For those looking for a balanced blend of power and luxury, the BMW M5 has long been a top pick. Now, the Bavarian automaker is set to push things to new extremes, at least on the performance front, with the introduction of the 2022 M5 CS.
The limited-edition “super sedan” will punch out a solid 627 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, making it the most powerful production vehicle BMW has ever brought to market. And that’s only part of the story.
By putting a premium on lightweighting and traction enhancement, BMW aims to ensure all that power goes to the pavement. That means a factory rated top speed of 190 mph, and a 0-60 launch time of 2.9 seconds.
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“The new limited production super sedan builds on the immensely capable M5, itself recently updated for model year 2021, by delivering more power, greater performance, lighter weight and exclusive interior appointments making the new M5 CS truly a one-of-a-kind vehicle in its class,” the automaker blared in a news release introducing the 2022 performance sedan.
The heart of this beast is BMW’s S63 4.4-liter M TwinPower twin-turbocharged V-8. It makes 10 more hp than the marque’s previous record setter, the M5 Competition model. And the CS sedan’s torque band is wider, as well.
Credit improvements to the powertrain’s high-pressure direct injection and liquid-to-air intercooling for both turbos and oil system. That, the automaker claims, will allow the M5 CS to pose a formidable challenge both on the street, as well as on the track.
Power is fed through an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission into a performance-enhanced version of BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system. The rear-biased AWD package is aided by an electronically controlled clutch and Active M Differential.
“The driver can select from three xDrive modes including 4WD, 4WD Sport and 2WD,” added BMW. “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 bump in horsepower is only one step BMW took to enhance performance, however. The 2022 BMW M5 CS also makes extensive use of CFRP and other lightweight materials. All told, the automaker shaved off a full 220 pounds compared to the older M5 Competition model which, in turn, helped reduce 0-60 times by 0.2 seconds. It’s a modest number but can add up to a big win on the track.
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The performance experience is further enhanced, BMW explains, by the M Sound system which changes the exhaust note depending upon the sedan’s driving mode, such as Sport and Sport+. The settings also adjust various vehicle settings, including the reconfigurable gauge cluster and Head-Up display. In Sport mode, for example, the tach, digital speed, gear and shift lights are displayed in the center of the cluster, along with coolant temperature, tire pressure and G-forces.
To further enhance driving dynamics, the CS chassis and suspension have been revised, with engine mounts and springs now stiffer than the M5 Competition Package, and a ride height lowered by 0.2 inches.
To scrub off speed, meanwhile, the M5 CS features standard carbon ceramic brakes with red six-piston front calipers and a single-piston rear floating caliper. The package is a full 51 pounds lighter than the M Compound brakes used in the M5 Competition model.
Visually, the 2022 BMW M5 CS features a CFRP roof and hood, front splitter, mirror caps, rear diffuser and rear spoiler. There’s also a gold bronze finish to the familiar BMW kidney grille surround. The CS also gets 20-inch forged light alloy wheels shod, BMW notes with “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 performance tires are available as a no cost option and make full use of the M5 CS’s enhanced handling capabilities.”
The CS is the first M5 set up specifically for four passengers, with carbon sport seats up front and twin buckets in the rear.
The cabin is outfitted in special Alcantara and black merino leather with distinctive BMW M tri-color stitching.
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Production is set to begin in March and the 2022 BMW M5 CS will carry an MSRP of $142,000 plus $995 in delivery fees.
