 The design of the Mackensens was a much improved version of the previous Derfflinger class . The most significant improvement was a new , more powerful 35 cm ( 14 in ) gun , compared to the 30 @.@ 5 cm ( 12 @.@ 0 in ) gun of the earlier ships . The Mackensen @-@ class ships also featured more powerful engines that gave the ships a higher top speed and a significantly greater cruising range . The Mackensen design provided the basis for the subsequent Ersatz Yorck class , armed with 38 cm ( 15 in ) main @-@ battery guns , after the Battle of Jutland in 1916 made the need for the larger guns clear . 
