Roewe, a marque under SAIC Motor, has stormed into the luxury electric segment with its concept sedan Pearl. Combining audacious styling and cutting edge technology, the Pearl embodies Roewe’s ambition to ascend from mainstream models into the premium EV arena. Its debut signals the brand’s determination to captivate tech savvy drivers in the GCC region.
Futuristic Design That Commands Attention
The Pearl’s exterior marries classic luxury sedan proportions with avant garde details. Its frameless, rear hinged doors blend seamlessly into the body, while the A and D pillars remain concealed behind slender light clusters and gold accented glass strips. A broad LED light bar spans the front fascia beneath an illuminated Roewe emblem, creating a signature glow that distinguishes the concept at night. Sleek contours and hidden pillars give the side profile a pristine, uninterrupted appearance.
Opulent Interior with State of the Art Features
Stepping inside, the Pearl elevates luxury through a spacious four seat layout designed for supreme comfort. The rear bench offers generous legroom, while an oval steering wheel delivers precise control and a sense of exclusivity. A large central touchscreen integrates infotainment and driver assistance functions into a single intuitive display. Rear passengers benefit from retractable work tables, transforming the cabin into a mobile office or relaxation zone. Throughout the cockpit, premium leathers and refined finishes reflect Roewe’s challenge to established European brands.
Josef Kabaň Shapes a New Design Language
Roewe’s leap into premium EV design owes much to Slovak visionary Josef Kabaň, former Head of Design at Rolls-Royce and lead exterior designer of the Bugatti Veyron. Since joining SAIC in April 2024, Kabaň has applied his expertise from Škoda, BMW, and Volkswagen to forge a distinctive aesthetic. His brief departure from Rolls-Royce in 2019 after six months, without public explanation, underscores his pursuit of creative freedom. Under his guidance, the Pearl will inspire the silhouette of Roewe’s future lineup.
Strategic Moves and Record Breaking Range
Beyond the Pearl concept, Roewe introduced the D7 EV in 2023, achieving a 610 km range on a single charge. In October 2024, the D7’s plug in hybrid variant set a British endurance record by covering 2,208 km in one journey with an average consumption of 2.49 L/100 km. Marketed abroad under the MG badge, these achievements position Roewe alongside rivals such as BYD, Geely, and Chery, demonstrating SAIC’s agility in tailoring brands to diverse segments and price points.
Market Outlook and GCC Appeal
By spearheading a fresh design language with the Pearl, Roewe signals its intent to deliver premium EVs at accessible prices. Dubbed “the people’s Rolls-Royce” by some Chinese commentators, the concept’s projected price of roughly 100,000 yuan (about 13,700 USD or 50,321 AED) aligns with Roewe’s existing range. This handsome electric sedan is poised to attract Gulf drivers who seek a harmonious blend of sophisticated styling, cabin comfort, and next generation technology.
Mustafa Karim, having been deeply involved in automotive research and development for over ten years. He is fond of Japanese cars, and their precise and energy-efficient features have influenced him. In his spare time, he loves Japanese anime and kendo, drawing inspiration from them for control system research and development. He also often shares cutting-edge automotive knowledge on platforms, contributing to industry innovation and adding strength to automotive development with his expertise.
