BMW E3 – Large Sedans represents the period in which BMW returned to the upper luxury segment in the late 1960s and laid the foundation for its later flagship sedans. Introduced in 1968, the E3 generation brought large six-cylinder sedans into the BMW range, combining elegant design, a high level of comfort and the driver-focused character typical of the brand. While earlier BMW models had helped establish the marque’s sporty and technically ambitious image in the smaller and midsize classes, the E3 showed that the same approach could also be applied to a larger and more prestigious category of car.
The E3 models reflect very well how BMW began to create its own interpretation of the luxury sedan. These cars were not designed merely for comfortable travel, but also offered balanced handling, strong inline-six engines and clear technical confidence. Models such as the 2500 and 2800 became especially important for BMW, because they helped strengthen the brand’s position on the international market and shaped the idea of a large BMW sedan that differed from its rivals through a sportier stance and a more direct driving feel. In this way, the E3 generation can be regarded as a direct predecessor to the later 7 Series.
This page presents different BMW E3 models, showing clearly the role this important generation played in the development of the marque. Together, these cars represent the era in which BMW established itself convincingly in the higher luxury class and laid the groundwork for its future flagship sedans.
Click on the model image or name to open the gallery and description.
