The range of 1500, 1600, 1800 and 2000 sedans, known as the "Neue Klasse", brought BMW the expected success after difficult years. These cars re-established the brand's image of sportiness without sacrificing elegance and comfort. The 1500 was the smallest car of the series, which was presented at the end of 1961. Designed by Giovanni Michelotti under the control of the BMW style center headed by Wilhem Hofmeister, the Neue Klasse foreshadowed the guidelines of all BMW production thereafter. a couple of decades. The 1500, produced until 1964, had the 1499cc M115-type engine with a variable power between 80 and 90 horsepower. The car was replaced by the 1600, which remained in production until 1966.