Cadillac BLS Saloon (06 on) - Review

Review by Ben Wall on
Last Updated: 05 November 2008
The BLS is Cadillac's attempt at a medium-sized saloon. It's actually built in the same factory as (and shares many components with) the Saab 9-3, which itself has plenty in common with the Vauxhall Vectra. So despite the all-American name it is developed for European tastes. The styling is distinctive and it's certainly a good choice if you want to stand out from the crowd, while equipment levels are generous too. But there's little else to recommend the BLS. It's dull to drive, looks and feels dated inside with some flimsy switchgear while Cadillac's dealer network is very limited in size. So while the price tag puts it alongside the likes of the BMW 3-Series, the quality and driving experience falls way short.
4 out of 5

Comfort

With a generally good ride and lots of interior space the BLS is a comfortable car and good over long distances. It's dimensions are the same as the Saab 9-3 which means good room for front passengers, but a slightly more cramped space for those in the back, with limited legroom for taller passengers. The front seats offer plenty of adjustment (electrically on Luxury and Sport Luxury models) and noise levels are low too.

3.5 out of 5

Practicality

Like the Saab 9-3, the BLS is available as a saloon or estate - but there's no hatchback. Despite that there is a decent amount of luggage space with 425-litres of space - unsurprisingly this is identical to the Saab. The rear seats also have a 60/40 split for added practicality and there are two useful levers in the boot to fold the rear seats down.

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How does the boot space compare?

452 litres
425 litres
Cadillac BLS Saloon (06 on)
419 litres
405 litres
3 out of 5

Behind the wheel

This is where the Saab influence is most obvious. The BLS basically uses the same interior as the 9-3, albeit with some minor alterations including different dials, steering wheel and a restyled centre console. Unfortunately the layout is drab and doesn't feel particularly sophisticated or tactile. Quality is very good (again thanks to the Saab involvement) and finding a comfortable driving position is easy thanks to outstandingly supportive seats with plenty of adjustment and a multi-position steering wheel.