The current G30 BMW 5 Series is getting a bit long in the tooth. While still a good car, its competition has passed it by, in terms of technology, style, and driving dynamics. So it needs a new model and the upcoming G60-generation 5 Series is going to be just that. Some new spy photos and some interesting new details have emerged, giving us some better insight into what the G60 5er is actually going to be like. (We don’t own the spy photos but they can be seen here)
According to a post on g80.bimmerpost, the next-gen G60 BMW 5 Series isn’t coming until 2023, so we still have quite a long ways to go before we actually see it. However, get the hype-train moving, as some of these new details are very exciting.
First, let’s address the question you’re likely already asking — will there be an electric model? Like with the 4 Series Gran Coupe and i4, the upcoming G60 BMW 5 Series will be based on the brand’s flexible CLAR architecture and will have both internal combustion and battery electric versions. From what we’re hearing, it’s likely that the ICE (internal combustion engines) models will mostly use smaller, more efficient engines. That would leave the more powerful models to the all-electric BMW i5.
Rendering by instagram.com/sugardesign_1
Though, there’s said to be a couple of powerful plug-in hybrid models in the works, too. For instance, the upcoming BMW 550e could come with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, using a B58 inline-six engine, to make around 450 horsepower. However, there’s likely to be a BMW i5 M50 model, which would not only be the top-end electric model but the most powerful 5 Series model of them all.
BMW also seemingly wants to move the 5 Series’ interior a bit more upmarket, offering a more luxurious cabin, featuring more glass and metal trim. Apparently, BMW also wants to improve on its Iconic Glow grille lighting. Potentially the most interesting bit about the new 5 Series is its potential for Level 3 autonomy.
From the looks of it, in its heavy camouflage, it looks a 5 Series should. It’s a traditional three-boxy sedan with classic proportions and simple lights. That’s not to say it looks bad because it didn’t. But it’s not going to inspired a ton of outside customers.
As we’ve seen in previous videos (and as I’ve recently felt), the BMW M5 CS is an absolute rocket ship, capable of taking down even the most powerful of its rivals. However, is it strong enough to take down its two main rivals, the Mercedes-AMG E63 S and the Audi RS6 Avant, if they’ve both been heavily tuned. You can find out in this new video from Throttle House.
In this video, a bone stock BMW M5 CS drag raced a tuned Audi RS6 Avant and a tuned Mercedes-AMG E63 S. The M5 CS uses a 4.4 liter twin-turbo V8 to make 626 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. While the Audi RS6 Avant in this video gets its 4.0 liter twin-turbo V8 tuned to 740 horsepower and 783 lb-ft of torque. The AMG is even stronger, with its own 4.0 liter twin-turbo V8 making 840 horsepower and 806 lb-ft. So both cars are a lot more powerful than the M5 CS. However, in a previous TH video, we saw the M5 CS flat-out demolish a 797 horsepower Hellcat Charger. So the M5 should’ve actually still had a chance.
The results were shocking, to be honest. I think it’s fair to say that the BMW M5 CS lost the drag race without it being a spoiler. It beat the Hellcat but that car was rear-wheel drive only and, honestly, not as fast as it should be. The AMG and Audi are bonkers quick even when stock and are both all-wheel drive. In this video, the Audi had over 100 more horsepower and the AMG over 200 more horsepower. There was just no scenario in which the M5 CS would win. However, it was closer than I thought it would be.
I recently timed the M5 CS through the quarter mile (review and results coming soon!) and it honestly took my breath away. I couldn’t believe how fast a stock sedan could be. However, the other two cars in this video are so fast, I’m not sure my little brain can comprehend it.
Now that the BMW M5 CS is here, it is officially the most powerful car the Bavarian brand has ever developed. That’s not entirely surprising, though, as brands are constantly setting new power records, especially nowadays in the age of forced induction and electrification. What’s more impressive than that, though, is the fact that the BMW M5 CS engine is also the most powerful engine BMW has ever produced, in any car.
The reason that distinction is important is that the most powerful engine the M Division ever made, up until a few days ago, never powered a BMW. Instead, it powered the McLaren F1.
All the way back in the early 1990s, legendary automotive engineer and designer Gordon Murray was searching for a company to build an engine for the project he was working on with McLaren. He went to Honda first, as the Japanese brand was developing killer engines for Formula One cars. However, the deal felt through, due to Honda not wanting to build the sort of engine Murray wanted.
Murray had some specific demands for the engine that he wasn’t willing to compromise on. The engine needed to be naturally-aspirated, it had to have more than 100 horsepower per liter and it needed to be as lightweight as possible, among other things. After Honda turned him down, Murray went to another automotive legend, Paul Rosche. At the time, Rosche was the head of engine development for BMW M and was known for designing some of the most brilliant engines of all time.
