Hard though it might be to believe now, in a world of the PHEV M5, an ugly M2 and the XM, but there was actually some derision directed at the M5 CS just a few years ago. In only the first page of forum comments when the covers were taken off, there’s everything from ‘weirdly uninteresting’ to ‘honestly I cannot see the point’, ‘another rich bell-end’s PCP express’ to ‘that interior is vile.’ And there were another nine pages to get through…
On the one hand, it’s easy to understand some of the cynicism. In the modern BMW CS way, this was an M car that was a lot more expensive than the standard machine (£40k here) while not appearing very much different. And it was hardly like the M2, M3 and M4 CS had been unreserved successes; extremely good, yes, if hard to justify at tens of thousands more than also pretty great Competitions.
The M5 was (and remains) the best CS car. Which was somewhat of a surprise, given the base M5 Comp wasn’t anyone’s favourite M car. 635hp was the headline grabber, making it the most powerful roadgoing BMW ever for a while, yet the joy of a CS was in its subtlety and finesse rather than the stats. Which seemed a bit strange to say about a car with yellow lights and gold wheels that could reach 124mph in 10 seconds, but that’s how good it was.
The CS rode more deftly and steered more crisply than a Competition, while also feeling more agile than a mere 70kg weight reduction implied. It had the keenness and interaction of something M3-sized, with that V8 colossus under the bonnet. And the four best seats you ever did see. So the CS sold, even at £140,000. And it didn’t depreciate like M5s do, because of the specialness and the rarity (with only around 1,000 sold globally). They dropped a bit, but never below six figures. And now they’re for sale at £160,000 because, well, look at M cars since 2021; if there’s one more desirable than the CS, we’re yet to see it.
This one is notable as a Brands Hatch Grey example (with many seen in Frozen Deep Green). It’s covered just 10,000 miles in half a decade, and everything that stood out in 2021 only appeals more in ‘26: those seats, a gearlever and buttons, the wheels, the perfect stance on the 7mm lower ride height. There’s not likely to be a better-looking M saloon anytime soon.
So it’s £159,995, or maybe the most valuable BMW 5 Series in the world. Good job the CS is also the best. It would be staggering if there was any meaningful depreciation going forward, but then that shouldn’t be what motivates a purchase. Those who can should buy an M5 CS because it’s one of the greatest BMWs ever made. Even if some others can’t see the point…
SPECIFICATION | BMW M5 CS
Engine: 4,395cc, V8, twin-turbocharged
Transmission: 8-speed auto, all-wheel drive
Power (hp): 635 @ 6,000 rpm
Torque (lb ft): 553 @ 1,800-5,950 rpm
MPG: 25-25.5
CO2: 253-258 g/km
Year registered: 2021
Recorded mileage: 10,170
Price new: £140,780
Yours for: £159,995
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