Design

While the standard M5 Competition could be taken for a 520i from a distance, the M5 CS makes its intent clearer. Laser headlights are framed by L-shaped light tubes that illuminate yellow on welcome, low and high beam – a nod to GT endurance racing that fans will appreciate. The BMW kidney grille surround is Gold Bronze, and the same shade is repeated on the 20-inch M forged alloy wheels. Brakes are M Sport carbon ceramic discs with red callipers, the bonnet is in CFRP to save weight and the rear features a carbon-fibre rear diffuser and boot spoiler. Two exclusive matt finishes are offered; Frozen Brands Hatch Grey and Frozen Deep Green. Inside, there are lightweight carbon seats for driver and front passenger and the rear bench seat is replaced by a pair of individual sports seats. The outline of the Nürburgring is picked out on all four headrests.

Performance & Technology

M Division has tuned the M5 CS 4.4-litre V8 engine, boosting it to 635 metric horsepower and peak torque of 750Nm. This powers all four wheels – though you can select rear-drive if you’re feeling brave – via the 8-speed M Steptronic transmission and Active M Differential. The carbon-fibre bonnet and seats save around 70kg, the car sits 7mm lower than an M5 Competition and the chassis has been tuned for the demands of fast road and circuit driving. The M5 CS sprints from 0-62mph in an eyeblink 3.0 seconds (the M5 Competition is 0.3s slower) and 0-124mph takes just 10.4 seconds. Selecting SPORT+ drive mode releases the full cry of the M Sports exhaust, though you might want to pull away from your house in EFFICIENT to avoid waking the neighbours.

Features

The interior of the M5 CS is more a cockpit for four than a cabin for lounging about in. The centre console’s storage tray has been deleted to save weight, shift paddles are in carbon fibre and the steering wheel is covered in Alcantara with the centre position picked out on contrast red, just like a race car. Infotainment is displayed on a 12.3-inch central screen. Activating Sport mode switches to M View in both the instrument cluster and the head-up display, showing an M-specific rev dial, the shift lights, digital speed readout and gear. The M5 CS comes with the latest BMW Personal Assistant to help you get the best out of the in-car functionality.​

Safety

The M5 CS shares its safety features with the 5 Series, including active driving assistance programmes and a full complement of airbags front and rear. Driving Assistant Plus comes as part of the optional Technology Pack and offers camera and radar-based driver assistance for optimum comfort and safety during monotonous or complex driving situations.​