BMW New Class

BMW New Class
BMW 2000
Overview
ManufacturerBMW
Production1962–1972
Assembly
DesignerWilhelm Hofmeister
Body and chassis
Body style4-door sedan
2-door GT coupe
LayoutFR layout
RelatedBMW 02 Series
Powertrain
Engine1.5-2.0 L M10 4-cyl
Chronology
SuccessorBMW 5 Series for sedans
BMW E9 for coupes

The BMW New Class (German: Neue Klasse) was a line of sedans and coupes produced by West German automaker BMW between 1962 and 1972. These models ensured BMW's solvency after the company's financial crisis of the 1950s and established the identity of BMW automobiles as sports sedans.

The first New Class vehicle was the 1500, a 4-door compact executive car with the new M10 (at the time called M115) OHC 4-cylinder engine. In 1965, the 2000 C and 2000 CS luxury coupés were added to the range.

Replacement of the New Class models began with the 6-cylinder E9 2800 CS in 1969 replacing the 2000 C and 2000 CS coupés. In 1972 the 4-door sedans were replaced by the larger E12 5 Series.

The New Class coupes introduced the Hofmeister kink, which has been used on most BMW cars since. Another legacy of the New Class is the iconic 02 Series, which are a shortened version of the New Class sedans.