Cadillac BLS
The Swedish-built Cadillac that Europe didn't ask for.
- Power
- 175 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 8.3 s
- Top speed
- 137 mph
About the Cadillac BLS
The Cadillac BLS was a bold but ultimately unsuccessful attempt by General Motors to penetrate the European compact executive market. Built in Trollhättan, Sweden, it was essentially a heavily restyled Saab 9-3 sharing the GM Epsilon platform, featuring Cadillac's 'Art and Science' design language on a front-wheel-drive chassis. While it offered a more angular, American aesthetic and a comfortable ride, it lacked the brand prestige and driving dynamics of its German rivals. Today, it is a rare curiosity for collectors of unusual badge-engineered vehicles, notable for being the only Cadillac model never sold in North America.
Cadillac BLS specs
The Cadillac BLS produces 175 bhp (130 kW) and 265 Nm (195 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 8.3 seconds and has a top speed of 137 mph (220 km/h).
| Make | Cadillac |
|---|---|
| Model | BLS |
| Trim | 2.0T |
| Years | 2006–2009 |
| Type | Saloon |
| Body style | Saloon |
| Country | United States |
| Production | About 7,356 built |
| Engine | 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-4 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,998 cc (2.0 litres) |
| Induction | Turbocharged |
| Power | 175 bhp (130 kW) at 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 265 Nm (195 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 6,000 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 8.3 s |
| Top speed | 137 mph (220 km/h) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,440 kg (3,175 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 122 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
Cadillac BLS rarity in CarSpot
The Cadillac BLS is a Rare card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 42 out of 100. Performance cars, typically worth around £50,000 to £100,000. A Rare card is worth 40 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Cadillac BLS fun facts
- The BLS name is often jokingly referred to as the 'Bob Lutz Special', after the GM executive who championed the project.
- Despite its American branding, the BLS was never sold in the United States or Canada.
- It was the first Cadillac to be offered with a diesel engine and the first to offer a factory-built estate (wagon) body style.