Cadillac BLS specifications and photos
The 2006 Cadillac BLS is a D-class premium sedan that originally debuted at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show. Positioned as an entry-level model in the brand's lineup, it translates traditional Cadillac luxury into a more compact footprint.
Cadillac BLS at a glance
Quick model context before comparing photos and trim-level specifications.
Built on the same front-wheel-drive platform as the Saab 9-3 and Opel Vectra, the Cadillac BLS brings American design language to a European architecture. It was developed to expand the brand's reach by offering a more accessible, dimensionally modest alternative to their larger vehicles. Despite its smaller size, it retains the distinctive Cadillac aesthetic, characterized by sharp angles and prominent styling cues. The BLS aims to deliver a refined driving experience suitable for both city commutes and highway cruising, catering to buyers who want a premium badge in a practical mid-size sedan format.
- Power: 175 hp
- Engine displacement: 1998 cc
- Transmissions: 5-speed manual
- Seating: 5 seats
Photos, trims and specifications for Cadillac BLS
This model page brings gallery images, trim comparison, and detailed technical data together for the 2006 generation.
Estimate fuel cost
Use trim-level fuel consumption data to estimate monthly and yearly fuel spending.
Fuel costs are estimates. Real consumption can change with driving style, traffic, tires, weather, load, and market-specific equipment.
Cadillac BLS overview
Editorial context for design, cabin, performance, practicality, and buyer notes.
Design
Designed under the direction of GM's Ed Welburn, the BLS features a pronounced wedge-shaped profile with sharp, authoritative lines. The front end is defined by a signature V-shaped chrome grille, jewel-like faceted headlights, and a distinctive lower air intake. This angular motif is echoed at the rear, where the trunk lid mirrors the V-shape of the grille. A subtle chrome strip accents the lower edge of the side windows, while modern LED technology is utilized for the taillights, the secondary stop light, and the integrated trunk spoiler.
Interior
The cabin contrasts the sharp exterior with a softer, more rounded layout aimed at creating a luxurious atmosphere. Genuine leather trim, chrome accents, and an analog clock positioned on the center console highlight the premium intent. The driver is greeted by a three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel and classic circular instrument dials featuring a black background, white numerals, and contrasting red needles. The five-seat layout provides standard mid-size accommodations, focusing on comfort and refined material choices.
Performance
The 2006 BLS offers a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four gasoline engine, delivering 175 horsepower and 265 Nm of torque. This front-wheel-drive sedan is equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission in its standard configuration. The powertrain enables a zero to 100 km/h acceleration time of 8.7 seconds and a top speed of 220 km/h. Fuel consumption is rated at 8.1 liters per 100 kilometers in a mixed driving cycle, balancing reasonable efficiency with adequate everyday power.
Practicality
As a mid-size sedan, the BLS is practical for daily commuting and typical family use. With a length of 4,681 mm and a wheelbase of 2,680 mm, it offers a stable footprint and standard seating for five. The vehicle has a relatively low ground clearance of 119 mm, which contributes to its planted stance but requires care on rougher roads or steep driveways.
Safety and tech
The BLS utilizes modern LED lighting technology for its rear taillights and stop signals, improving visibility for trailing drivers. While specific advanced driver-assistance systems are typical for its era, the primary focus of the interior tech is centered around the analog instrumentation and traditional luxury amenities rather than heavy digital integration.
Buyer notes
Buyers comparing the 2006 Cadillac BLS should note its shared mechanical roots with other GM mid-size sedans, which can be advantageous for parts availability and servicing. When evaluating trims, pay attention to the transmission options, as the 5-speed manual provides a more engaging drive, while automatic variants may offer better urban convenience. Ensure the 119 mm ground clearance suits your local driving conditions.
Trims and key specifications
Use this table to compare the main differences between available configurations.
| Trim / modification | Engine | Power | Seats | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0-speed manual | 1998 cc | 175 hp | 5 | 5-speed manual |
| 2.0i (175 hp) 5-speed manual | 1998 cc | 175 hp | 5 | 5-speed manual |
Specifications can vary by market, model year, and equipment package. Use the trim sections below to review the full data for each configuration.
Cadillac BLS photo gallery
15 images are collected here with the main specifications and trim data for this model.
Photo Cadillac BLS
Specifications by trim
Choose a configuration below to open full technical data grouped by category.
2.0-speed manual 32 specifications
Specifications
Performance and consumption
| Fuel consumption city, L/100 km | 11.2 |
|---|---|
| Fuel consumption highway, L/100 km | 6.3 |
| Fuel consumption combined, L/100 km | 8.1 |
| Top speed, km/h | 220 |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h, s | 8.7 |
Engine
| Engine | 2.0i |
|---|---|
| Engine code | LK9 |
| Engine type | Internal combustion engine |
| Fuel type | Gasoline |
| Engine displacement, cc | 1998 |
| Cylinder layout | Inline |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Valves | 16 |
| Turbocharger | + |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Power, hp | 175 |
| RPM at max power | 5500 |
| Torque, Nm | 265 |
| RPM at max torque | 2500 |
Dimensions
| Seats | 5 |
|---|---|
| Length, mm | 4681 |
| Width, mm | 1750 |
| Height, mm | 1471 |
| Wheelbase, mm | 2680 |
| Front track, mm | 1519 |
| Rear track, mm | 1509 |
| Kerb weight, kg | 1460 |
| Ground clearance, mm | 119 |
Transmission and drive
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
|---|---|
| Transmission type | manual |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
2.0i (175 hp) 5-speed manual 32 specifications
Specifications
Performance and consumption
| Fuel consumption city, L/100 km | 11.2 |
|---|---|
| Fuel consumption highway, L/100 km | 6.3 |
| Fuel consumption combined, L/100 km | 8.1 |
| Top speed, km/h | 220 |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h, s | 8.7 |
Engine
| Engine | 2.0i |
|---|---|
| Engine code | LK9 |
| Engine type | Internal combustion engine |
| Fuel type | Gasoline |
| Engine displacement, cc | 1998 |
| Cylinder layout | Inline |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Valves | 16 |
| Turbocharger | + |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Power, hp | 175 |
| RPM at max power | 5500 |
| Torque, Nm | 265 |
| RPM at max torque | 2500 |
Dimensions
| Seats | 5 |
|---|---|
| Length, mm | 4681 |
| Width, mm | 1750 |
| Height, mm | 1471 |
| Wheelbase, mm | 2680 |
| Front track, mm | 1519 |
| Rear track, mm | 1509 |
| Kerb weight, kg | 1460 |
| Ground clearance, mm | 119 |
Transmission and drive
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
|---|---|
| Transmission type | manual |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
Cadillac BLS questions
Short answers based on the specifications and photos available in this catalog.
What platform is the Cadillac BLS built on?
The BLS shares its underlying front-wheel-drive architecture with the Saab 9-3 and Opel Vectra.
What engines are available for the 2006 BLS?
The featured powertrain is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine producing 175 horsepower, paired with a manual transmission.
Is the Cadillac BLS rear-wheel drive?
No, unlike many traditional Cadillac models, the BLS is a front-wheel-drive sedan.
Where did the Cadillac BLS debut?
The vehicle made its official debut at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show, reflecting its initial focus on the European market.
How fuel-efficient is the 2.0L BLS?
The 175-hp 2.0-liter manual version consumes approximately 8.1 liters per 100 km in a combined driving cycle.