2008 Cadillac BLS Estate

[Flybrian]

GM @ Frankfurt
2008 Cadillac BLS Estate

• First station wagon in Cadillac’s history
• New 2.0L bio-ethanol fuel option with 200 hp / 147 kW
• New two-stage turbo diesel engine with 180 hp / 132 kW
• StabiliTrak becomes standard on all trim levels

FRANKFURT – The 2008 Cadillac BLS family improves with standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control, a new wagon version and the addition of a new bio-ethanol engine and an extra powerful turbo diesel engine. These moves demonstrate Cadillac’s commitment to continued growth in the European market.

The BLS sedan and wagon are offered with two direct-injected, common rail turbo-diesel engines that are fitted with a maintenance-free diesel particulate filter. The engines offer the dynamic performance customers have come to expect from Cadillac. The latest addition is a 132 kW (180 hp) turbo-diesel engine with either a six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic transmission. The diesel will be available on all BLS models, starting in December 2007. The two-stage turbo-diesel engine delivers 400 Nm of maximum torque, giving the BLS a top speed of 220 km/h and 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration in 8.7 seconds.

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 2.0L Flexpower will go on sale in November (Wagon) or December (sedan) 2007. Like the three turbocharged gasoline engines and the two turbo-diesels, the 147 kW (200 hp) Flexpower engine offers the dynamic performance customers have come to expect from Cadillac, while using Bio-ethanol (E85) as an alternative to traditional gasoline.

Exterior: expressive design and 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 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 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.

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 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 1,285 liters of flexible and versatile cargo space.

Wagon-only 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 both the BLS sedan and 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, 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.

The popular Prestige Package, applicable to both sedan and Wagon, includes leather seat upholstery, a Bose sound system, DVD navigation system and wood interior trim option on BLS Business.

The high-quality audio system from premium American audio company Bose is combined with a new centerpoint simulated surround sound and additional rear-door speakers. The DVD navigation system with touch-screen operation includes newly added countries of Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia.

Engines: three gasoline, two turbo-diesel and one bio-ethanol engine

The front-wheel-drive BLS sedan and Wagon are offered with a large range of power units, giving consumers the choice of two turbo-diesel, a turbocharged bio-ethanol and three turbocharged gasoline engines. The 1.9L four-cylinder with common rail direct-injection technology develops 110 kW (150 hp). In addition, a powerful new 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.

The gasoline engine offerings — all turbocharged — include two, 2.0L four-cylinder versions (120 kW / 175 hp and 154 kW / 210 hp) and a high-tech, 2.8L six-cylinder engine at 188 kW (255 hp), which features a twin-scroll turbocharger and variable phasing of the intake camshafts. The new 2.0L four-cylinder turbo-charged bio-ethanol engine develops 147 kW (200 hp). The BLS offers a six-speed manual transmission and five- or six-speed automatic transmissions, depending on the engine.

All BLS models now have StabiliTrak electronic stability control as standard. Model year 2008 also brings Tire Pressure Monitoring as standard equipment on the Sport and Sport Luxury trim levels.

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.

Image Gallery

[Drew Dowdell]

not bad from the back.

horrid from all other angles.

[PurdueGuy]

Looks decent. Not WOW, but decent.

[K.C.]

Meh. Looks like an anglized 9-3.

[smk4565]

I think this car is embarrassing. The wreath and crest should never be on a piece of junk like that, they might as well put one on front of the new Malibu. The wood trim around the shifter looks glued on, almost like the G6's fake wood does. The exterior is ugly, and the Saab 9-3 isn't even that great of a car, putting a Cadillac badge on a lesser car is not going to get them established in Europe. Cadillac never made a wagon in 100 years, there is a reason, wagons are not cool. I know they are searching for sales, but the Escalade pickup and a 9-3 wagon badge job aren't the way to get them. Anything with a wreath and crest on it should be a standard of the world level car.

[frogger]

Give it up already, its a failure in this iteration stop embarrassing the name by prolonging its lifespan.

[Oracle of Delphi]

Not a huge fan of wagons, they were the cars of choice of the Boomer's parents. Remember when the Brady kids went to the Grand Canyon, they went in a wagon, no thanks, I'll pass.

Edited September 12, 2007 by Pontiac Custom-S

[vonVeezelsnider]

When It says 'first wagon', I guess they're not counting Hearses and Ambulances/Coroner's Vehicles .

[HarleyEarl]

This car and BLS in general says so much about what Cadillac shouldn't be

and the need to return to it's iconic roots. Awful.

Cadillac needs to stop trying to ape other brands.

Just say no. Just be yourself. Be Cadillac.

