences. Simplified operation using the touchscreen display or iDrive Controller makes it easy to choose different settings for the engine, suspension, steering and M xDrive system. The two, red painted M1 and M2 buttons next to the gearshift paddles on the M Alcantara steering wheel make it possible to change quickly between setups. Drivers can use these buttons to compose two individual setups with their choice of M xDrive, DSC, engine, transmission, chassis, steering and braking characteristics, as well as their desired M View configuration in the Head-Up display.
M View configuration
The driver can toggle swiftly between the ROAD, SPORT and TRACK settings using the M Mode button. Keeping the M Mode button pressed, then confirming the prompt in the central display engages TRACK mode.
When M View is active, a prominently positioned tachometer with color-coded warning zones appears in the Head-Up display, while shift lights indicate the ideal time to change gear. Navigation instructions, distance warnings, the current gear, the vehicle speed, and any speed limits or overtaking restrictions detected by the Speed Limit Info system are also shown here.
Default ROAD mode – all standard & optional driver assist systems are fully operational. Full information displays in the digital instrument display and Head-Up display.
SPORT mode – Allows the driver to adjust or turn off various assist systems. The M View is activated for both the instrument cluster and Head-Up display. A tachometer, digital speed, selected gear and shift lights are displayed in the center with coolant temperature, tire pressure and longitudinal and lateral forces available to the side.
TRACK mode – Designed for use on closed tracks, confirmation of this mode is required via the iDrive controller. Driver assistance system intervention is turned off. The audio system and center control display are turned off so the driver may concentrate on the road ahead with important information provided via the Head-Up and the digital instrument displays.
Exterior design and extensive use of carbon-fiber
The notable reduction in weight of the M5 CS compared to the M5 Competition is thanks in part to the use of carbon fiber reinforced plastic. Exterior CFRP components include the roof (standard on all M5s), hood with vents (in unpainted carbon-fiber), front splitter, mirror caps, rear diffuser and rear spoiler. In the engine compartment, the engine cover with full-color M logo and stripes is made from CFRP. Additional weight savings are achieved through a reduction in soundproofing.
A special Gold Bronze finish is applied to the BMW kidney grille surround, to the model badging and to the 20-inch forged light alloy wheels.
The Adaptive LED headlights feature L-shaped light tubes which illuminate in a racing-inspired yellow instead of the standard white and include BWM Individual Shadowline trim adding a dark shaded appearance and accentuating the yellow accent lighting.
Exclusive interior appointments
The most striking feature of the M5 CS Sedan’s interior is the seating-for-four configuration in black Merino leather with Mugello red accents and contrasting red stitching. The driver and front seat passenger are treated to new lightweight, heated and electrically adjustable M carbon bucket seats with aggressive side-bolstering, integrated head rests and illuminated M5 logos. The two rear passengers each have their own individual seats. The headrests of all four seating positions are imprinted with a map of the Nurburgring’s Nordschleife which was integral to the M5 CS’s development.
The M Alcantara steering wheel includes a perforated section with red background in the 12 o’clock position and lightweight carbon-fiber shift paddles with matching red trim in the cut-outs and on the back panels. Alcantara is also used for the headliner.
A lightweight black merino leather center console cover with red double stitching replaces the traditional armrest and together with the absence of the armrest area tray helps to further reduce weight. Red “CS” badging can be seen on the instrument panel and between the rear bucket seats. The M seat belts feature BMW M tri-color stitching and the “M5” badge also appears on the velour M floor mats with bespoke piping and in the illuminated “M5 CS” badge on the door sill finishers.
Exterior colors
The M5 CS is available in a standard Brands Hatch grey metallic paint with two optional BMW Individual colors – Frozen Brands Hatch grey metallic and Frozen Deep Green metallic.
Standard M Carbon ceramic brakes
Red six-piston fixed front calipers and single-piston rear floating calipers with M logos and carbon ceramic brake disks are standard on the M5 CS. This is the first application of red calipers with BMW Carbon ceramic brakes. Gold calipers are available as no-cost option.
The M Carbon ceramic brakes provide exceptional thermal stability, resistance to fade and improved wear while also reducing weight by 51 lbs when compared to the standard M Compound brakes found on the M5 Competition model.
Pricing and availability
Pricing for the 2022 BMW M5 CS starts at $142,000, and they’re expected to hit dealers in the second half of 2021. This is a one-year model, so if you want one, don’t delay!
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