Click the Cadillac for high-res photos of the BLS wagon
Since its introduction in Europe early in 2006 the Cadillac BLS has made the old Cimarron look like a roaring success. Reportedly, sales had reportedly failed to break into four figures by the end of 2006. But GM isn't giving up on the small Caddy yet. Since the BLS is based on the Saab 9-3 it seems a no-brainer to add some of the other Saab options to the BLS lineup.
At the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, Cadillac introduce a BLS station wagon that will be available for sale starting in November. The BLS will also add the turbocharged E85 flex-fuel Saab BioPower engine as a new option at the same time as the wagon. A new 1.9L two stage turbo-diesel four cylinder with 180hp will be a further option.
[Source: General Motors]
Cadillac reveals more details of new BLS Wagon
- Bio-ethanol fuel option available for 2008 in BLS Sedan and Wagon
- New two-stage turbo diesel engine with 180 hp / 132 kW
- Expressive design combines elegance and versatility
DETROIT - The Cadillac BLS Wagon will make its world premiere at the IAA International Motor Show, 13 to 23 September in Frankfurt, Germany. In addition to its first offering of a station wagon, Cadillac is announcing it will offer an alternative, bio-ethanol-fuel engine for the BLS Sedan and Wagon. Both moves demonstrate Cadillac's commitment to continued growth in the European market. Sales of the BLS Wagon throughout Europe will commence in November 2007. The bio-ethanol-powered BLS will be available at start of sale.
Bio-Ethanol power option for BLS
The BLS Wagon and Sedan models will be the first Cadillac models to be offered in Europe with the option of low-emission, bio-ethanol engines. Bio-ethanol is in use today in the USA and Brazil as an alternative to traditional gasoline fuels. The BLS with Bio-Ethanol power will go on sale in November 2007.
New diesel engine
The front-wheel-drive BLS Wagon is offered with the same range of power units as the BLS sedan, giving the choice of a turbo-diesel and three turbocharged gasoline engines. In addition, a powerful 1.9L four-cylinder two stage turbo-diesel engine with common-rail direct-injection delivers 132 kW (180 hp) and 400 Nm of maximum torque.
Depending on engine specification, the BLS Wagon offers the choice of a six-speed manual transmission or a five- or six-speed automatic transmission. For BLS models equipped with an automatic transmission, a standard Sport Mode button allows the driver to select a sportier transmission shift pattern.
The range of gasoline engines includes two 2.0L four-cylinder turbocharged units developing 129 kW (175 hp) and 154 kW (210 hp). A high-tech, 2.8L V-6 developing 188 kW (255 hp) features a twin-scroll turbocharger and variable phasing of the intake camshafts.
Expressive Design and Versatility
As the first station wagon in Cadillac's 104-year history, the BLS Wagon marks a new milestone for the brand. Clear, crisp and sharply defined contours, characteristic Cadillac design features, a striking wedge shape that is emphasized by the tapered lines of the side windows all make the Cadillac BLS Wagon an appealing new entry in the midsize station wagon segment.
"The BLS Wagon is an appealing addition to the Cadillac portfolio for customers seeking dramatically designed luxury vehicles that offer versatility and performance along with outstanding ride and handling characteristics," said Cadillac General Manager Jim Taylor. "We think it will do well in many European markets where consumers desire a high degree of versatility and functionality in their vehicles."
From the front bumper and Cadillac hallmark V-shaped chrome-plated grille, to the trademark vertical tail lamps with the latest LED technology and rear bumper, the Cadillac BLS Wagon measures 4716 mm, compared with 4680 mm for the BLS sedan. At 2038 mm wide (including exterior rear view mirrors) and 1543 mm in height (including roof rails and roof antenna), the BLS Wagon combines a compact, sporty shape with a high degree of versatility and functionality.
Luxurious Interior
The BLS Wagon interior is highlighted by a three-spoke leather steering wheel and an analog clock in the center stack. The circular instruments have white numerals and red needles on a black background. State-of-the-art infotainment systems include high-quality audio units from American sound specialist Bose, a DVD navigation system with touch-screen operation, a Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone system with a hands-free kit and remote controls on the steering wheel.
