Auto Shanghai 2021: SAIC unveils a ‘Whale’ Concept

Roewe Jing literally means whale.

Design trends in automotive design are definitely abstract these days. This particular crossover concept was unveiled at Auto Shanghai 2021. We’ve seen it before, with its narrow LED lights and chunky corner lenses. Its swoopy design is in line with other crossover trends. The grille is, however,…something.

Auto Shanghai 2021: SAIC unveils a 'Whale’ Concept

The Jing is Google’s Chinese translation. Whale . It is a SAIC Motor product and will be joining the Roewe brand. Although this is a prototype, it is a preview of what’s to follow. The whale connection is definitely not accidental. The grille’s vertical bars most closely resemble the underside of a whale. In case you are wondering about the traditional Chinese characters found on the license plate, they’re a stylized version Jing. The automaker is 100% aware of the whale connection and we believe the decision to use white for this concept was not an accident.

Auto Shanghai 2021: SAIC unveils a 'Whale’ Concept
What’s the story behind the Jing? Leblog Auto says that production versions of the Jing will be available in a very similar design. They are expected to hit the market this year. Although specifics about the powertrain are not known, reports suggest that it will not be purely electric. Standard internal-combustion and plug-in hybrid versions will both be available. However, information about the output has yet to be announced. The market will also see a similar model, but it won’t have the same striking design. The Jing should be the flagship model in Roewe’s lineup.

Auto Shanghai 2021: SAIC unveils a 'Whale’ Concept

This is a very close-production model so don’t expect much change in the whale-themed nose when it goes on sale. It is not yet available for pricing information or features. And, as a SAIC product, it will almost certainly continue to be a product for China.