by Frank de Leeuw van Weenen November 8, 2007 11:33 AM
Filed Under: American, Cadillac
Cadillac's first station wagon
The European built Cadillac BLS has the honour of adding Cadillac's first ever estate to the line-up and will be available in dealership across Europe starting this month.
The Cadillac BLS Station Wagon is available with a variety of engines, a 1.9 liter common rail turbo-diesel with 150 hp, a new two-stage turbo diesel producing 180 hp, a new 2.0 liter bio-ethanol engine putting out 200 hp, a 175 hp and 210 hp 4-cylinder 2.0 liter turbo engines running on gasoline and the top-of-the-line turbocharged 2.8 liter V6 with 255 hp which will be available with 4WD early 2008.
The new estate measures 4,716 mm in length, 1,802 mm in width and 1,543 mm in height. It can hold 419 liters of cargo with the rear seats in use upto 1,285 liters with the rear seats folded down.
The BLS STW comes with all the usual safety features, a 7-speaker stereo system (Bose system is optional), parking assist, rain sensor, electrochromatic rear-view mirror and 6.5 inch colour LED navigation system.
Please refer to the attached press release for further details.
New 2.0 liter bio-ethanol fuel option with 200 hp (147 kW)*
New two-stage turbo diesel engine with 180 hp (132 kW)
Optional all-wheel drive for Wagon and sedan
StabiliTrak standard on all trim levels, also for BLS sedan
The 2008 Cadillac BLS includes a new wagon version, the addition of a new bio-ethanol engine and a new, powerful two-stage turbo diesel engine. All-wheel drive will be available in spring of 2008 with the 2.8 liter V-6 turbo for both the sedan and Wagon.
Both of the BLS models will be offered with two direct-injected, 1.9 liter common rail turbo-diesel engines that are fitted with maintenance-free diesel particulate filters and either six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions. The base diesel engine has an output of 150 hp (110 kW) and 300 Nm of torque. New is a 180 hp (132 kW) two-stage turbo-diesel delivering 400 Nm of maximum torque, giving the BLS a top speed of 220 km/h and 0-100 km/h acceleration in 9.1 seconds. Sales of the new two-stage turbo diesel start in December 2007.
The BLS Wagon and sedan will also be the first Cadillac models to be offered in Europe with the option of a low-emission, bio-ethanol engine. The BLS 2.0 liter FLEXPOWER will go on sale in November 2007. Like the three turbocharged gasoline engines and the two turbo-diesels, the 200 hp (147 kW)* turbocharged FLEXPOWER engine offers the dynamic performance customers have come to expect from Cadillac, when using bio-ethanol (E85) as an alternative to traditional gasoline. The FLEXPOWER engine runs on E85 bio-ethanol, unleaded gasoline or any combination of both fuels.
Exterior: expressive design combined with wagon 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 and 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 a strong addition to the Cadillac portfolio for customers seeking dramatically designed luxury vehicles that offer versatility and performance along with outstanding ride and handling,” 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 4,716 mm, compared with 4,680 mm for the BLS sedan. At 2,038 mm wide (including exterior rear view mirrors) and 1,543 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.
The BLS sedan and wagon also feature jewel-like headlamps, fog lamps integrated into the body-color front bumper and a wide air intake below the grille. A narrow chrome strip runs along the side windows accentuating the car’s striking wedge shape and contoured lines.
Interior: luxurious atmosphere and state-of-the-art infotainment systems
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 cargo space 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 1,285 liters of space.
Standard equipment consists of silver roof rails, dark tinted glass rearward of the B-pillar, a tailgate opening with a chrome sill plate, a cargo cover, cargo net and chrome cargo hooks. The interior of the BLS Wagon is highlighted by a three-spoke, leather-wrapped steering wheel and an analog clock in the center stack. The circular instruments have white numerals and red needles on a black background. Optional refinements include leather seating surfaces and heated seats.
Four trim levels are available: 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, 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. Leather seat upholstery, a Bose sound system, DVD navigation system and wood interior trip is a package option for the Business trim level.
The intermediate trim level, Elegance, features additional equipment, including wiper 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 McPherson 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 turbo-diesel engines. In addition to the Sport content, it includes Bi-Xenon headlamps, heated and electrically adjustable leather seats with memory function and wood, instead of aluminum, trim.
The premium audio system from Bose includes new Centerpoint® simulated surround sound and additional rear-door speakers.
Turbo-charged engines: three gasoline, two turbo-diesel and one bio-ethanol
The front-wheel-drive BLS sedan and Wagon are offered with a large range of power units, giving consumers the choice of three turbocharged gasoline engines, two turbo-diesels, and a turbocharged bio-ethanol engine. The 1.9L four-cylinder base diesel with common rail direct-injection technology develops 150 hp (110 kW) and 320 Nm of torque at 2000 rpm. In addition, a powerful new 1.9L four-cylinder diesel with common-rail direct-injection delivers 180 hp (132 kW) and 400 Nm of maximum torque at 1850 rpm.
The gasoline engine offerings — all turbocharged — include two, 2.0 liter four-cylinder versions (175 hp/129 kW and 210 hp/154 kW and a 2.8L six-cylinder engine at 255 hp (188 kW), which features a twin-scroll turbocharger and variable phasing of the intake camshafts. The new 2.0 liter four-cylinder turbo-charged E85 bio-ethanol engine develops 200 hp (147 kW.)* The BLS Wagon offers a six-speed manual transmission and five- or six-speed automatic transmissions, depending on the engine.
All-Wheel Drive: optional for sedan and wagon
All-Wheel Drive with Active Torque Transfer technology will be available on both the BLS sedan and Wagon with the 2.8L V-6 turbo engine in the spring of 2008. This latest-generation Haldex technology is activated when needed and works with the electronic stability system to provide enhanced vehicle control. It electronically engages the clutch before take-off, avoiding wheel spin and achieving immediate and maximum traction. No front wheel slip is required before the rear wheels are engaged. AWD models with the 2.8L V-6 receive a horsepower upgrade to 280 hp (from 255 hp).
StabiliTrak: now standard
All BLS models now have StabiliTrak electronic stability control as standard. Model year 2008 also includes standard Tire Pressure Monitoring on the Sport and Sport Luxury trim levels.
except for the emblem on the grill, this is a SAAB - its disgusting. Absolutely no effort was put into this car as far as making it the least bit distinctive from the 9-3 wagon. The shift gate, turn signals on the steering column, power window buttons, ALL SAAB. I know its a division of GM, but c'mon - GM is clearly underestimating the knowledge which its consumers have - of course readers of this site may be a little more informed than others. Also, do Caddys even sell in Europe - i predict this will go the way of the Catera.
actually the top half of the dash,the taillamps, and some minor details in the bumper and the interior are different. The interior is much nicer; saab interior are just horrendous. Parent companies and their subgroups have to do that for economical reasons. GM isn't trying to hide anything. Its all a matter of preference between the Saab 9-3 sportcombi and the BLS.
I first thought it was a Volvo. Like I said, it is great that they finally have a diesel. I have the V-10 Touareg and I love the diesel. Above avg. mileage and plenty of power. Too bad the US isn't following the leadership of Europe!
yeah, who would wanna follow the example of a country that builds safe, reliable cars? why would we want to save gas? why would we want better mpg and what the hell does resale value mean? long live the vw group and their affiliates bio'.
