Driving Impressions
What makes this M5 CS so special is the power, performance and physics-defying handling. That 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 punches out 627 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. The engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that’s a joy to drive in most situations.
Top speed is a whopping 190 mph, which is more than enough for the occasional weekend blast. 0 to 60 comes in a slick 2.6 seconds, which is more than impressive for this car’s 4096-pound weight.
The Powertrain
BMW’s 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged engine revs easily and eagerly to its redline, which is a life-affirming experience. It’s not just that the engine is quick, but it’s also very well-tuned and makes this M5 a real performer in any situation.
The Handling
Unlike the M5 Competition, this sedan’s chassis is all-wheel driven, and the CS’s rear wheels are manipulated to shave down 230 pounds from the standard M5. This translates into improved agility, with the M5 CS grabbing corners with uncanny precision and confidence.
The Tech
As expected, BMW’s iDrive interface is here to keep you on the right track. It’s a little less intuitive to use than on other M5 models, but once you get the hang of it, it’s pretty much second nature.
The Seats
It’s not often that a car has seats that are this comfortable, but they’re the CS’s best feature. Their carbon-fiber construction is awe-inspiring, as are their supportive, hugging bolstering. But compared to the standard M5’s buckets, which feel like they’re made from a different planet, these are borderline unnecessary.
