Skywell BE11 – Review

By Liam Bird, July 2026

No, I’d never heard of them either. Well, not until recently at least. When Skywell emailed me last year, completely out-of-the-blue, asking me if I’d like to join them for the launch of their BE11 I was, genuinely, unable to attend. And not knowing quite who they were at the time, I sent my apologies. Nevertheless, I did keep an eye out to see what my fellow motor-noters made of what, to me at least, felt like this unknown newcomer.

By all accounts I didn’t miss much. Skywell’s BE11, the latest in a long line of Chinese made all-electric vehicles that seem to have flooded the UK market recently, was described by someone whose opinion I’ve learnt very much to respect, as a car that underestimates the UK market. On the very same website the BE11 was ranked as the No.1 worst car on sale in 2025. Elsewhere, it was described as appalling to drive. Honestly, never before had having to stay close to home and not driving something new sounded so good. Needless to say such damning reviews in the motoring pages did nothing for Skywell’s sales. Just 30 BE11s found homes in the UK in 2025.

Then came another email. “We’ve listened,” said Skywell, “We’ve revised the BE11.” And then they asked, “Would you like to try one, for a week?” They even said they’d arrange delivery and collection. Well, it would have been rude, I suppose, to have said no twice. But before we get on to whether or not the revised BE11 is as much improved as its PR people claim it is, perhaps it might be best if I try to explain who exactly Skywell are.

“Joint venture”

Skywell is the result of a joint venture between a bus manufacturer and an electronics company. Established in 2010 by entrepreneur Stephen Wong, and part of the multi-billion dollar Skyworth Group, Skywell are one of China’s newest automotive brands. Established in Nanjing (Jiangsu Province), and now with ten global locations across China, Los Angeles, and Mannheim (Germany), they now employ more than 30,000 people covering R&D, design & engineering, manufacturing, production, parts warehousing and distribution. Whilst relatively new to passenger car production, Skyworth already exports a broad range of vehicles globally, including light commercial vehicles, minibuses, heavy goods vehicles, specialist driven equipment, coaches, and buses.

Skyworth aren’t just automotive however, their portfolio spans solar panels, energy storage and distribution solutions, vehicle charging equipment, home electronics and appliances, audio-visual equipment, software development, and more. Skyworth Group is expanding its offerings globally, and say that over the next two years, the UK will see much more from them. Vehicle-wise that includes an all-new hatchback, an SUV and a saloon, plus the introduction of a new fully-electric light commercial vehicle.

For now though we’ve just got the BE11 to contend with, a front-wheel drive, electric-powered, mid-size SUV that looks, well, it looks like nearly every other front-wheel drive, electric-powered, mid-size SUV that comes from China. Honestly, were it not the badge – which you more-than-likely won’t recognise on first acquaintance – the BE11 could be a BYD, a Jaecoo, a Geely, a Chery, an Omoda, a Haval, an Aion, or even perhaps an MG. Although, to be fair to MG you’d probably recognise their octagonal badge.

“201bhp electric motor”

Powered by a 201bhp electric motor that peaks at 236lb ft at 4,200rpm, the BE11 is capable of 0-62mph in just under 10 seconds and a top speed of 93mph. There is only one trim level, although two different battery sizes are available: a 72kWh unit offering a range of 248 miles, or the 86kWh Long Range unit (as driven here) that promises to do 304 miles.

Quite whether you’d actually want to do 93mph in the BE11, or drive 304 miles in a single stint for that matter, is a matter of debate.

Although very generously equipped; DAB, climate control, a 230V three-pin outlet to plug your (Skyworth?) appliances into, Apple CarPlay, 15.6 inch touchscreen, and seats that are both heated, and cooled – so very nice to have in the recent heatwave – not to mention adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition, the driving experience on offer is best described as disappointing.

Perhaps Skywell should have concentrated more on the bits you can’t see.

“Underdeveloped”

The steering is almost alarmingly light and devoid of feel, the ride is constantly jiggly and unsettled, and the throttle response is almost binary; very much either on or off. As a result of such shortcomings reversing the BE11 uphill is challenging to say the least, and even in the dry the amount of understeer is quite frankly alarming; I suspect Skywell’s decision to fit budget tyres as standard-fit is to blame.

The whole chassis, despite supposedly being revised, feels underdeveloped. Still, I suppose, the boot is a good size, the driving position is quite comfortable, and at prices starting at £27,740 for the 72kWh version, the BE11 isn’t, by today’s standards, particularly expensive. You pays your money…

Ultimately, the problem Skywell have currently got is not they’ve built a bad car – albeit significant further tweaking still proving itself a necessity: The problem Skywell have got is that everyone you’ve heard of makes a better car than they do. Or currently at least. Not that long ago there was a time when no one wanted a Japanese motorcycle, remember?

Skywell BE11 150kW Long Range 86kWh Auto
Engine: Permanent magnet synchronous
Transmission: Single Speed: Front-wheel drive
Power: 201bhp
Torque: 236 lbft
0-62mph: 9.6 Sec
Max Speed: 93 mph
CO2: 0 g/km
MPG: 3.5mpkWh (Energy efficiency)
Price: from £34,990 (as driven £35,790)