What Rosche came up with was the S70/2, which was a 6.1 liter naturally-aspirated V12 that made 618 horsepower (627 PS), thus giving it just over 100 horsepower per liter. Also, it was shockingly lightweight for its size, revved to 7,500 rpm and got to that redline extremely quickly. It also made among the best engines noises of all time.
Without question, the S70/2 is the greatest engine BMW M has ever made and it’s one of the greatest engines of all time, full-stop. Also, up until just a few days ago, it was still the most powerful engine that BMW M has ever produced.
Now, though, the BMW M5 CS has surpassed it, with 635 horsepower from its 4.4 liter twin-turbocharged V8. While that’s an impressive power figure, it also shows just how absolutely brilliant Rosche’s masterpiece was. The McLaren F1 debuted in 1992 and it took BMW M nearly thirty years to develop a more powerful road engine. If anything, it actually makes the M5 CS’ engine look bad, as it uses all sorts of modern tech, such as twin-turbocharging and advanced cooling to make its power. The F1 did things the old way, without turbochargers or intercoolers or fancy ECU tuning and yet it still was the top dog all these years.
Of course, the S70/2 was a very small run, extraordinarily expensive engine to build, so it’s not fair comparing the M5 CS’ engine to its quality but it does show what BMW M can do when it allows its engineers to run wild.
What’s interesting is that the M5 CS might hold its title of having the most powerful M Division engine ever made forever. With hybrid and purely electric M cars on the way, there’s a real possibility that BMW never heavily invests in another monster engine again and instead uses electrification to make big power. For instance, if it can make 650 horsepower from an S58 3.0 liter twin-turbo I6 with an electric motor or two helping it out, why dump more money into another big V8?
So let’s cherish the BMW M5 CS while we have it. It’s a rare beauty of a machine from BMW, as it doesn’t make any sense whatsoever outside of being a laugh. It has 635 horsepower from a monster V8, carbon fiber everywhere and four racing buckets so you can blitz a racetrack with three friends on board. What more can you want from an M car?
The Bavarians at BMW M are expanding their range of CS models with the introduction of the BMW M5 CS. The limited-run, exclusive special-edition M5 model is the latest and greatest from the boys in Garching offering a combination of improved performance, lighter weight and a unique interior set up that we have not seen before from BMW. To get you through the highlights of the new M5 top model, we put together a top 10 of the highlights seen in the new M5 CS.
Most powerful series production BMW ever
The familiar 4.4-liter V8 engine with 467 kW/626 hp on tap makes the BMW M5 CS the most powerful car in the history of BMW M. Standard features include the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic and the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system, which also offers a 2WD mode for pure rear-wheel drive. Torque stayed the same as before at 750 Nm. The enhanced performance allows the CS to sprint from 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.0 seconds, and from 0 – 200 km/h (124 mph) in 10.4 seconds. Top speed is an electronically governed 305 km/h (189 mph).
70 kg of weight saving
A series of design changes has enabled BMW M to remove 70 kilograms (230 lbs for U.S. models) in weight over the BMW M5 Competition. The total weight is 1825 kg (DIN) or 1900 kg (EU). The engineers managed to remove a series of standard equipment lowering the weight by 13 kg. There is no trough-load, 4-zone air-condition, driving assist, cd player and comfort access. The ceramic brakes and lightweight wheels save 25 kg. The carbon exterior package removes 7 kg and the interior carbon plus new rear seats shed off 11 kg. Finally they also managed to remove 14 kgs of sound insulation.
Wheels and tires
BMW M5 CS
The M5 CS rolls on 20-inch M forged wheels in Y-spoke design (front: 9.5 J x 20, rear: 10.5 J x 20). The wheels are shod into Pirelli P Zero Corsa track tires (front: 275/35 R 20, rear: 285/35 R 20). The retuned bearing springs at the front and rear axle and further refined damper control have been adapted to the lower vehicle weight and the increased performance potential of the tires.
Yellow headlights from the M8 First Edition
BMW M5 CS
The L-shaped light tubes of the BMW Laser headlights illuminate yellow instead of white when low beam, high beam or the Welcome Light is switched on. This is a design characteristic that we first saw on the M8 1-of-8 Gran Coupe, which was released to the public at the end of 2019. The model was limited to only eight pieces. The M5 CS will have the feature on all cars that are being produced.
