All-New Cadillac BLS Saloon Available In UK

The all-new Cadillac BLS range of executive saloons, which goes on sale in the UK next week, presents customers with a choice of 12 models featuring one diesel and three petrol engines, each with manual or automatic transmission, and three equipment levels.

The right-hand drive BLS extends the American luxury brand’s model lineup with a premium midsize saloon designed in Europe, manufactured in Europe, for the specific requirements of European and UK consumers. Arrival of the BLS will accelerate Cadillac’s successful renaissance, which last year saw sales in Western Europe increased by 73 per cent.

First shown by General Motors at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2005, the new front-wheel drive BLS offers expressive design, an outstanding ride and unrivalled acoustic comfort, and marks a new era in the brand’s history as the first-ever Cadillac with a turbo diesel engine.

The Cadillac BLS design was conceived by an international team of designers led by GM Vice President of Design Ed Welburn. The vehicle has clear, sharply defined contours, a striking wedge shape profile and an elegant interior. Its development focused on matching customers’ expectations of performance, ride, handling and refinement to Cadillac’s unique ‘Art & Science’ design language.

The Cadillac BLS is available with a choice of an advanced common-rail diesel and three petrol engines, all with turbocharging and four-valve-per-cylinder technology. Every engine is available with a manual or an automatic transmission, with five- or six-speeds - depending on engine type.

The new BLS is the first-ever Cadillac with a turbocharged diesel engine. The 1.9-litre TD, 150 hp, four-cylinder power unit delivers a dynamic driving performance and low consumption. Strong torque, 320 Nm (236 lb ft) from 2000 to 2750 rpm, ensures brisk responsive acceleration for safe everyday overtaking ability. Acceleration to 62 mph takes just 9.5 seconds and top speed is 131 mph with the six-speed manual transmission. Fuel consumption is 46.3 mpg on the combined cycle and 39.2 mpg with the six-speed automatic.

The BLS’s two all-aluminium 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engines develop 175 and 210 hp respectively, and share the same basic design characteristics. The maximum torque of 265 or 300 Nm (195 or 221 lb ft), is available at just 2500 rpm, which means high pulling power at low and medium engine speeds. With a manual transmission, acceleration to 62 mph takes 8.5 seconds (175 hp engine) and 7.7 seconds (210 hp), while top speeds are 137 mph and 146 mph. Fuel consumption on the combined cycle is 37.2 mpg and 33.2 mpg respectively.

The new aluminum 2.8-litre V-6 petrol engine has a twin-scroll turbocharger and a maximum output of 255 hp. Part of a new generation of engines used globally by GM, this V6 offers plenty of power in all driving conditions, thanks to a maximum torque figure of 365 Nm (258 lb ft) generated at a low 2000 rpm. With a manual transmission, acceleration to 62 mph takes 6.7 seconds and top speed is 155 mph. Fuel consumption on the combined cycle is 27.7 mpg.