This is the Skywell BE11 – the first SUV from the Chinese Brand to launch here in the UK. 

So, let’s talk about the Skywell BE11, a newcomer to British roads that’s already turning heads — and not just because of its bold styling or generous equipment list. No, the BE11 is Skywell’s first all-electric crossover SUV to land on UK soil, and it arrives with the kind of confidence you’d expect from a brand with decades of experience building electric vehicles... even if the name doesn’t yet ring any bells.

This sleek EV is brought to us by Innovation Automotive, the same folks responsible for introducing other rising stars from the East. Skywell itself is rooted in some serious electric credentials, having started life as part of the Nanjing Golden Dragon Bus Company, a major player in China’s booming EV bus industry since the early 2000s.

Now they’ve turned their attention to passenger vehicles — and the result is rather intriguing.

________________________________________

Design: Futuristic But Familiar

From the very first glance, the Skywell BE11 manages to blend futuristic cues with practical SUV proportions. It doesn’t scream for attention like some EVs, but instead offers an understated elegance, with smooth body lines, a sculpted front end, and a distinctive LED lighting signature that wraps neatly into the sleek headlamps.

Key exterior features (standard across the range):

• Full LED lighting front and rear

• Panoramic sunroof (yes, standard!)

• Metallic paint – no extra charge

• Power tailgate with foot-sensing access

• Stylish 19-inch alloys that look both premium and practical

There’s a real sense of quality here — not just in looks, but in the way panels are put together. While Skywell might not have the legacy brand power of a Volkswagen or Nissan, they’re clearly playing a long game with solid design and unbeatable value.

________________________________________

Interior: Minimalist Meets Maximum Comfort

Slide inside the BE11 and it becomes abundantly clear that this car wasn’t built to just meet expectations — it wants to exceed them. The interior is clean and futuristic, with a layout that feels very in tune with the modern EV ethos. There’s a massive 12.8-inch touchscreen floating on the dash, a digital driver’s display, and physical controls kept to a minimum.

You get leather-like upholstery, ambient lighting, and heated seats — again, all as standard. It’s a tech-savvy space without feeling clinical.

Interior highlights include:

• 12.8" central touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto

• Digital instrument cluster

• Multi-zone climate control

• Heated front seats

• Wireless phone charging

• Ample legroom, especially in the rear

Storage is decent too, with clever cubbies and a boot space that rivals much larger family SUVs.

________________________________________

Powertrain & Battery Options: Two Flavours of Range

The BE11 is a fully electric SUV, and it comes with two battery choices, each targeting a slightly different kind of driver.

1. Standard Range – 72kWh Battery

• Combined Range: Up to 248 miles (WLTP)

• City Range: Up to 301 miles

• Charging (AC Type 2): 10–80% in 4.5 hours

• DC Rapid Charging: 10–80% in just 36 minutes

2. Long Range – 86kWh Battery

• Combined Range: Up to 304 miles (WLTP)

• City Range: Up to 401 miles

• Charging (AC Type 2): 10–80% in 5.5 hours

• DC Rapid Charging: 10–80% in 45 minutes

This flexibility is a game-changer for UK buyers, especially those still anxious about range. Whether you're commuting around the Midlands or heading to the Highlands, the BE11 is designed to deliver dependable mileage.

________________________________________

Performance: Quiet Confidence

The Skywell BE11 isn’t aiming to be a performance SUV — think more refined cruiser than track-day hero — but that doesn’t mean it’s sluggish. With instant torque from its electric motor, it feels lively enough, particularly in urban environments. The steering is light, the ride is composed, and there's a sense of effortlessness that makes it a joy to drive day-to-day.

Expect 0–62mph in around 9 seconds depending on the model, which is perfectly respectable for a family SUV. More importantly, it's smooth and silent on the move — ideal for everything from school runs to motorway cruises.

________________________________________

Charging: Fast, Flexible, Futureproof

One of the standout features of the BE11 is how quickly it can be recharged — even when relying on standard AC charging. Both models support Type 2 AC charging and DC rapid charging, which gives them real-world usability even for drivers who don't have access to home charging.

Charging breakdown:

Battery AC Charge (10-80%) DC Rapid Charge (10-80%)

72kWh 4.5 hours 36 minutes

86kWh 5.5 hours 45 minutes

That means you can plug in during a coffee stop and be back on the road before you've finished your latte.

________________________________________

Safety and Driver Assistance: Confidence as Standard

Where some brands hide essential safety tech behind optional packages, Skywell includes almost everything as standard on the BE11. From city parking to motorway cruising, this car is loaded with features that help keep you and your family safe.

Standard safety and assistance features:

• 360° surround-view camera

• Front and rear parking sensors

• Active Park Assist

• Adaptive Cruise Control

• Lane Departure Warning

• Blind Spot Monitoring

• Emergency Brake Assist

• Traffic Sign Recognition

These systems don’t just tick boxes for Euro NCAP — they actively reduce stress during everyday driving.

________________________________________

Tech and Infotainment: Ready for the Connected World

Tech is a major focus for the BE11, and it shows. The central touchscreen is responsive and sharp, offering seamless integration with Apple and Android devices. The digital instrument cluster is customisable and easy to read. There’s even over-the-air software update capability, which future-proofs the car for years to come.

Key digital features include:

• Voice command interface

• Satellite navigation

• Bluetooth & USB-C connectivity

• OTA software updates

• Built-in 4G connection (for updates and live data)

________________________________________

Warranty & Ownership: A Bold Promise

Another area where Skywell impresses is in aftercare. Every BE11 comes with a 7-year/100,000-mile manufacturer’s warranty and an 8-year/155,000-mile battery warranty.

It’s a reassuring level of cover that goes toe-to-toe with Kia and Hyundai — two of the most trusted brands for long-term EV support.

________________________________________

Pricing & Value: A Disruptive Force

The BE11 is one of the most generously equipped electric SUVs in its class, yet pricing remains incredibly competitive.

• Standard Range (72kWh) – £36,995

• Long Range (86kWh) – £39,995

And remember: this price includes metallic paint, all safety systems, the panoramic roof, 360° camera, and the full infotainment suite. No hidden extras. No expensive add-on packs.

That’s rare — and welcome — in today's EV market.

________________________________________

Competitors: Where Does the BE11 Fit?

If you’re cross-shopping the BE11, here’s what you’re likely comparing it to:

• MG ZS EV – Cheaper, but smaller and less premium

• Hyundai Kona Electric – Excellent tech, but more expensive when similarly specced

• Peugeot e-2008 – Stylish, but limited range

• Volkswagen ID.4 – Premium feel, but pricier and options-heavy

The Skywell BE11 undercuts most of its rivals on price, while offering a longer range and better standard spec — making it a real wildcard choice for savvy buyers.

________________________________________

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Skywell BE11?

If you're in the market for an electric SUV and want:

• Real-world range

• Top-level standard kit

• Comfort and safety tech

• Strong value without compromise

...then the Skywell BE11 deserves a serious look.

This isn’t just another electric SUV. It’s a genuine contender in a segment that’s rapidly evolving — and it arrives on UK roads with a silent confidence that’s hard to ignore.

Innovation Automotive have done more than just bring over another Chinese EV; they’ve introduced a practical, stylish and competitively priced option that could easily sway buyers away from better-known brands.

So yes — the BE11 might be the new kid on the block, but it’s clearly here to stay.

 

 @IAElectricVehicles @skywelleurope #innovationautomotive #skywell #be11 #skywellbe11