Cadillac BLS
Ratings
3 stars
Summary
Average. It's built in Europe, shares most of its underpinnings with a Saab and will never see America - meet the strangest Cadillac ever.
Review
Probably the most outlandish entry to the compact executive segment in recent years, the Cadillac BLS is basically a rebodied version of the current Saab 9-3, sharing its Swedish cousin's underpinnings, engines and even windscreen.
The BLS certainly looks like a miniaturised Caddy, sharing the angular looks and chunky "egg crate" radiator grille of the XXL versions - but it's actually a Europe-only model and will never be sold in the States.
It's appeal is pitched as being a combination of strong equipment and exclusivity. Cadillac's limited dealer network in the UK means it will be a long time, if ever, before the BLS becomes a common sight on our roads. Build quality is impressively high, notably tighter than on Cadillac's American-built offerings, although some bits have clearly come straight from the Saab parts bin. Front seat accommodation is reasonable, although taller rear seat occupants will find their heads pressed against the roof.
The BLS drives with a composed competence, riding reasonably well and cruising quietly at speed. But it can't muster anything like the back-road enthusiasm of its German competitors, sharing the 9-3's slightly inert steering and understeering determinedly at the limit. Performance is similar to the Saab as well, thanks to shared engines. Three petrol motors are available - 2.0 litre turbos in 175 bhp and 210 bhp states of tune and a 255 bhp V6 turbo which struggles to find traction on greasy road surfaces. The 1.9 litre 150 bhp turbodiesel is undoubtedly the most sensible option.
Ratings Breakdown
Styling
3 star
Shrunken US-Caddy styling isn't particularly successful - from the front the BLS looks too narrow and the common Saab 9-3 windscreen is obvious.
Handling
3 star
The baby Caddy drives decently, but without providing any of the dynamic attachment that the best of its rivals provide.
Comfort
4 star
Good driving position and good high-speed stability make the BLS a good tool for longer journeys. Just like the Saab 9-3, unsurprisingly.
Quality & Reliability
4 star
Clearly superior to the more expensive Cadillacs built in the States. Impressively well-finished cabin looks and feels good - except for the cheesy wood trim.
Performance
3 star
Decent on-paper urge across the board, although the V6 petrol engine feels surprisingly gutless when driving through the optional autobox.
Roominess
3 star
Good driving position but lacks room in the back and the boot isn't particularly large by segment standards.
Running Costs
3 star
Untested depreciation could prove something of a problem, although the four cylinder petrol engines and the 1.9 litre turbodiesel turn in respectable economy figures.
Value for money
3 star
Cheaper than German rivals - but not by a sufficient margin to offset the gawky styling and inert dynamics.
