Cadillac is better known for building SUVs and luxury saloons, but GM's luxury division is now looking to increase its presence in Europe by including a new estate variation of the BLS, a first in the company's 104-year history.
Estate cars appeal to customers who are looking for more flexibility in their cars and Cadillac is broadening its product range to cater to those buyers. The BLS clearly demonstrates Cadillac's sharply defined contours, created under the leadership of Ed Welburn, GM vice president of Global Design.
The BLS is actually derived from the Saab 9-3, GM's Swedish counterpart, but sports contemporary Cadillac design cues such as tall headlamps, a distinct front-end and a wide air intake below the front grille. The characteristic wedge shape is emphasised by the tapered lines of the side windows and the sharp culmination of the boot. Vertical tail lamps, another Cadillac trademark, define the car's rear end.
Power is sourced by a choice of four engines: three turbocharged petrol units or a turbodiesel. The 1.9-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, with common-rail direct-injection technology, is the first diesel powerplant produced by the company. It is fitted with a maintenance-free particulate filter for decreased emissions and delivers 150bhp.
Petrol engines include two 2-litre four-cylinder versions with 175bhp and 210bhp, and a 2.8-litre 255bhp V6 with a twin-scroll turbocharger is also available.
Shifting is conducted through either a six-speed manual gearbox or a five- or six-speed automatic transmission - depending on the engine choice - that sends power to the front wheels. For BLS models equipped with an automatic transmission, a standard 'sport mode' button allows the driver to select a more dynamic shift pattern.
The suspension consists of MacPherson struts at the front with a four-link axle employed at the rear. According to Cadillac, the chassis tuning has been optimised to provide agility without compromising comfort.
A three-spoke leather steering wheel and an analogue clock in the centre stack highlight the interior. The circular instruments have white numerals and red needles on a black background and leather trim is available as an option. The layout is claimed to be flexible and versatile, attributed to the folding rear seats and a large rear load bay.
Entertainment and technology systems abound in the BLS Wagon, including a Bose audio system, a DVD navigation system with touch-screen operation, Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone system with a hands-free kit and stereo remote controls on the steering wheel.
Set to go on sale in Europe by the end of the year, the Cadillac BLS Wagon will offer increased versatility in an unmistakable Cadillac package. Further details, including pricing and UK availability, will become available closer to the launch date.
In the meantime, check out our thoughts on the
Cadillac BLS saloon.
Eric Gallina - 12 Mar 2007