The Cadillac BLS Wagon offers plenty of interior space to support a wide variety of luxury and leisure interests. With the rear seats in use, the boot measures 419 liters loading space, with an additional 12 liters below the floor. With the rear seats folded down, the total amount adds up to 1285 liters of flexible and versatile cargo space.
Comfort and driving dynamics
The chassis of the BLS Wagon has been developed to provide both the agility and comfort customers expect from a Cadillac. Fine tuning of the McPherson struts in front and a four-link rear axle ensures dynamic handling performance without compromising ride or load capacity.
BLS Wagon available in Europe in November 2007
The Cadillac BLS Wagon will be in European Cadillac showrooms in November 2007, shortly after world début at the IAA International Motor Show in Frankfurt, (13 - 23 September 2007). It has four levels: Business, Elegance, Sport and Sport Luxury.
The standard "Business" trim level offers 16-inch alloy wheels, Cadillac's StabiliTrak electronic stability program engine immobilizer, front, side and head curtain airbags, driver trip computer, three-spoke leather steering wheel with control buttons, cruise control, air conditioning, a seven-speaker audio system with CD player and "Piano Black" interior decor trim.
The intermediate trim level "Elegance" features additional standard equipment, including, wipers with rain sensors, eight-way power seats, dual-zone climate control and 17-inch alloy wheels. Red walnut wood veneer trim enhances the interior decor.
The Cadillac BLS "Sport" adds 18-inch wheels and lowered sports suspension for the front MacPherson struts and four-link rear axle. The chassis tuning ensures dynamic handling performance without compromising comfort. The BLS Sport interior is highlighted by the use of stylish aluminum trim instead of wood and the circular instruments have white numerals and red needles on a black background.
The "Sport Luxury" level is available in combination with the 2.8 V6 engine and the 1.9 Turbodiesel engine. In addition to the "Sport" content, it includes Bi-Xenon headlamps, heated and electrically adjustable leather seats with memory function and wood trim, instead of aluminum trim.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
James @ Jul 1st 2007 9:52AM
Gross.
why not the LS2LS7? @ Jul 1st 2007 12:10PM
I don't get it. There is already a Saab in this market space from GM. Why do they need another vehicle?
If GM brought out a CTS wagon (and I don't mean the SRX) in the US I'd buy it in a minute. Even better if it had a stick!
F451 @ Jul 1st 2007 12:10PM
I still say it looks like a hearse.
Bill @ Jul 1st 2007 12:20PM
I'm a wagon fan, and I like this better than the Saab. They should consider selling something like this in the US. I'd bet it would outsell the 9-3 SportCombi wagon. I live in an urban area, and for some people, premium smaller wagons are perfect. I'm not in the market yet, but I'll be glad when I can buy a diesel powered small wagon with a stick shift that's not a VW. A BLS wagon would probably be a little out of my price range, but it would be nice to want it, even if I couldn't afford it.
TriShield @ Jul 1st 2007 1:24PM
And Europeans won't buy the wagon just like they aren't buying the sedan. I doubt it would fare well here too.
The next CTS is rumored to spawn a wagon model, along with a coupe and convertible. That would probably go over better on both sides of the pond.
dave @ Jul 1st 2007 1:37PM
I like wagons. They look good when sporty and are somewhat utilitarian for carrying things around and trips. But...this is just not working for me. It looks almost as if the caddy design was forced and is unbalanced...it just doesnt look right.
Ligor @ Jul 1st 2007 1:44PM
ahh,
why shoot your self in the leg GM.
just get rid of this and bring out a BLS with RWD to fit under the CTS
Calguy @ Jul 1st 2007 1:51PM
What a waste of development dollars (or Krona).
This Caddy has been DUD #1 so far. It makes the Jag X-type seem like a raging success.. but the wagon Jaguar added didn't begin to help the X-type pathetic sales either.
It looks good but it's wasted on a market that doesn't care. If it were in the USA, it would sell better than Europe, but it would cost too much here anyway, they say. SO... GM develops a car that will, if lucky sell in the hundreds.
