EVO CAR OF THE YEAR 2021

BMW M5 CS

The gap to second place might suggest otherwise, but the M5 CS was a nailed-on winner after everyone had experienced it just once. Steve admits he thought it was a mistake when he first saw this BMW on the contenders list, and another judge assumed it was a chase car for one of the photographers. But no, the CS was here on merit and it took very little to convince doubting judges of its credentials.

‘More agile, more focused, more engaging and much lighter in feel than an M5 Competition. How have they done that?!’ asked John. ‘I know it costs a lot more than an M5 Competition but the CS is worth every penny.’

Those of us who had driven it earlier in the year knew it was good, worthy of its place, but even so, the M5 CS’S dominance was a little surprising. To the uninitiated, it looks like a 5-series with some gold wheels and yellow tinges to its headlights, but the deeper details are what make this car. The chassis work has made it not only ride with a suppleness that’s matched to supreme body control, but also allows all of its performance to be deployed in such a measured, precise way. Where others felt ragged, the CS was an example of supreme composure.

‘You can thread it down tight, testing Highland roads with utter confidence. Equally, you can cover miles in a relatively relaxed fashion but knowing you are doing more than just

‘THROUGHOUT THE WEEK IT WAS THE CAR THAT EVERY JUDGE WANTED TO DRIVE AGAIN’

controlling the car,’ explained Henry. It’s that kind of car, one that not only does everything but does so to such a high standard you’re left breathless at its breadth of ability.

Throughout the week it was the car that every judge wanted to drive again. Initially because they thought they must be mistaken in thinking it was as good as it seemed on their first drive, then later because they wanted to experience again its ability to shrink on the road, manage its weight, steer so cleanly and change direction with such immediacy.

‘It just feels inherently right,’ explained Dickie, ‘with composure and poise in all conditions that shamed pretty much everything else in the test. Better still, while you can drive it in maximum-attack mode, your enjoyment doesn’t rely on it.’ Adam, who placed it top of his list, was in awe of how BMW M has made the CS ride and drive with such aplomb. ‘It steers beautifully, with accuracy and natural weighting,’ he said. ‘It’s some form of automotive alchemy!’

Jethro’s mind, meanwhile, remained blown as to how good the M5 CS is: ‘Fantastic steering, a four-wheel-drive system that offers huge benefits but seems almost invisible, wonderful natural balance and an ability to control its weight that almost beggars belief.’

Believe it, the BMW M5 CS is the best of the best: evo’s Car of the Year 2021.