BMW

In the early 1960s, BMW decided to develop a full-size six-cylinder sedan as a response to the growing luxury market domination by Mercedes-Benz. The design team was led by Wilhelm Hofmeister and a goal was to allow for more passenger space and comfort than the earlier "Neue Klasse" saloons had been able to offer. The two initial models, introduced in 1968, were the 2500 and 2800. The dual-carbureted 3.0 S was introduced in 1971, a fuel-injected version and long-wheelbase L model was also available. At the end of 1973 the new, larger 3.3 L was presented, going on sale in January 1974. In 1977 the cars were succeeded by the new 7-series.

1975