With the Bayern class, the German Imperial Navy made a leap in main gun calibre to 38cm, greatly increasing their firepower. The new guns require a lot of space though, so the number of turrets was reduced to four, dropping the central turret from the previous König class. This also meant that there was a lot more space amidships, which enabled the engineers to keep the engine rooms compact. Apart from that, the usual improvements in armour and intersection were made. Like the König class, these ships were supposed to have a diesel engine for long cruises as well, but due to the war, they were not ready in time and had to be replaced by an additional turbine. Four ships were laid down, all to be named in honour of German states, but only Bayern has been completed so far.