The first 5 Series in the history of BMW became the successor to the New Class (Neue Klasse) in 1972. The four-door sedans designed by Paul Bracq created a more impressive effect and were rather more comfortable than their predecessors. They ushered in a new stylistic era in BMW design with the characteristic double headlamps, and this styling would last for several decades. A number of minor visual changes were carried out in the model year 1977 until the model was finally replaced by the next generation of the BMW 5 Series (E28) in 1981.