[Z-06]

That is f*cking hideuous and unoriginal.

No wonders they are reducing the sales target in Europe. If they keep on bringing $h! like that Cadillac will soon be non existent in EU.

[vrazzhledazzle]

Honestly, it's horrendous. Just a Saab 9-5 or whatever wagon which is ugly to begin with.

[frogger]

They're just making the Cadillac brand = Complete and utter $h!, a laughing stock in Europe. Way to go GM, between this and the G6 GXP you just make my blood boil.

[Sixty8panther]

I just projectile vomited on my keyboard.

This thing makes the Catera look like an M3.

Rest In Peace Cimarron, you are no longer

the biggest disgrace to Cadillac in its 100+

year history. That front gross overhang,

semi-half-assed-Euro styling and unoriginal,

dated details make this THE worst Cadillac

EVER, even more so than the 8-6-4 Seville!

EDIT:

Did I mention that a cars' front overhang

should never be 37% of the car's overall

length, esp. with a wagon bodystyle.

Edited September 12, 2007 by Sixty8panther

[Drew Dowdell]

Lets play which one of these is not like the other, which one of these isn't the same.

[Intrepidation]

Why in the hell would anyone want thins when you could get the better looking 9-3 SportCombi with XWD and MORE power?

This thing needs to be killed and replaced with a real, RWD Cadillac.

[cire]

I thought the "B" designated Cadillac products (sedan and wagon) were created to fully utilize production at a Saab plant somewhere in Europe. No wonder they dilute the brand's image. You don't give a brand watered down retread products to take up idle production at a plant. Cadillac should have no front wheel drive products in their lineup, period. GM really shot themselves in the foot with this one. These products damage the overall brand image of Cadillac in Europe; they will never be taken as a serious competitor to BMW or Mercedes if they continue producing inappropriate products like these for the brand. This is the same misguided train of thought that resulted in a Chevy Cavalier being morphed into a Cadillac Cimarron.

As for wagons and crossovers, Cadillac should have them if the design is executed correctly. I don't think they should discontinue the SRX crossover, but it needs a more cohesive design for the next generation. The current model looks to much like an elevated station wagon and a poorly designed one at that. Cadillac has proven that it has vision and direction in design with the 2008 Cadillac CTS and the Sixteen concept car. They just need to utilize this talent to elevate the image of their entire lineup.

[smk4565]

I just projectile vomited on my keyboard.

This thing makes the Catera look like an M3.

Rest In Peace Cimarron, you are no longer

the biggest disgrace to Cadillac in its 100+

year history. That front gross overhang,

semi-half-assed-Euro styling and unoriginal,

dated details make this THE worst Cadillac

EVER, even more so than the 8-6-4 Seville!

EDIT:

Did I mention that a cars' front overhang

should never be 37% of the car's overall

length, esp. with a wagon bodystyle.

Funny stuff, and I totally agree. This and the Cimarron are neck and neck for worst Cadillac ever.

This car is just hurting their image more so in Europe. Cadillac needs to realize they need a real small car for Europe, the CTS is too big and they can't just rebadge anything, they need a unique product.

[Sixty8panther]

Cire said it all.... damaging to Cadillac's image for sure!!!

[Paolino]

It's horrendous. Just end it. And that interior? It just doesn't say luxury to me. Cadillac should be beyond what this car is. You want to make a small wagon? Fine, but do it right.

[ZL-1]

I thought the "B" designated Cadillac products (sedan and wagon) were created to fully utilize production at a Saab plant somewhere in Europe.

Trollhättan, Sverige: clicky

[aaaantoine]

"First station wagon in Cadillac’s history"

A. This must exclude the ambulettes and hearses, as vonVeezelsnider said. It also must exclude the SRX, which is basically a tall station wagon anyway.

B. That's not something to be proud about.

[aaaantoine]

By the way...

The interior is attractive; I have nothing against it. However, it's no 2008 CTS.

[Lamar]

By the way...

The interior is attractive; I have nothing against it. However, it's no 2008 CTS.

The CTS has set the precedent for all new Caddy interiors. New cars should have to come close.

This interior is nice, but not for a Cadillac.

[ocnblu]

Over there, I am sure more of the general public looks at this and instantly thinks "SAAB reskin"... the general profile, beltline incline and windshield all scream SportCombi. Over here, a lot fewer people even know the SportCombi exists for comparison's sake... but that is no excuse. This car should not exist now.

[maxximus1]

yuck... looks like a mini hearse from that angle.

Edited October 31, 2007 by maxximus1

[ZL-1]

It looks much better in the metal than in pictures :AH-HA_wink: