As the electrification wave spreads through the global automotive market, new brands are emerging with bold promises and aggressive price points. One such entrant is the Skywell BE11, a mid‐sized electric SUV built by Skywell New Energy Automobile Group—an offshoot of consumer electronics giant Skyworth and with roots in commercial vehicle production. In this article, we delve into every facet of the BE11, from its design and performance to its interior features, pricing strategy, aftersales support, and long-term residual value projections. With detailed research drawn from multiple sources such as Autocar, What Car?, Business Car, and official Skywell materials, this article provides a clear roadmap for potential buyers and industry enthusiasts alike.
1. Background and Brand Philosophy
Skywell, formerly linked with Nanjing Golden Dragon Bus Company, has transitioned from producing electric buses and commercial vehicles to entering the competitive passenger car market. The BE11 is its first foray into the mid-sized electric SUV segment. While the brand is relatively new in many markets, it benefits from Skyworth’s extensive experience in consumer electronics—translating into modern infotainment and connectivity features in its vehicles. With production facilities based in China and assembly plants now in markets such as Malaysia, Skywell aims to offer premium features at an affordable price.
2. Global Market Positioning and Pricing
In the UK and Europe
The BE11 is being introduced in the UK at an attractive price range, with most reviews quoting an RRP between £36,995 and £39,995. In its two available battery configurations, buyers choose between:
- Standard Range (72 kWh): Delivering an official WLTP range of approximately 248 miles.
- Long Range (86 kWh): Offering a WLTP range of around 304 miles.
Skywell emphasizes generous standard equipment and a robust warranty package—a seven-year/100,000-mile warranty on the vehicle, with an eight-year/155,000-mile warranty on the battery. Such promises are aimed particularly at fleet customers and company car buyers, where residual values and low operating costs are key considerations.
International Insights
Reviews from Business Car and What Car? point out that the BE11’s pricing positions it as an affordable option in a segment typically dominated by more established brands such as the Skoda Enyaq, Nissan Ariya, and Ford Mustang Mach‑E. Internationally, the BE11 is seen as a value proposition for fleet operations as well as private buyers, even though its dynamic performance and refinement have been widely critiqued.
3. Design and Exterior Styling
Bold Simplicity
The Skywell BE11 sports a design that balances modern minimalism with functional cues. With a length of approximately 4,720mm, a width of 1,908mm, and a height of 1,696mm, it is one of the larger models in its segment. Its styling is characterized by:
- Exterior Proportions: A boxy, yet inoffensive silhouette with a flat front end and slab-sided proportions. Although some critics find the design too anonymous, others appreciate the simplicity and practicality it offers.
- Lighting and Accents: Razor-sharp LED headlights, a full-width LED light bar at the rear, and chrome accents (including diamond-cut 19-inch alloy wheels) help lend an air of sophistication.
- Robust Build: Constructed using conventional steel body panels on a steel monocoque chassis, the BE11 is built to withstand daily rigors and off-road conditions.
While its design may not be groundbreaking, the BE11’s generous proportions translate into an imposing presence on the road—a trait that benefits interior space and practicality.
4. Interior Quality and Technology
Spacious and Practical Cabin
One of the BE11’s standout features is its interior spaciousness. Thanks to its large exterior dimensions, the cabin offers:
- Generous Rear Space: A limousine-like rear compartment ensures exceptional legroom for passengers, even accommodating taller individuals comfortably.
- Quality Materials: Although reviews highlight some inconsistencies—such as tacky door handles and fake wood veneers—the overall build quality is acceptable for the price. Materials include a mix of soft-touch plastics, faux leather, and wood-like accents.
- Practical Storage: The cabin is outfitted with numerous storage compartments, including a large central armrest with built-in storage and generous door bins.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Skywell equips the BE11 with a 12.8-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Key features include:
- Wireless Connectivity: Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are offered, though early reviews note that connecting devices can sometimes be challenging and lag-prone.
- User Interface: Many reviewers have criticized the infotainment system for being unintuitive, with small icons and an overly complex menu structure. In some versions, early models even display a “Good afternoon, Dear User” greeting in Chinese alongside basic English phrases.
- Additional Tech: A 360-degree camera system, wireless smartphone charging, and ambient lighting (with 128-color options) round out the tech suite.
While the interior is spacious and generally well-equipped, the quality of the infotainment system and certain trim details leave much to be desired compared to rivals that offer a more polished digital experience.
5. Powertrain, Performance, and Drive Dynamics
Electric Propulsion
Under the bonnet, the BE11 is powered by a 204-horsepower electric motor delivering 320 Nm of torque. Both battery options share similar performance figures:
- Acceleration: The BE11 achieves 0–62 mph in approximately 9.6 seconds—adequate for everyday driving but not particularly sporty.
- Top Speed: The vehicle reaches a top speed of 93 mph (150 km/h), which is in line with other mid-sized electric SUVs.
- Drive Layout: It uses a front-wheel-drive configuration, which is common for many electric vehicles in this class but may limit its dynamic handling compared to all-wheel-drive alternatives.
Handling and Ride Quality
Driving impressions of the BE11 have been mixed:
- Pros:
- The BE11 offers a comfortable ride on motorways, with its soft suspension absorbing road imperfections.
- Features like adjustable regenerative braking (though fiddly to set up) allow drivers to customize the driving feel.
- Cons:
- The steering is described as overly light and uncommunicative, leaving drivers disconnected from the road.
- Traction control struggles are noted during aggressive acceleration, with front-wheel-drive models prone to wheelspin.
- The brake pedal is criticized for being spongy with excessive travel, which can lead to a jerky stop under heavy braking.
- Overall, the dynamic performance feels “floaty” and less refined than rivals such as the Skoda Enyaq or Nissan Ariya.
Charging and Efficiency
The BE11 supports a maximum DC charging rate of 80 kW:
- Charging Times:
- For the Standard Range (72 kWh) version, a 20–70% charge takes about 36 minutes.
- The Long Range (86 kWh) version requires roughly 45 minutes for a similar charge level.
- Efficiency:
- Real-world testing reports energy consumption of around 3.0–3.5 miles per kWh, translating to practical range figures of about 248–304 miles under WLTP conditions.
While the charging speeds and efficiency are competitive in some respects, they lag behind EVs with more advanced 800V architectures, which offer significantly faster charging times.
6. Safety, Warranty, and Aftersales Support
Safety Equipment
Skywell equips the BE11 with a range of standard safety features, though some advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are notably absent:
- Standard Safety:
- Basic airbags (front, side, and curtain) are present.
- A 360-degree around-view camera system and parking sensors help with low-speed maneuvering.
- Missing Features:
- Advanced systems such as lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking are either optional or missing due to the model’s early European type approval.
- As a result, the BE11 is unlikely to achieve a high Euro NCAP rating if crash-tested.
Warranty and Service
One of the BE11’s selling points is its strong warranty and service package:
- Vehicle Warranty: A comprehensive seven-year/100,000-mile warranty is offered.
- Battery Warranty: An even longer battery warranty covers eight years or 155,000 miles.
- Aftersales Network:
- Skywell has partnered with established firms such as Halfords Autocentres and Innovation Automotive, aiming to expand its dealer network from around 10 outlets now to 40–50 by 2026.
- A dedicated parts hub in Doncaster is part of the strategy to ensure availability and efficient servicing.
These measures are intended to boost consumer confidence, especially among fleet and company car buyers who prioritize low operating costs and predictable residual values.
7. Residual Value and Depreciation Projections
Residual value is a critical factor in evaluating long-term ownership costs, especially for fleet buyers. According to early indications from industry sources:
- Residual Value Projections:
- Reviews suggest that the Skywell BE11 is expected to retain around 43% of its value after three years or 30,000 miles. This figure is competitive with rivals such as the Subaru Solterra and BYD Atto 3, though slightly lower than some premium models.
- Factors Influencing Depreciation:
- As a new entrant, consumer confidence and brand reputation will play a major role.
- The lack of full ADAS and potential quality concerns in dynamic performance may adversely affect resale value.
- However, generous warranties and a strong parts and service network might help mitigate steep depreciation over time.
For fleet and leasing applications, lower residual values can result in higher lease payments. Early predictions put the BE11’s residual value at around 43% after three years, making it a critical point of comparison with other electric SUVs in the segment.
8. Market Comparison and Competitors
Direct Rivals
In the crowded electric SUV market, the Skywell BE11 competes with several established and emerging models:
- Skoda Enyaq iV:
- Known for its refined driving dynamics, more intuitive infotainment, and better overall ride quality.
- Nissan Ariya:
- Offers a more engaging performance and advanced driver assistance technologies.
- Ford Mustang Mach‑E:
- While priced higher, it provides a sportier feel and superior build quality.
- Volkswagen ID.4:
- Priced in a similar range but benefits from a more established brand image and better integration of tech features.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths of the BE11:
- Competitive price point, particularly for fleet buyers.
- Generous interior space and practicality, with a spacious cabin and ample boot (467 litres).
- Robust warranty and strong aftersales network plans.
- A comprehensive list of standard features (e.g., panoramic sunroof, wireless connectivity, 360-degree camera).
Weaknesses of the BE11:
- Sub-par dynamic performance with issues in steering feel, traction, and brake modulation.
- An unintuitive, laggy infotainment system with poor user interface design.
- Limited advanced safety features, which could impact its Euro NCAP rating.
- Charging speeds are modest compared with EVs equipped with newer high-voltage systems.
- Early build quality concerns in some trim details and material choices.
When compared with rivals offering more refined driving experiences and better technology integration, the BE11’s shortcomings may hinder its ability to capture a significant share of the market.
9. Final Thoughts: Is the Skywell BE11 Worth Considering?
The Skywell BE11 is a bold, if flawed, attempt by a new entrant to disrupt the mid‑sized electric SUV market. It offers an attractive price point, expansive interior space, and a robust warranty package that may appeal to cost-sensitive fleet buyers and families on a budget. Its two battery options provide practical range figures that are competitive on paper.
However, the BE11 faces significant challenges. Its dynamic performance is undermined by an underwhelming powertrain calibration, overly light steering, and problematic traction control. The infotainment system is cumbersome, and key safety features that are standard on competitors are absent. For private buyers looking for an engaging and refined driving experience, established rivals such as the Skoda Enyaq, Nissan Ariya, or even the Ford Mustang Mach‑E offer much more polish and driver satisfaction.
For fleet buyers, the focus on low purchase cost and attractive residual value projections (around 43% after three years) could make the BE11 an option worth considering—provided that the company can build a dependable network of service and parts and address the dynamic shortcomings in subsequent updates.
Ultimately, the Skywell BE11 is a car with promise that still has a long way to go. It serves as a fascinating case study in how emerging Chinese brands are entering mature markets with competitive pricing and extensive warranties. Whether it will evolve to meet or exceed customer expectations remains to be seen. For now, while it might make sense as an exploratory option for fleet operators or as a value proposition in a tough budget scenario, most discerning drivers may prefer more refined alternatives.
