First look: Cadilliac eyes 3 Series with BLS

EXTENDING its reach across the world, Cadillac will show at Geneva a concept version of its new front-drive premium small-medium sedan built for Europe and other markets.

Dubbed the BLS and based on GM’s Epsilon architecture, the BLS is expected to go on sale in Europe next year with a Holden-built 2.8-litre V6 engine and a Fiat-GM Powertrain 1.9-litre turbo-diesel among the available engines. Two 2.0-litre four-cylinder versions will also be sold.

Engineers have placed heavy emphasis on the ride comfort and cabin refinement, while the exterior design – from the front end, at least – is immediately recognisable as a modern Cadillac. Critical dimensions include 4680mm overall length, 1762mm width and 1449mm height.

A final version should materialise at the Frankfurt auto show in September. GM has confirmed that production will be carried in right-hand drive as well as LHD, meaning its prospects as part of an Australian Caddy range are excellent.

Last month's Chicago show played host to the debut of Cadillac’s DeVille large sedan replacement, the front-drive DTS (left).

Powered by a Northstar 4.6 V8, it will go on sale in the US and Canada this year, before exports to Mexico, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

Alongside it from GM was the all-new "entry luxury" 2006 Buick Lucerne front-driver, while Ford’s Mercury brand showed its premium 2006 Milan medium sedan and Toyota revealed the production FJ Cruiser SUV, due on sale in the US in early 2006.