Cadillac BLS Wagon (08 on) - Review

Review by Simon Harris on
Last Updated: 05 November 2008
Cadillac relied on Saab engineering to produce its smallest model, the BLS. Based on the Saab 9-3 Sportwagon (and built in the same plant) the BLS Wagon arrived a couple of years after its saloon counterpart and is Cadillac's first ever estate car. At the time of the Wagon's launch, Cadillac's presence in the UK had reduced to just five dealers with three additional approved repairers, so brand and product awareness is a major challenge. However, the BLS Wagon is a competent car, if a little short on carrying capacity compared with some rivals.
3.5 out of 5

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3 out of 5

Buying new

You'll struggle to find a sales outlet (there were only six when the BLS Wagon was launched), but it shouldn't be too difficult to negotiate a discount which is often tricky to achieve on other premium cars. It certainly makes more sense than the saloon version but its worth comparing it against the Saab equivalent. It can often work out cheaper - although it won't come as well equipped as the BLS.

3 out of 5

Buying used

There are very few BLS models around - and even fewer Wagons, but that doesn't prevent depreciation from being quite savage, so the few that are on the market should be relatively cheap for an almost upmarket car. The diesel models offer decent running costs as a used car - but be aware that the more powerful 180bhp version is actually more economical than the 150bhp variant.

  • Boot/Load Space Cadillac BLS Wagon (08 on)
  • Interior Cadillac BLS Wagon (08 on)

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2.5 out of 5

Selling

Not many people will be looking for a Cadillac, but there may be a handful that like the idea of owning something different - and the BLS fits this bill perfectly. The fact it's built on a Saab platform should help win over buyers who aren't too sure.