Photo: SB-Medien
If there's one BMW that's always worth our time, it's the M5. The current generation is almost halfway through its life cycle, and will thus receive a facelift. With that, the Germans plan to introduce the M5 CS, which has just been spied for the first time.
This is unprecedented stuff from the Bavarians. Right from the start, the M5 was available as a competition model, adding 25 horsepower to the 4.4L twin-turbo. It makes you wonder how they plan to improve the formula.
The previous generation (F10M) didn't have that kind of update, though the 30th Anniversary model did briefly bump the output to 600 PS right as production was about to end.
The idea for the CS is stolen from the M3 CS, but also echoes the iconic E9 model from the 1970s. It's basically like BMW saying "this is a race car for the road," and it leaves the M5 with an impressive body kit.
Even with some camouflage on the car, it's easy to spot the chin spoiler at the front of the M5. While we're there, it's worth pointing out the new grille design, refreshed headlights and more angular air intakes. We expect many of these added components to be made from carbon fiber.
The improvements also continue at the back, where the M5 sedan is rocking a large trunk lid spoiler, perhaps matched by bumper changes. We think the CS model is also sitting a little lower. But is it any lighter?
BMW will likely say that the M5 CS has lighter seats, wheels, and brakes. But the sedan is unlikely to become "light." Power upgrades could, however, improve the performance.
The 4.4-liter V8 engine might get 10 to 20 extra horsepower. The M xDrive AWD system can also be improved, as we've seen in drag races against the similar M8 Coupe. And, as always, the CS-spec M5 will not only be the pick of the range, but also the most expensive.
The previous generation (F10M) didn't have that kind of update, though the 30th Anniversary model did briefly bump the output to 600 PS right as production was about to end.
The idea for the CS is stolen from the M3 CS, but also echoes the iconic E9 model from the 1970s. It's basically like BMW saying "this is a race car for the road," and it leaves the M5 with an impressive body kit.
Even with some camouflage on the car, it's easy to spot the chin spoiler at the front of the M5. While we're there, it's worth pointing out the new grille design, refreshed headlights and more angular air intakes. We expect many of these added components to be made from carbon fiber.
The improvements also continue at the back, where the M5 sedan is rocking a large trunk lid spoiler, perhaps matched by bumper changes. We think the CS model is also sitting a little lower. But is it any lighter?
BMW will likely say that the M5 CS has lighter seats, wheels, and brakes. But the sedan is unlikely to become "light." Power upgrades could, however, improve the performance.
The 4.4-liter V8 engine might get 10 to 20 extra horsepower. The M xDrive AWD system can also be improved, as we've seen in drag races against the similar M8 Coupe. And, as always, the CS-spec M5 will not only be the pick of the range, but also the most expensive.
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