Limited color availability
Available alongside the Brands Hatch Grey metallic paint shade are the exclusive BMW Individual matte paint finishes Frozen Brands Hatch Grey metallic and Frozen Deep Green metallic. Other individual paint colors are not available. The colors are combined with a series of parts dressed in Gold Bronze. These are the BMW kidney grille surrounds, the “M5 CS” badges on the kidney grille, the M gills on the front wings and the boot lid. Also the wheels are dressed in Goldbronze, no other color is available.
Carbon ceramic brakes are standard with a twist
The M Carbon ceramic brakes are standard and come with calipers which are painted in Red as standard and gold is available as an option if you prefer. Normally you would have gold calipers as standard, but in the case of the M5 CS the red matches a whole range of red details which you will find inside the interior.
Extensive carbon exterior package
The roof, bonnet, front splitter, exterior mirror caps, rear spoiler, rear diffuser, M Power engine compartment cover and intake silencer are made from carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP). Some elements feature exposed carbon fibre and the bonnet has two air vents which allow hot air to leave the engine bay. On the inside of the bonnet you will find the M5 CS logo embossed in the carbon fiber.
Interior set up for four passengers
BMW M5 CS
Onboard the BMW M5 CS four people are seated in four individual seats; the driver and front passenger in M Carbon seats (released on the new BMW M3 and M4) and two other passengers in two separate rear seats. The black Merino leather covers (fine-grain for the front seats) also feature contrasting panels and decorative stitching in Mugello Red. The integral head restraints – with illuminated M5 logos for the front seats – display an outline of the legendary Nürburgring circuit. There is a CS logo positioned between both rear seats.
Nice range of interior refinements
Inside, you will find a new range of upgrades, such as the centre marker perforation with red background on the M Alcantara steering wheel, the gearshift paddles (released on the new BMW M3 and M4) made from carbon fibre and the steering wheel spokes, which have Black Chrome trim. Next to this, there is a fixed lightweight cover on the center console, which replaces the usual armrest with opening lid. Its black Merino leather is complemented by red double stitching. The color red is used again for the “CS” badging on the instrument panel. On the dashboard displays in front of you, you will notice the Gold Bronze details on the animated M5 CS model.
Availability and pricing
The European market launch of the new BMW M5 CS will get underway in March with the first cars arriving at dealers and clients in April. The U.S. market will get the first units in Summer 2021. The vehicle is limited by a production time of one year and is available across the globe except for China. In Germany it will have a base starting price of 180,400 EUR and in the UK at 137,700 GBP making it the most expensive BMW ever made looking at just its base specification. The M5 CS comes highly equipped. There are only a small number of checkboxes on the option list, such as the body color, brake caliper color, sun protection glass and the exclusive galvanic embellishers for the controls of the iDrive controller, audio and temperature dials.
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Hagerty has just exploded its YouTube car content, with several new shows hosted by very familiar faces in the car world. There’s a show with Chip Foose, a show with our friend Jason Cammisa and one with famed Porsche-file Magnus Walker. In Walker’s, he drives classics that are still affordable for many people to see if they’re the next big collector’s item, called The Next Big Thing. In the first episode, Walker drives the E39 BMW M5.
The specific E39 BMW M5 in this video is owned by California-based gearhead Paul Zuckerman, whose Alpine White M5 has been tuned by Dinan and has made its rounds on shows like The Smoking Tire. Zuckerman is also a frequent guest on another famous gearhead Spike Feresten’s podcast. Zuckerman is a big fan of BMW, having wanted to sort of push back against the Porsche crowd when he was younger. In his eyes, BMW has lost its way since the E39 M5 and no longer makes the sort of Ultimate Driving Machines that he’s accustomed to. It’s an opinion shared by a vast population of the BMW fanbase.
His E39 BMW M5 isn’t stock but it’s not heavily modified, either. It has just a few simple mods that he finds essential for E39 M5 ownership. For instance, it has a cold-air intake, Dinan Stage 3 tune, Dinan free-flow exhaust, a short throw shifter and a limited-slip rear diff. With all of that, Zuckerman says his 4.9 liter naturally-aspirated V8 makes around 440 horsepower, versus the 396 horsepower from the factory.
Walker also really appreciates the analog, yet modern looking, interior. It’s simple and intuitive, while also feeling modern enough to not feel dated. The E39 BMW M5 is regarded by many as the best driving M5 of all time and it’s not hard to see why; it seems to be the perfect blend of power, speed, agility and comfort. While pristine examples have become absurdly expensive, you can still find high-mileage, but well taken care of, examples for affordable money and those are the cars you want. You want something to look new but have enough miles on it that not only is it easily affordable but you’re also not afraid to drive it, for fear of depreciating it. If you can find a car like that, it’s a home run classic.
