The Chinese company SAIC-owned Roewe unveiled the “Pearl of China” concept in Shanghai.
The luxurious electric sedan combines design elements from Jaguar and Rolls-Royce.
The car’s design was created by Josef Kaban, who previously worked at Rolls-Royce and Bugatti.
Auto shows have always been a spectacle, but this year Chinese automakers outdid themselves with numerous premieres. Among the various concepts and production models, SAIC Corporation’s offerings stood out with impressive models from AUDI and MG. However, the latest concept car from the Roewe brand, named “Pearl of China,” truly caught our attention, and for good reason.
This new model stands out not only because of its name. It bears an uncanny resemblance to a future European luxury car model, and we can’t help but notice it.
A Familiar Touch from a Familiar Designer
The Roewe Pearl was designed by Josef Kaban, the same Slovak designer who briefly worked at Jaguar in 2019, though his tenure there lasted only six months. Before being invited to SAIC in 2024, Kaban’s resume included stints at Audi, Skoda, Bugatti, BMW, and Volkswagen. And yes, he was behind the design of the Bugatti Veyron, which is still considered one of his greatest achievements.
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One could easily mistake the Roewe Pearl for Jaguar’s upcoming flagship electric sedan. Its vertical nose, sleek LED headlights, and fully illuminated grille feel oddly familiar. Of course, the proportions differ, but they are much closer to a production sedan.
We can also spot other European design inspirations. For example, the profile detailing and suicide doors are reminiscent of Rolls-Royce, while the gold accents on the framed grille evoke a sense of luxury. Inside, the four-seater cabin features ambient lighting, a floating center console, a large infotainment screen, and a flower vase between the rear seats.
Is It Electric? Possibly
For now, we don’t have concrete details about the technical specifications, but the lack of air cooling intakes suggests the Pearl could be powered by an electric drivetrain. Given current trends, this wouldn’t be surprising, but until we learn more, we can only speculate.
In addition to the Pearl, SAIC also showcased a veiled crossover with a similar design language. While the company hasn’t confirmed whether any of these concepts will enter production, they hint that these designs may foreshadow the direction Roewe intends to take in the future. Expect more of this design in the coming years, whether in sedans, crossovers, or elsewhere.
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Although luxury sedans and crossovers from Chinese brands are becoming increasingly common, Roewe is typically positioned as an economy brand within SAIC’s broad portfolio. However, the “Pearl of China” concept suggests the company may be aiming higher in terms of positioning. After all, if you have a designer behind the Bugatti Veyron and such a striking concept, why not aim higher? Other brands under SAIC include Wuling, Baojun, Maxus, IM Motors, Rising Auto, and others, each covering different segments of the vast Chinese market.