The Cadillac BLS is a premium Sedan (and Wagon) that has a unique place in the history of automotive design. Based on the Saab 9-3, this car offers a perfect blend of luxury and performance. The BLS was introduced in 2006 as a European-focused model, designed to compete with other premium brands like BMW and Audi.
At first glance, the BLS has a sleek and stylish exterior design that sets it apart from other vehicles in its class. The car features a bold, distinctive grille that is sure to turn heads wherever it goes. The body is aerodynamic, with smooth curves and sharp lines, giving it a sporty look that is matched by its performance. The BLS also comes with a range of impressive standard features, including alloy wheels, automatic headlights, and fog lights.
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GM Badge Engineering
Bob Lutz‘s involvement in the development of the Cadillac BLS was an important factor in the car’s creation, and his impact on GM’s product development is widely recognized. Through his support of badge engineering, Lutz aimed to make the most of existing GM assets and to create new products that would appeal to a wider range of customers.
While the BLS was not the commercial success that Cadillac had hoped for, the techniques employed in its development did have a positive impact on other GM products. Through improved quality and performance, GM was able to create a range of cars that offered more value to customers and that were better suited to the demands of the market.
The Role of Saab in the Development of the Cadillac BLS
The last model developed entirely by Saab was the OG 900 in the 80s and 90s, which was financially unviable and eventually led to its acquisition by GM. Since then, Saab models have been based on GM platforms and share similarities with other GM brands, such as Opel, Buick, Chevrolet, and Saturn.
The Saab 9-3 was introduced in 2002 and shared a platform with the Opel Vectra, while the Saab 9-5ng, which ran from 2010 to the present, was based on the Opel Insignia platform. The BLS model is also based on a GM platform.
Performance of the Average Cadillac BLS
Under the hood, the Cadillac BLS is powered by a range of powerful engines. The car comes with a choice of petrol or diesel engines, with the most powerful models capable of producing up to 250 horsepower (2.8 L HFV6 V6). The same engines were installed in Saab 9-3 models.
The car is also designed to be fuel-efficient, making it a great choice for those who want to save money at the pump. The BLS has a smooth and responsive drive, with precise handling and a comfortable ride. This makes it a great choice for long journeys or for commuting to work.
Under the hood was usually a reliable and quite powerful 1.9 diesel
The car is considered a good highway cruiser and a great traveling car with its 1.9 diesel engine and six-speed automatic transmission. The transmission is not very fast but can be manually shifted from the steering wheel if desired. The fourth gear is not available until 50 km/h, the fifth gear can only be used outside of the city, and the sixth gear can only be used above 100 km/h on the motorway or highway.
The typical engine installed in the BLS, and the one that is the most produced and sold, is the 1.9 diesel with 150 HP, which the owners described as a more than pleasant, with a power of 150 horsepower and a torque of 320 Newton meters. The vehicle is not lightweight, weighing 1.57 tons, but the engine is capable of propelling it well.
The 100 km/h sprint takes 10.8 seconds, and the top speed is 205 km/h. According to the experiences of one of the owners, we found out that the average fuel consumption was 6.5 liters/100 km (36.187 US mpg), with a 2 deciliter improvement from the factory’s mixed value. On the highway, it can easily run at 6 liters with careful driving and even below 5 liters, while in the city it can go above 9 liters.
Cadillac BLS Interior
The interior of the Cadillac BLS is equally impressive. The car has a spacious and well-appointed cabin that is both comfortable and luxurious. The seats are made from high-quality leather and are adjustable to provide maximum comfort, while the dashboard and control panel are intuitive and easy to use.
The BLS also comes with a range of advanced technologies, including a premium audio system, satellite navigation, and Bluetooth connectivity. Saab 9-3 owners who have driven the Cadillac BLS have noted that the BLS has a higher quality interior with more luxurious materials compared to the Saab.
Cadillac BLS – Value for Money
In addition to its impressive performance, the Cadillac BLS also offers a range of safety features to protect you and your passengers. The car comes with anti-lock brakes, stability control, and a range of airbags as standard, while advanced safety features like rearview cameras and parking sensors are also available. This makes the BLS one of the safest cars in its class, giving you peace of mind when you’re behind the wheel.
One of the biggest selling points of the Cadillac BLS is its value for money. Despite its premium features and advanced technologies, the car is priced competitively, making it a great choice for those who want a luxury car without breaking the bank. The BLS also came with a range of warranties and roadside assistance programs, giving buyers peace of mind and protection in the event of any problems.
The BLS was considered by some to be a failure in the market
Despite its strong European focus, the Cadillac BLS received positive reviews from automotive journalists and customers alike. The car’s smooth and powerful engines, comfortable ride, and spacious interior were all highlighted as major selling points. However, the BLS faced tough competition in the premium car market, and sales were lower than expected. As a result, production of the BLS was discontinued in 2009, after just three years on the market.
The decision to create the BLS was made by GM in the 2000s as they aimed to make a presence in Europe with their premium brand that was well known in America, but no longer as popular. Cadillac did not have a compact model that was popular in Europe, and even their smallest sedan was too big for European customers. Thus, they developed the BLS on the Epsilon platform that also carried the Opel Vectra and the Saab 9-3 with a solid $140 million investment.
The BLS Was Not a New Car
This amount was not substantial for a new car, but the BLS was not a new car. It was a close relative of the Saab 9-3 and was manufactured by the Swedes. From 2006, a production line produced both the 9-3 and the BLS, the latter in very limited numbers. In the first year, 3,257 BLS were made, and in 2007 only 2,772. There is no data available for the last two years of production, which were carried out with embarrassment until 2009.
Despite its strong performance and premium features, the Cadillac BLS was never able to achieve the level of sales that the company had hoped for. With a total production of just over 6,000 units over its three-year lifespan, the BLS was considered by some to be a failure in the market. However, it is important to note that the BLS was introduced during a difficult time in the automotive industry, as the global financial crisis of 2008-2009 had a major impact on sales across the board.
Saab owners will recognize the twin in the BLS model
The Saab owners will recognize the steering wheel, mirror adjuster, and interior handle from the 9-3 model, and the instrument panel and hi-fi seem to be familiar from Chevrolet models. We are in the former GM empire.
A used Cadillac BLS
While it is an older model, it still has a high-quality feel and no signs of wear. The car has a distinctive grill, “Az” emblem, and other premium features. Despite being a bit outdated in terms of size and technology, it is still a good value for those looking for a stylish, low-maintenance car.
The Cadillac BLS was a truly impressive car that offers a perfect blend of luxury and performance. With its sleek and stylish design, spacious and well-appointed interior, and powerful engines, this car is sure to impress. The Cadillac BLS is remembered as a unique and interesting car that offered a touch of luxury and style to drivers. The Cadillac BLS is a rare and exclusive car that offers a unique alternative to more common, small minicars. During maintenance, there may be problems only with body panels and body parts, and other parts can be found in Saab 9-3 (and Opel) spare parts stores.
Despite its limited production and market success, the BLS remains a fascinating piece of automotive history that is appreciated by collectors and enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re a fan of Bob Lutz or simply appreciate the finer things in life, the Cadillac BLS is a car that is sure to be remembered for years to come.
Why did the BLS never had a turbo-gauge ?
The 1.9 TiD 9-3 didn’t get a turbo gague until 2011 model, and you are looking at the dash of the BLS 1.9TiD model – maybe the 2.0t/2.0T and 2.8V6 BLSs did.