The electrification of the UK new car market is continuing to prompt new manufacturers to enter the fray. Among them is Skywell, a company previously known as Nanjing Golden Dragon, which became one of China’s leading electric bus manufacturers before moving into smaller vehicles. Its first car to be sold in the UK, the BE11, was introduced in China a few years ago as the ET5. According to Skywell, the BE11 is a medium, C-segment SUV, although at 4.7m long its size is approaching that of larger D-segment cars.
The model is debuting in the UK with a single equipment specification, and a single 204hp electric motor option, although there is a choice of Standard Range (72kWh) and Long Range (86kWh) batteries, offering WLTP ranges of 248 miles and 304 miles respectively – the latter is tested here. An 80kW maximum DC charging speed is a little off the pace compared with other current EVs.
Performance and drive
In general terms, the performance offered by the 204hp motor is fine. However, we found that the BE11 was surprisingly willing to spin its wheels under heavy acceleration, on a day when conditions were a bit cold and damp but not treacherous by any means. The BE11 also lacks the usual EV immediate throttle response – we noticed a bit of a delay when pulling out at junctions, more like a petrol car with a DSG gearbox.
The BE11’s handling feels fairly soft, but perhaps that’s to be expected for a family SUV, although light steering which feels pretty uncommunicative doesn’t inspire much confidence. Ride quality is mostly OK, but can feel a bit jiggly at higher speeds. We also found the brake pedal overly sensitive, and difficult to modulate – it took concentration to slow down smoothly in motorway traffic for instance without sending passengers’ heads jerking forward. It’s also annoying to have to go into the infotainment touchscreen to adjust levels of regenerative braking.
Interior and tech
That’s not the only function for which the touchscreen – which at 12.8in is decently sized – requires ploughing through layers of menus to access, and its touch sensitivity isn’t particularly strong, with us often needing to take a couple of jabs before it would respond. It does at least feature an impressive 360-degree camera system.
Otherwise, the interior features some decently plush materials, including suede and vegan leather, though this level of quality isn’t universal. Still, the wood veneer you also get makes a nice change from plastic – though it maybe isn’t to our personal taste. We’re more in favour of the red piping on the seats.
There’s loads of rear legroom, and while headroom (with a panoramic sunroof standard) might be limited for taller adults with the rear seats in their default position, there is the option to recline them. A 467-litre boot is a pretty good size for the C-segment.
Running costs
Skywell says competitor cars for the BE11 include the Skoda Enyaq, Nissan Ariya, and Ford Mustang Mach-E. The BE11 is cheaper to buy up front than equivalent versions of all of these – however, relatively weak expected residual values mean that over three years, the cost gap to the Ford and Nissan will narrow, whilst the Skoda should actually work out cheaper on a cost-per-mile basis. Combined with the BE11’s various faults, this makes the model difficult to recommend at this time. We’ll see if Skywell can do a better job with the two further electric cars – a hatchback and a saloon – it’s planning to launch here next year.
Positive: Cheap P11D value, lots of cabin space, some interesting interior trim
Negative: Weak expected residual values, EV powertrain niggles, brakes too sensitive, unintuitive infotainment.
Standard equipment: Automatic LED headlights, rear privacy glass, panoramic sunroof, heated and automatic folding door mirrors, electric tailgate with motion-sense, 19in alloy wheels, 12.3in driver display, wireless smartphone charging, automatic air conditioning, 12.8in infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity, Metz sound system with eight speakers and subwoofer, thee USB ports, front and rear parking sensors, 360-degree camera system, hill assist and hill descent control, cruise control, automatic parking assist.
Engines: Electric: 204hp
Equipment grades: Standard Range, Long Range
Transmissions: Single-speed automatic
| Model | Skywell BE11 Long Range |
| P11D | £39,940 |
| Residual value | 35.2% |
| Depreciation | £25,905 |
| Fuel | £3,731 |
| Service, maintenance and repair | TBC |
| Cost per mile | TBC |
| Range | 304 miles |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 0g/km (2%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £13/£27 |
| Luggage capacity | 467 litres |
| Battery size/power | 86kWh/204hp |
| Score | 5/10 |
