Cadillac takes the family to Geneva

The 2008 Cadillac BLS family shown at the Geneva Motor Show offers a wide variety for luxury customers, including the first wagon body style in Cadillac's history.

A new 'flexfuel' bio-ethanol engine, powerful turbodiesel engines and turbo-charged petrol engines also demonstrate Cadillac's commitment to continued growth in the Europeanmarket.

The BLS saloon and wagon are offered with a choice of two direct-injected, common rail turbodiesel engines that are fitted with a maintenance-free diesel particulate filter. Top of the diesel line is the new 180 hp (132 kW) engine with either a six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic transmission. The two-stage turbodiesel engine delivers 400 Nm of maximum torque, giving the BLS a top speed of 220 km/h and 0-100 km/h acceleration in 8.7 seconds.

The BLS wagon and saloon are also the first Cadillac models to be offered in Europe with the option of a low-emission, bio-ethanol 'flexpower' engine, which runs on E85 bio-ethanol, unleaded petrol or any combination of both fuels. Like the three turbocharged petrol engines and the two turbodiesels, the 200 hp (147 kW) Flexpower engine offers the dynamic performance customers have come to expect from Cadillac.

As the first stationwagon in Cadillac's 106-year history, the BLS wagon marks a milestone for the brand. Clear, crisp and sharply defined contours, characteristic Cadillac design features and a striking wedge shape that is emphasised by the tapered lines of the side windows, all make the Cadillac BLS Wagon an appealing entry in the mid-size stationwagon segment.

From the front bumper and hallmark Cadillac V-shaped chrome-plated grille, to the trademark vertical tail lamps with the latest LED technology and rear bumper, the Cadillac BLS wagon measures 4,716 mm, compared with 4,680 mm for the BLS saloon. At 2,038 mm wide (including door mirrors) and 1,543 mm in height (including roof rails and roof antenna), the BLS wagon combines a compact, sporty shape with a high degree of versatility and functionality.

The BLS saloon and wagon also feature jewel-like headlamps, fog lamps integrated into the body-colour front bumper and a wide air intake below the grille. A narrow chrome strip runs along the side windows.

The Cadillac BLS wagon offers plenty of interior space to support a wide variety of luxury and leisure interests. With the rear seats in use, the boot measures 419 litres loading space, with an additional 12 litres below the floor. With the rear seats folded down, the total amount adds up to 1,285 litres of flexible and versatile cargo space.

The interior of both the BLS saloon and wagon is highlighted by a three-spoke, leather-wrapped steering wheel and an analogue clock in the centre stack. The circular instruments have white numerals and red needles on a black background. Optional refinements include leather seating surfaces and heated seats.

Four trim levels are available: Business, Elegance, Sport and Sport Luxury.

The popular Prestige Package, applicable to both saloon and wagon, includes leather seat upholstery, a Bose sound system, DVD navigation system and wood interior trim option on BLS Business.

The high-quality audio system from premium American audio company Bose is combined with a Centerpoint simulated surround sound and additional rear-door speakers.

The DVD navigation system with touch-screen operation also includes Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia.

All BLS models have Stabilitrak electronic stability control as standard. This year's model also brings tyre pressure monitoring as standard equipment on the Sport and Sport Luxury trim levels.