In the realm of performance saloons, the BMW M5 CS is among the most powerful out there. The German four-door is just hard to beat, numbers-wise, but that doesn't mean that there isn't a worthy rival.

We're talking about the Porsche Panamera Turbo S and though we know that a major update is coming for the model for the 2024 model year, the current outgoing model is still very much a potent machine. Let the Porsche prove its worth in a straight line with this drag race versus the BMW M5 CS, courtesy of UK's carwow.

Gallery: New Porsche Panamera, Cayenne Spy Photos

Both German saloons are a beast in terms of numbers, but the BMW has a definitive advantage over the Porsche.

The M5 CS, powered by a twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8, can churn out up to 626 bhp (467 kilowatts) and 553 pound-feet (750 Newton-metres) of torque. That amount of power pulls all of the saloon's 1,825 kilograms (4,023 pounds) of weight.

Meanwhile, the Panamera Turbo S also utilises a twin-turbo V8 but with a slightly smaller displacement at 4.0-litre. It makes slightly less power though it's important to note that the Porsche substantially produces more torque at 605 lb-ft (820 Nm).

The Panamera needed that extra oomph at the line, though, as it's substantially heavier than the BMW by 255 kgs (562 lbs) or the weight of around three people. In a contest where weight is very important, this isn't good news for the Porsche saloon.

That said, this drag race went down to the starting line, with results varying depending on how well the cars launched. But ultimately, one of them came out on top after three trials.