Cadillac Saab

cadillac bls — Cadillac BLS made in Sweden.

A completely unexpected news. Even the dealers were surprised. A new Cadillac adapted for the European market?

I don't remember which newspaper published the story, but it was about a journalist who had contacted a local car dealer. The dealer was completely fired up by what he had seen.

“I'm at a dealer meeting now – will call you tomorrow. You won't believe what kind of car I've seen here!”

An independent model

It was no secret that the new Cadillac BLS was based on the Saab 9-3. After all, GM has never been a stranger to so-called "badge engineering", where you create a "new" car model by replacing the grill and placing a different logo on the steering wheel. But BLS was no "rebadge job". In addition to a new front, it received a completely redesigned rear that resembled Cadillac's larger sedan models. In addition, the suspension was made softer and more noise reduction was added. I guess the steering maybe got a more powerful servo? Inside, changes were made to place the model in a higher premium tier. Among other things, you could get leather seats with Cadillac leather. Saab's green instrument lighting was replaced with white light and an elegant clock was given a central place on the dashboard.

Cadillac for Passat money

The Cadillac BLS appeared as a 2006 model. Norway was then a diesel country. "Everyone" was supposed to have a diesel car, which GM had realized. The new Cadillac could of course be delivered with a diesel engine. GM's 1,9 turbodiesel was used by both Opel and Saab, and was developed by Fiat under the name MultiJet. Due to the diesel-friendly tax policy, the Cadillac BLS 1,9 D Business Sedan became the most affordable version here at home. It cost exactly the same as a Volkswagen Passat 2,0 TDI Highline Sedan. Cadillac for Passat money, in other words – or NOK 20 more than what the equivalent Saab 000-9 Sedan cost.

What was he thinking?

Bob Lutz was vice president of GM and is considered the man behind the BLS project. GM did not have to dig deep into the wallet to develop and produce the new model. The differences between the Saab 9-3 and the Cadillac BLS were no greater than that both models could be produced along the same production line in Trollhättan. The BLS program resulted in better utilization of the production equipment and a completely new car model in the bargain. Good for Saab – and good for GM. One can speculate about what goals Bob Lutz actually had. Was it to test the production apparatus for the production of two models at the same time, or was it a test of the market for a European Cadillac? In both cases, you can say that it was a good attempt.

The flop

The Cadillac BLS didn't sell well anywhere. American motoring press were quick to label the car "weird" - and said it would never reach the US. The European car press was kinder in its reviews. The Saab 9-3 was not a bad car - something Cadillac could reap benefits from. It is difficult to find any exact reason why BLS never became a success. I can only share my own thoughts when I changed my car in 2006.

The qualification of the election

I like American cars - for example, one with a warm V6 and an automatic transmission. But in 2006 such an engine option would be disproportionately expensive. A Cadillac with diesel? What's the joy in owning an American model that no American will admit to? I didn't want to be a "Wanna-Be" Cadillac owner. For me it was (yet) a new Volkswagen Passat. For the same price as the Cadillac, I got a spry pump-nozzle diesel, sports seats and snobbish Highline grill. My now long previously owned Passat was recently wrecked with over 300 km at an unknown location in Finnmark. If you own a Passat B000 or newer, all you have to do is enjoy it as long as it lasts. You can then hand it over for scrapping with a clear conscience - like an old bookcase from Ikea.

But what about the Cadillac BLS?

I spotted the car at the top of the page just a few days ago. It must have been ages since I last saw a Cadillac BLS. There are only 80 cars in the vehicle register. Most (54) were registered in 2006 – i.e. the first model year. The last 3 cars were registered as recently as 2010. Approximately 12 of the 80 cars have been wrecked, 5 have been confirmed deregistered and 6 may be in winter storage. Now is probably the time for the owners to decide whether to keep the car or deliver it for scrapping.

Will probably continue as Saab

I have started taking "snapshots" of newer Saabs for fear that they will disappear for good. In 10 years, I think many people will find pleasure in studying a Saab 9-3 up close.

How will the BLS be perceived in 10 years? Like Saab or Cadillac?

What matches will the cars appear at? Saab meeting or Amcar meeting?

I don't think I need to give an answer, but om should a BLS show up at a Cadillac meet in 10 years, I hope it's a "top of the line" Cadillac BLS 2,8 T Sport Elegance Automatic - a car that cost a decent NOK 795 in 600.