The BLS is closely related to the Saab 9-3 and Vauxhall Vectra, so in theory it should match them in terms of safety – as a guide the Saab received the maximum five star rating while the Vauxhall was awarded four stars. It has six airbags as standard along with active headrests to lessen whiplash for front passengers and pyrotechnic seatbelts which tighten in the event of an accident.

Like the Saab 9-3, the BLS is available as a saloon or estate – but there’s no hatchback. Despite that there is a decent amount of luggage space with 425-litres of space – unsurprisingly this is identical to the Saab. The rear seats also have a 60/40 split for added practicality and there are two useful levers in the boot to fold the rear seats down.