The BMW M5 has long been regarded as one of the hottest performance sedans on the market. From the first generation E28 released in 1985, to the present day, the BMW M5 has been the benchmark. Unfortunately no longer offered, the M5 has also been available as a wagon in some previous generations and was a true Audi RS6 Avant challenger.

The current generation M5, the F90 was released back in 2017. Something particularly notable and controversial about the F90 was its shift from a rear-wheel-drive system to a modern all-wheel-drive system, albeit rear-biased. The sportier M5 Competition was released in 2018 and was the highest-performance version prior to the M5 CS being launched in 2021.

Right now, however, the new BMW M5 CS is the 2022 sports sedan to buy. Let's explore all the reasons why it is arguably the greatest sports sedan ever produced.

Related: This 15-Year-Old BMW M5 Touring Still Has What It Takes

9 The Extensive Use Of Carbon Fiber Makes It Surprisingly Light Weight

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From the hood to the roof and the rear spoiler, BMW has not scrimped on the inclusion of carbon fiber. It's not just for aesthetic improvement either, the carbon is used to reduce weight and improve performance.

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All of this results in the M5 CS tipping the scales at 1825 kg. Consequently, the car offers the best power-to-weight ratio of any BMW ever produced at 6.32 lb/hp. No "M" car prior to the M5 CS has ever achieved a power-to-weight ratio below 6.6 lb/hp.

8 Brake Fade Is Not An Issue

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As standard, the M5 CS comes equipped with carbon-ceramic disc brakes. Carbon brakes are far more suited to high-performance driving than regular steel brakes, which under heavy usage can exhibit fade.

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Given this is a track-focused car, it was a sensible idea for BMW to include them as standard fitment. Many manufacturers make ceramics an expensive option in their highest-performance models.

Related: 2003 BMW M5 Review: Worth Splurging On Before It's Too Late

7 It Is Almost Hypercar-Fast

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Under the hood of the BMW M5 CS lies a technologically advanced twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8. The unit pumps out an impressive 635 hp, or 10 hp more than the M5 Competition. The car's oil supply system has been worked on to provide a maximum response during acceleration, via the use of a map-controlled oil pump. This technology is one aspect that contributes to a large amount of horsepower developed.

2022 BMW M5 CS
BMW

With a rapid 0-60 mph time of as little as 2.6 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 10.6 seconds, the car can comfortably outrun any new supercar thrown its way. For example, it's faster than the brand-new Lamborghini Huracan and Aventador, that will do 0-60 in 3.2 and 2.9 seconds, respectively. It will even outrun some older hypercars like the McLaren F1 (3.2 seconds to 60) and the Jaguar XJ220 (3.6 seconds to 60).

6 A Certified Track Weapon

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While the M5 CS provides great on-road performance, its true home is the racetrack. The car's suspension has been specifically tuned on the Nurburgring. Combined with an 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox, BMW’s x-Drive all-wheel-drive system helps the car get the maximum power down and provides better high-speed cornering.

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Factory-fitted Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires further improve on-track handling. Compared to the M5 Competition, the CS has firmer engine mounts and rides around 10mm lower.

Related: An Unlikely Contest: Tesla Plaid Vs Lucid Air Vs E39 BMW M5 Drag Race

5 Instantly Identifiable Looks

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As something of a sleeper, those with an untrained eye will simply see a regular 5 Series sedan. However, to those who know, the M5 CS is easily separated from the rest of the 5 Series lineup.

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Extensive use of gold accenting is the main identifier and gives the M5 CS a unique and premium look. Then, of course, there is the vast rear diffuser and carbon fiber front splitter among other aesthetic alterations. The day running lights also give off a distinctive yellow glow.

4 It’s Still Practical As A Daily Driver

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Being based on the regular BMW 5 Series, the M5 CS has many aspects that make it a highly practical and usable daily driver. The undeniably large sedan body style means the M5 CS can comfortably seat adult occupants in the rear. Unlike the standard car, however, the CS can only seat two in the rear due to its large sculpted seats. If we are being honest, how often is the middle seat in this type of vehicle occupied anyway, so it is not a huge loss?

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The CS has a cargo capacity identical to both the standard car and the M5 Competition, providing a generous 530 liters. Where the CS does suffer slightly, is in the loss of ability to fold the rear seats. The regular 5 Series and the Competition both offer this feature, so if this is a deal-breaker, maybe consider the Competition instead. This is the trade-off of having those special rear bucket seats.

3 The Exclusivity Should Mean Values Stay Strong

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With production limited to around 1000 units, the car is fairly exclusive, especially as production is limited to the 2022 model year. The car will likely become a popular model with enthusiasts, both now and in the future, given that 4.4-liter V8s will not be around for much longer.

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This is a car designed for the gearhead purist. The CS logo features throughout the interior, to remind occupants of the car's exclusivity. Unfortunately, we may never see such a car again going forward, given the electric revolution and increasingly stringent emissions regulations. Consequently, residual values should remain high for the foreseeable future.

2 The Interior Is Seriously Special

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Like the regular BMW 5 Series, the CS's interior is a very nice place to spend time. Infotainment is centered around a 12.3-inch screen, and the latest version of BMW's iDrive is very slick and easy to navigate. As well as using the touchscreen, the system accepts voice and even gesture control.

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Audiophiles will be satisfied by the car's Harman Kardon sound system, and heated seats improve the comfort levels on offer.

1 The Nurburgring Is Embossed On The Headrests

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The M5 CS rewards owners not only with its exceptional performance and breadth of ability but with a number of remarkable design features. As something of an Easter Egg, BMW has marked out the outline of Germany's legendary proving ground, the Nurburgring Nordschleife onto the car's headrests. This feature is not just reserved for the front seats either, the circuit can be found on all four seats, a very nice touch.

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The seats themselves are something special, being beautifully crafted buckets. The integral M5 logo even illuminates, adding that extra something.