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The new Audi RS6 Avant is an interesting rival to the BMW M5 Competition because it uses a very similar formula but with a twist. Both cars uses 4.0-ish liter twin-turbo V8s with 600-ish horsepower, eight-speed ZF automatics and all-wheel drive. However, the BMW M5 is a sedan and the Audi RS6 is a wagon. They both have their strengths and weaknesses but which one is actually better? In this video from Joe Achilles, we find out.
Achilles recently spent a week in a BMW M5 Competition and then spent a week in the Audi RS6 Avant, without too much time in between. So he was able to draw an accurate comparison between the two cars and judge them properly. In his review, he’s only driving the RS6 but drawing comparisons between it and the M5 throughout, trying to determine which car is better.
In terms of outright speed, both cars are astonishingly quick but the M5 is quicker. His RaceBox-recorded time for the Audi RS6 Avant was 3.31 seconds, which is three seconds faster than Audi’s claimed time. While his recorded time for the BMW M5 Competition was 2.99 seconds. So the Bimmer is considerably faster. However, he does note that it feels that Audi has trouble accelerating hard within the first five meters or so. After that initial delay, though, he claimed that it seems to pull every bit as hard as the M5.
The BMW M5 is also the sharper car but only by a bit. Through some twisties, the Audi RS6 Avant is a great handling, genuinely exciting car to drive and one that defies physics. However, the M5 is just a bit more precise on the road and certainly more so on track.
Where the Audi RS6 Avant does get an on-road advantage, it’s in its ride comfort. The RS6 is one of the best riding sports cars in the world and quite a bit better than the BMW. Not only is it more comfortable than the M5 but it’s also no slouch in the corners. So it’s nicer to drive on a regular basis but it’s also nicer to drive quickly, as the more supple suspension keeps it planted through choppier pavement.
In the end, though, Achilles chose the BMW M5 Competition as the car he’d rather have. It’s a close contest and there’s a lot to like about the Audi RS6 but it’s the M5 Comp that he feels is best for him.
Imagine combining what are potentially the two best sedans BMW ever made? By that, I mean taking the powertrain from the best sport sedan BMW ever made and stuffing it into possibly the best looking, nicest riding sedan it’s ever made. Some crazy genius decided to take the V8 and six-speed manual gearbox from an E39 BMW M5 and stuff it into the gorgeous body of an E38 BMW 7 Series, thus creating what could be the most perfect BMW ever. And it’s for sale.
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This Frankenstein M5/7 Series is currently up for sale on Cars and Bids, the new auction site from Doug DeMuro. At the time of writing this, the current bid is at $11,500 and there are still five days left. So it’s not going to be cheap. But it’s worth the money. It’s worth all the moneys.
The car started off life as a short wheelbase E38 BMW 740i M Sport but in 2017 it had its powertrain and drivetrain swapped with an E39 M5’s. So it now has a 4.9 liter naturally-aspirated V8 with a six-speed manual gearbox (*grins in Jason Statham*). Additionally, it gets Supersprint mufflers, Bilstein dampers, H&R springs and a tablet running either Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The drivetrain has 143,000 miles on the odometer but there is a risk that the mileage for the rest of the car has been rolled back.
Personally, I don’t really like the idea of buying a car with a powertrain swap, as I deeply worry that it might not work properly. Having said that, this car, to me at least, is worth taking the risk on. It combines the best aspects of the two best sedans in BMW’s history into one awesome package. So it gets the stunning looks and great cabin of an E38 7 Series with the brilliant powertrain of the E39 BMW M5.
Coupe. These autos are rivals, despite the fact that some may claim otherwise. Leaving the entire ‘four-door sports car’ calling system behind, they are all sedans as well as they are all exceptionally fast. The M5 and also the M8 share a great deal of their bases. The engine and the transmission coincide, even though, by the appearances of points, the M8 is not a Competition design, which indicates it has somewhat much less power. And, think it or otherwise, that shows in the race, despite the fact that we’re only discussing 25 HP.
So, what are the specifications we’re taking a look at here? Well, the BMW M8 and the BMW M5 both utilize a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 making 600 HP in standard guise. The Competition version has 25 extra ponies, while the torque figure continues to be the same at 750 Nm (553 lb-ft )of torque. Beyond, we have the Mercedes-AMG GT63 S 4-door Coupe which utilizes the exact same 4-liter twin-turbo V8 you’ll find on most 63 AMG designs yet used up to 640 HP and also 900 Nm(664 lb-ft)of torque. All autos have four-wheel drive as well as launch control however one of them is heavier than the various other two. Like guess which one? That’s right, the AMG which definitely reveals. The video clip mores than 20 mins long and also consists of plenty of runs, most of them finishing similarly. I won’t spoil it for you however it does show a clear advantage for the BMW designs.
