For BMW, it's a moment of new beginnings. In the fall, the company will present its new "New Class" or Neue Klasse, at the IAA Mobility in Munich. It's more than just a new model; it's the rebirth of a name that saved the Bavarian brand from bankruptcy more than 60 years ago.
In September 1961, at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt, BMW debuted the 1500. This four-cylinder sedan became an instant sensation, attracting the attention of thousands of visitors. It wasn't just a new car, it was a new face for the brand. Created by the star design duo Giovanni Michelotti and Wilhelm Hofmeister, the 1500 featured iconic elements that are still part of BMW's design today - the distinctive headlights, the kidney-shaped grille and the famous "broken Hofmeister".
From salvation to legend
The Neue Klasse appeared at a very opportune time. Just a few weeks before the IAA 1961, competitor Borgward declared bankruptcy, leaving a market niche for a sporty middle class. BMW seized the opportunity and filled the gap with the four-door 1500. This model not only won the hearts of customers, but also laid the foundation for a whole range of successful cars.
The "New Class" family soon expanded to include two-door versions (1600-2002 Turbo), coupes, convertibles and estate cars. These also gave birth to the first BMW 5 Series and 3 Series, which are the backbone of the company to this day. The Neue Klasse cars were uncompromising in their sporting focus. With models such as the 1800 TI/SA, BMW dominated the racetracks, winning races such as the 24 Hours of Spa and becoming the first touring car to lap the Nürburgring in under 10 minutes.
Electric future
Today, BMW is facing a new challenge - electrification. That is why expectations for the new Neue Klasse are huge. As in 1961, BMW is once again relying on innovative architecture, but this time it is fully electric. With the concept models Vision Neue Klasse and Neue Klasse X, the company shows that it has a clear vision for the future.
BMW is confident that the new "Neue Klasse" will revive the famous slogan “Joy of Driving“ (Freude am Fahren) in the electric age. Only time will tell whether the new models will be able to achieve the same success as their predecessors, which not only saved the company, but also turned it into a global leader in the premium segment.