The Shanghai Auto Show is always a spectacle, but this year, Chinese automakers have outdone themselves with a slew of debuts. Among the various concepts and production vehicles, SAIC stole the spotlight with some impressive models from AUDI by Audi and MG. But it was the Roewe brand’s latest concept called the “Pearl of China”, that really caught our attention, and for good reason.

This new vehicle doesn’t just stand out for its name. It looks strikingly similar to an upcoming European luxury model, and we can’t help but notice.

A Familiar Touch from a Familiar Designer

The Roewe Pearl was designed by Josef Kaban, the same Slovak designer who briefly served as the head of design at Rolls-Royce in 2019, though his stint there lasted all of six months. Before being recruited by SAIC in 2024, Kaban’s resume included stints at Audi, Skoda, Bugatti, BMW, and Volkswagen. And yes, he was behind the Bugatti Veyron, which is still regarded as one of his greatest achievements.

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Arguably, the Roewe Pearl could easily be mistaken for Jaguar’s upcoming flagship electric sedan. Its upright nose, slim LED lights, and fully illuminated grille all feel strikingly familiar. Sure, the proportions differ from Jaguar’s Type 00 coupe concept, but they’re much closer to the production sedan variant, which has been spotted on several occasions.

We can also spot other European design inspirations. For example, the surfacing on the profile and the suicide doors are reminiscent of Rolls-Royce, while the gold accents on the wraparound greenhouse evoke Maybach vibes. Inside, the four-seat layout features ambient lighting, a floating center console, a large infotainment display, and a flower vase between the rear seats.

Roewe, SAIC Design / Weibo

Is It Electric? Probably

We don’t have any hard details on the technical specs just yet, but the absence of air cooling intakes suggests that the Pearl could be powered by a fully electric powertrain. Given the current trends, this wouldn’t be surprising, but until we hear more, we can only speculate.

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Along with the Pearl, SAIC’s Roewe has also teased a shadowy SUV that shares a similar design language. While the company hasn’t confirmed whether either concept will actually make it to production, they have hinted that these designs could foreshadow the direction Roewe intends to take in the future. Expect more of this design language in the years to come, whether in sedans, SUVs, or something else entirely.

Despite luxury sedans and SUVs from Chinese brands becoming more common, Roewe is typically positioned as an entry-level brand within SAIC’s broader portfolio. That said, the “Pearl of China” concept suggests that the company might be eyeing a move upmarket. After all, if you’ve got a designer behind the Bugatti Veyron and a concept this striking, why not aim higher? Other SAIC-owned brands include Wuling, Baojun, Maxus, IM Motors, Rising Auto, and MG, each covering a different segment of the vast Chinese market.