Especificaciones y análisis del Cadillac BLS
Power
175HP
Torque
265Nm
Consumption
8.3l/100
Emissions
197g/km
0-100 km/h
8.5s
Top Speed
220km/h
Weight
-kg
Price
33,350€
Technical summary
Gasolina
Manual 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 Elegance (2006-2008)
General description
The Cadillac BLS represented the American brand's bold attempt to conquer the heart of the demanding European premium sedan market. Launched in 2006, this car was not a typical Cadillac; beneath its skin of sharp, angular lines lay the excellent platform of the Saab 9-3, promising a unique fusion of American character and Swedish dynamism. It was a statement of intent, a car designed to go head-to-head with the German giants, offering a different and exotic flavor.
Driving experience
Getting behind the wheel of the BLS 2.0T is a rewarding experience. The 175-horsepower turbo engine pushes with smooth and progressive force from low revs, thanks to its 265 Nm of torque available at just 2500 rpm. The acceleration is energetic and pins you to the seat with a feeling of controlled power, allowing for lightning-fast overtakes and agile driving. Despite its front-wheel drive, the Saab-derived chassis gives it extraordinary poise on the road, combining remarkable ride comfort for long trips with a cornering precision that surprises and delights. It's a car that invites you to devour miles, always feeling safe and isolated from the outside, yet connected to the road.
Design and aesthetics
Visually, the BLS is unmistakably a Cadillac. Its design, a product of the brand's 'Art & Science' school, is based on sharp edges, an imposing chrome grille, and vertical headlights that give it an impressive presence and an overwhelming personality. It does not go unnoticed. Inside, the story is a mix of light and shadow. While the quality of the materials is good and the fit is correct, it shares too many elements with its cousin, the Saab 9-3, which detracts from the opulence and exclusivity one would expect from a Cadillac. Even so, the atmosphere is cozy and the driving position is excellent.
Technology and features
For its time, the BLS in Elegance trim was well-equipped, with everything expected in a sedan of its class. It featured comfort elements like climate control, a good sound system, and quality seats. In the safety department, it was not left behind, incorporating multiple airbags and traction and stability controls. However, its greatest technological asset was under the hood: the GM-sourced 2.0 Turbo engine was a piece of modern, efficient, and proven-performance engineering, which constituted the true technological and emotional heart of the package.
Competition
The Cadillac BLS entered one of the most competitive and fierce segments in the automotive world. Its direct rivals were the German holy trinity: the BMW 3 Series, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and the Audi A4. These models not only surpassed it in brand image and resale value but also in the perceived quality of some interior finishes. Additionally, it competed against other high-level contenders like the Volvo S60, the Alfa Romeo 159, and even its own platform sibling, the Saab 9-3, against which the differentiation was sometimes not enough.
Conclusion
The Cadillac BLS was a brave car, a sedan with a unique character that offered a real alternative to German monotony. Its combination of American design, an excellent turbo engine, and a proven chassis made it a fast, comfortable, and very pleasant car to drive. Although it did not achieve the expected commercial success, overshadowed by strong competition and a not-fully-defined identity, today it stands as a fascinating option in the used car market. It is a car for those who value exclusivity, good performance, and a different story to tell.