Especificaciones y análisis del Cadillac BLS
Power
175HP
Torque
265Nm
Consumption
9l/100
Emissions
216g/km
0-100 km/h
9.7s
Top Speed
220km/h
Weight
-kg
Price
32,190€
Technical summary
Gasolina
Automático 5v
FWD
5 / 4 doors
425 L
58 L
129 kW
Current
Technical specifications
Engine
Capacities
Detailed analysis of the Cadillac BLS 2.0T 175cv Business Aut. (2006-2008)
General description
The Cadillac BLS represented the iconic American brand's bold attempt to conquer the heart of the competitive European premium sedan market. Launched in 2006, this car was not a purebred Cadillac, but a fascinating symbiosis built on the solid platform of the Saab 9-3, seeking to merge American character and design with the engineering and taste of the old continent. It was a statement of intent, a bridge between two automotive worlds.
Driving experience
Behind the wheel, the 175 hp BLS 2.0T feels more like a tireless traveler than an athlete. The turbo engine delivers its power smoothly and progressively, and the 5-speed automatic gearbox prioritizes comfort over speed, creating a relaxed and pleasant driving experience. It doesn't seek acceleration records, but rather to devour miles with remarkable composure and poise. Its Swedish-origin chassis gives it an admirable balance between comfort and stability, filtering out road imperfections without the body feeling disconnected, conveying a sense of safety and solidity at all times.
Design and aesthetics
Visually, the BLS is unmistakably Cadillac. Its sharp, angular lines, imposing chrome grille, and vertical headlights give it a road presence that immediately distinguishes it from its sober European rivals. It's a car with an overwhelming personality. However, upon opening the door, the Saab heritage becomes evident. The cabin, though well-built and functional, fails to convey the same luxury and opulence that its exterior promises, combining American design elements with pragmatic Swedish ergonomics. It's an interior that speaks more of logic than passion.
Technology and features
For its time, the BLS was properly equipped, offering the comfort and safety features expected in a vehicle of its category. It had an effective climate control system and a quality sound system. However, it was not a technological pioneer. Its turbo engine was a proven and robust piece of engineering, but the automatic transmission, though reliable, already felt a step behind the more modern options of its competitors in terms of efficiency and response speed, which was reflected in somewhat high fuel consumption.
Competition
The Cadillac BLS entered a territory dominated by true titans. Its sights were set directly on the German trio: the BMW 3 Series, the Audi A4, and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. These rivals not only surpassed it in brand prestige in Europe but also in the perception of interior quality and in offering a wider range of technologies and engine options. Additionally, it had to face other characterful alternatives like the Alfa Romeo 159, the Volvo S60, or even its cousin, the Saab 9-3, with which it shared much of its soul.
Conclusion
The Cadillac BLS was a brave and characterful experiment, a car that dared to be different in a very conservative segment. It offered a unique exterior design and excellent ride comfort, but its interior did not live up to its imposing facade, and it struggled to justify its premium positioning against German hegemony. Today, it is a fascinating rarity on our roads, a reminder of a transatlantic dream that, although not commercially successful, left a mark of audacity and personality.