It's phenominal that this money was wasted on a hopeless idea, yet there's Saab, desperate for some big bucks to get new product to market.. and they e-x-p-a-n-d the BLS. Comically sad.
Blake @ Jul 1st 2007 2:04PM
GM has been doing so well for itself lately that this comes as a big surprise. Expanding the doomed BLS line is strange, and even though I love wagons this thing isn't that great looking. Looks killer as a Saab, though, and I can't wait for an upcoming CTS wagon. Oh man that would rule so much.
bmoredlj @ Jul 1st 2007 3:26PM
I like this little wagon's looks, both front and rear it has the unmistakable Caddy resemblance (though not as handsome as the SRX) while still differentiating itself from the Saab.
Cut 'em some slack, I just still find it amazing Caddys are finding buyers in Europe at all! It's not a bad car, I just agree there's nothing really amazing about the BLS that makes it stand apart from this loaded segment.
Hopefully the next BLS (which we should get in the US) will be more daring.
The FedEx Man @ Jul 1st 2007 3:39PM
Why don't GM concentrate on their only credible luxury marque (in Europe) Saab?
Tanster @ Jul 1st 2007 8:30PM
if hannibal lechter built a car...
Frank @ Jul 1st 2007 9:01PM
Ok, enough already. Remember the comments about how great Toyota and Honda are, because when they first introduced their cars in the states, they weren't that great and didn't suit the tastes of most Americans, but they kept right on refining and improving them until they became trend setters and market leaders? And they have been rightfully praised for that.
Well, Europeans like small hatches and wagons. So now GM is trying to broaden the appeal of the car and you criticise it. What if they make a lot of improvements with the next gen? What if they make it even more suitable to European tastes? Cut them come slack. If it still sucks by the 2nd and 3rd gen, THEN you can trash them and the car.
Maybe GM is taking a page from Toyota's book. You gotta start somewhere. It doesn't matter where you start , it matters where you end up.
Mike G @ Jul 2nd 2007 1:06AM
Well we can criticize GM right now because the BLS is bad product with no demographic, and that's why it's not selling, and your apology for it doesn't change that.
Calguy is right, why not spend the money on building a better Saab, which they also would be able to sell here in the States for additional amortizing savings?
Val @ Jul 2nd 2007 7:37AM
I have two words for you when it comes to GM in Europe: OPEL and VAUXHALL. These are brands really suited for the european taste, and until recently opel was a big seller, although they fell behind a few years ago and had some problems. Anyway, the astra and vectra, although not praised by the press or the customers, have a considerable market share, and the last generation astra challenged the golf as the best selling car in europe. Then there is saab, i really don't see any reason why GM should try and push with establishing Cadillac as a brand in europe, and with this rebaged saab at that? Are they really hoping to create some kind of following or brand awareness so that they can dump the ridiculous escalade here, or mabye set the soil right for the coming sixteen/twelve? Good luck with that, but it still sounds like daydreaming. Oh, and hoda and toyota may be big names in america, but in europe they are really not that big, so I fail to see the point of GM copying from their book, I mean, its not like the avensis is the best selling car for 10 years in a row, followed by the accord.
Vik @ Jul 1st 2007 11:12PM
It seems to me that if this Caddy isn't selling well in wagon obsessed Europe than its sure to bomb here as well.
I like the vehicle personally, but I trust my Euro bretheren whe nit comes to judign top wagons. Audi and BMW rule this segment- Caddy better bring some serious horsepower to steal some market share here in the US. BMW for some reason refuses to bring its v8 wagon to the US. Maybe if caddy has some success in the states it will motivate BMW to bring its v8 wagon here too.
len simpson @ Jul 1st 2007 11:22PM
caddy Enclave? Buick,s version better! How much longer do we have to tolerate historically, totally useless, roof racks? It was fun being able to delete them from my last (& first) factory order.
Don @ Jul 2nd 2007 3:15PM
It'll sell. 180 hp, a ton of torque...and Europeans love estates.