Summary
The Skywell BE11 is a mid-size electric SUV and the first model launched by the Chinese brand in the UK. While early reviews note generous equipment and interior space, overall assessments place it well behind established rivals in a highly competitive market.
Among the wave of new Chinese brands entering the UK in 2025, the BE11 has struggled to match the standard expected in this segment. Our reviewer, Andrew Charman, drove the BE11 here in the UK and described it as “a car that underestimates the UK market”, noting that while it offers plenty of equipment, it is hampered by frustrating infotainment, unconvincing driving dynamics and an out-of-date safety specification.
Other motoring publications have reached similarly critical conclusions, resulting in the lowest Media Rating score in our Expert Rating Index. In areas such as refinement, ride quality, technology integration and overall polish, the BE11 consistently falls short of direct competitors – many of which offer a more complete package at a similar price.
The BE11 has not yet been assessed by Euro NCAP, so we can’t rate its safety credentials – including occupant protection and driver assistance systems – in an emergency situation.
As of February 2026, the BE11 holds a New Car Expert Rating of D, with a score of 56%, reflecting the weakest media review scores in our database. Strong eco credentials and a seven-year warranty package provide some reassurance, but they do not fully compensate for the model’s broader shortcomings.
Skywell has announced a substantially updated version for early 2026 in response to these initial criticisms. We will continue to update this page as reviews of the revised model are published.
Stuart’s view:
“The Skywell BE11 enters a fiercely competitive electric SUV market but, in its current form, simply isn’t competitive enough. Generous equipment and a long warranty are positives, but they do not compensate for shortcomings in refinement, driving dynamics and technology compared with established rivals. For most buyers, there are stronger and more polished alternatives at a similar price.”
BE11 highlights
- Well-equipped as standard
- Spacious family-friendly interior
- One of the best new car warranties available
BE11 lowlights
- Frustrating infotainment
- Lacking the safety kit offered by rivals
- Spongy throttle response and numb steering
- Can only charge at speeds up to 80kW
Key specifications
Body style: medium SUV
Engines: electric
Price: From £36,995 on-road
Launched: Winter 2024/25
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Featured reviews
“The Skywell BE11 is a car that underestimates the UK market – it comes with plenty of equipment but frustrating infotainment, poor driving dynamics and an out-of-date safety specification.”
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 4.8 / 10
Read full review
The Car Expert
Andrew Charman
“The Skywell BE11 holds price and practicality amongst its merits, but lags behind its rivals in too many key areas.”
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
Read full review
Auto Express
Gavin Braithwaite-Smith
More reviews
Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 4 / 10
“As it stands there’s just too much about the BE11’s software and general driving experience that’s infuriating. But, as with so many electric cars these days, it might be a mere over-the-air update away from being a genuinely decent left-field family EV. Here’s hoping.”
Author: Mark Nicol
Read review
Business Car
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 5 / 10
“Electric SUV from UK market newcomer is cheap to buy for its size, but flawed.”
Author: Sean Keywood
Read review
Car
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 4 / 10
“Beneath a thin veneer of style, it felt quite cheap and tacky in places. The design isn’t interesting nor alluring, and it simply doesn’t stir the soul like you’d want a new car to do.”
Author: Seth Walton
Read review
Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6.6 / 10
“Electric SUV that hopes to attract buyers with its space, equipment and warranty, but it falls some way short on quality or driving appeal.”
Author: Alisdair Suttle, Alex Ingram
Read review
Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 5 / 10
“There’s no denying that it’s fantastic value for money, undercutting every similarly-specced rivals by a big margin – though lower-spec versions of better cars are available for similar money.”
Author: Graham King
Read review
The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 2 / 10
“Have a look at the BE11 by all means, out of curiosity more than anything else, but whatever you do, don’t buy one. Literally every other electric SUV option in this class is better.”
Author: Matt Robinson
Read review
The Telegraph
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 4 / 10
“This unknown electric SUV from China excels in certain areas but falls short of mainstream European-produced cars in several others.”
Author: Ed Wiseman
Read review
Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 3 / 10
“Overpriced and under-talented. Please buy something – anything – other than this.”
Author: Joe Holding
Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
No safety rating
As of February 2026, the Skywell BE11 has not been assessed by Euro NCAP.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of February 2026, the Skywell BE11 has not been assessed by Green NCAP.
The Green NCAP programme measures exhaust pollution (which is zero for an electric car) and energy efficiency. Electric cars are much more energy-efficient than combustion cars, so the BE11 is likely to score very highly in Green NCAP testing if and when it takes place. Check back again soon.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
| Battery range | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| EV models | 276 miles | B |
| Electrical efficiency | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| EV models | 3.5 m/KWh | D |
| Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| All models | 43 | D |
The Skywell BE11 is a relatively affordable car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
The electric SUV’s average battery range of 276 miles (between 248 miles and 304 miles) is competitive for its size and price. That said, it isn’t the most efficient electric car in its class and our data suggests that it has a surprisingly high insurance bracket.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
As of February 2026, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Skywell BE11 to generate a reliability rating.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using workshop and extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy, sourced from both official dealerships and independent workshops.
As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the BE11, we’ll publish the results here.
Recalls
Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Skywell BE11
As of July 2025, we are not aware of any DVSA vehicle safety recalls affecting the Skywell BE11. However, this information is updated very regularly so this may have changed.
You can check to see if your car has any outstanding recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local BE11 dealer.
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Skywell BE11, you might also be interested in these alternatives
BYD Atto 3 | Ford Explorer | Geely EX5 | KGM Torres EVX | Kia EV5 | Leapmotor C10 | Nissan Ariya | Skoda Enyaq | Subaru Solterra | Tesla Model Y | Toyota bZ4X | Volkswagen ID.4
More information
More news, reviews and information about the Skywell range at The Car Expert
Buy a Skywell BE11
If you’re looking to buy a new or used Skywell BE11, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car.
Find your next used car with Motors. Find out more
Find your next new or used car with Auto Trader. Find out more
Find your next new or used car with Carwow. Find out more
Subscribe to a Skywell BE11
Subscriptions are becoming a very popular way for consumers to try an electric car for a few weeks or months to help decide whether it’s a suitable alternative to a petrol car. If you’re interested in a car subscription, The Car Expert’s partners can help. (PS: What’s a car subscription?)
Car subscriptions from SelfDrive.
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Car subscriptions from Cocoon.
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