Cadillac unveiled the first wagon in the company’s 104-year history yesterday at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Called the BLS Wagon, the car is actually based on the Saab 9-3 SportCombi. However, the BLS doesn’t share any sheet metal with the 9-3. Cadillac touts the wagon as a “commitment to continued growth in the European market.”
The BLS Wagon also ushers in two new engine choices for the BLS model range. The first is a 2.0L E85 Flexpower engine that produces 200 horsepower and the second is a new two-stage 1.9L turbo-diesel engine that produces 180 horsepower. The latter can propel the BLS Wagon from 0-62 mph in 8.7 seconds and to a top speed of about 136 mph.
The BLS Wagon will also be available with the current engine option of the BLS: a choice of two gasoline 2.0L four-cylinders — one rated at 175 horsepower, the other at 210 — a 2.8L V6 turbo making 255 horsepower and a 1.9L diesel making 150 horsepower. All BLS models are front-wheel drive.
The BLS Wagon will be available in four trim levels — Business, Elegance, Sport and Sport Luxury. The standard Business trim includes 16 inch wheels, front, side and head curtain airbags, driver trip computer and a three-spoke leather steering wheel with control buttons. Elegance adds 17 inch wheels, wipers with rain sensors, eight-way power seats and upgraded interior treatments. The Sport model includes 18 inch wheels and a lowered suspension with the top-level Sport Luxury adding Bi-Xenon headlamps and wood trim to the Sport’s list of features.
“The BLS Wagon is an appealing addition to the Cadillac portfolio for customers seeking dramatically designed luxury vehicles that offer versatility and performance along with outstanding ride and handling characteristics,” said Cadillac General Manager Jim Taylor. “We think it will do well in many European markets where consumers desire a high degree of versatility and functionality in their vehicles.”
Cadillac has no current plans to sell the BLS Wagon in U.S. market.
