- JAC DEFINE-X and DEFINE-S: Parallel Electric Powertrain Trials
- EXEED Tianji Concept: Practical Luxury Testing
- Roewe Pearl Concept: Global Design Experience
- Additional Concepts with a Sustainable Vision
The Shanghai International Auto Show 2025 opened with a showcase of concept cars designed to bring futuristic visions closer to production before entering the assembly line. These innovations provide a testing ground for smart electric driving technologies and dynamic, luxurious designs from leading Chinese manufacturers. The following sections highlight four standout concept models that demonstrate Chinese automakers’ ability to blend cutting edge performance with bold styling, positioning them to compete globally, especially in GCC markets.
JAC DEFINE-X and DEFINE-S: Parallel Electric Powertrain Trials
JAC introduced the DEFINE-X electric SUV platform to evaluate Huawei’s ADS active assistance system, measuring chassis response times of less than 100 milliseconds. Engineers tested lateral wheel movement in Crab Walk mode for tight space maneuvering and assessed rear wheel steering up to 12 degrees to confirm stable handling.
Conversely, the DEFINE-S served as an aggressive three motor coupe, delivering nearly 800 horsepower via the FAEB smart braking system. Trials examined weight distribution during rapid acceleration and verified sports brake performance through repeated stops on scaled down test tracks. The team also monitored heat generation in the drivetrain to ensure durability under harsh conditions before proceeding to commercial launch.
EXEED Tianji Concept: Practical Luxury Testing
EXEED revealed the Tianji concept with a spacious profile and six independent seats, giving the second row near zero gravity comfort and raising the bar for interior luxury. Engineers equipped the doors with an opposite hinge (suicide door) layout for swift, stable operation and measured door clearance from the body in motion to verify safety compliance.
Inside, the retractable head up display underwent precision and responsiveness trials on varied road surfaces, while the active air suspension demonstrated its capacity to absorb shocks and preserve cabin stability.
On an 800 volt REEV platform, the team executed repeated rapid charge cycles, bringing battery state from 10 percent to 80 percent in ten minutes, without any drop in performance. They also confirmed the concept’s durability by climbing a 45° incline and wading through water up to 900 mm deep, proving its readiness for demanding conditions.
Roewe Pearl Concept: Global Design Experience
SAIC Roewe unveiled the Pearl Concept under Jozef Kaban’s oversight to validate a new design philosophy. Testing covered smart lighting distribution through square LED modules at both the front and rear, measuring visibility and responsiveness under varying light conditions.
Internal trials focused on frameless door mechanisms at low speeds, assessing wind impact on electronic latches during opening and closing. Engineers also performed load distribution analyses during sharp turns, using integrated wheel mounted sensors to monitor chassis stability and driving dynamics before finalizing the prototype design.
Additional Concepts with a Sustainable Vision
Roewe concluded its participation with two additional concept vehicles that merge aesthetic elegance and functional innovation under the Pearl of China banner. These prototypes underwent dynamic trials to evaluate the chassis in scenarios simulating AI driven interactions with diverse driving styles, during which the suspension system and the electronic limited slip differential automatically adapted to changing road conditions.
The testing teams gathered detailed data on battery performance across a wide temperature range, monitoring in real time via the user interface to assess the system’s ability to communicate and respond to drivers. These prototypes highlight the Chinese automotive industry’s commitment to subjecting advanced technologies to rigorous practical validation before commercial rollout, delivering smart and durable vehicles poised to compete on the roads of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Shanghai 2025 represents a milestone in China’s automotive development, showcasing experimental concepts ahead of production and signaling a clear shift toward next generation electric vehicles designed to meet GCC market demands for cutting edge innovation and luxury performance.
