Skywell BE11 Gets a ‘Comprehensive Revision’ and £5,000 Price Cut – What the Updates Mean for UK Buyers
Skywell BE11 Gets a ‘Comprehensive Revision’ and £5,000 Price Cut – What the Updates Mean for UK Buyers
Image: Skywell BE11 Gets a ‘Comprehensive Revision’ and £5,000 Price Cut – What the Updates Mean for UK Buyers – Performance Comparison and Specifications
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After a lukewarm two‑star review from Autocar, Chinese EV maker Skywell has taken a hard look at its flagship BE11 electric SUV. The result? A series of comfort‑focused upgrades, a fresh batch of advanced driver‑assistance systems (ADAS) and a hefty £5,000 price reduction. In this article we break down every change, compare the refreshed model to its rivals, and answer the most common questions from prospective owners.
Why the BE11 Needed a Revision
The original BE11 launched in late 2024 as Skywell’s first UK offering. Built on a joint‑venture platform between Skyworth (a global consumer‑electronics giant) and Nanjing Golden Dragon (renowned for electric buses), the SUV promised space comparable to the Nissan Ariya and Škoda Enyaq—but at a price about £3,000 lower.
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Critics, however, were quick to point out several shortcomings:
- Average efficiency that fell short of rivals.
- A ride described as “poor and unrefined”.
- “Numb” steering that lacked feedback.
- An infotainment system that felt unintuitive.
Autocar summed it up with a two‑star rating, labeling the SUV “sub‑par”. The feedback didn’t just come from journalists—early owners also reported everyday usability issues. Skywell responded by announcing a “comprehensive revision”.
What’s New in the 2026‑Model‑Year BE11?
While the powertrain remains unchanged—a single 201 bhp front‑mounted electric motor—the company has tackled comfort and technology head‑on.
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New ADAS Suite
For the first time, the BE11 is equipped with a full ADAS package, developed on UK roads:
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Blind‑Spot Detection (BSD)
- Lane Keeping Assistance (LKA)
These features were previously omitted because the vehicle achieved European type approval before the July 2024 rollout of the EU’s GSR2 regulations, which now mandate such safety tech.
Comfort‑Focused Interior Updates
- Heated and vented front seats for all‑season comfort.
- Electrically adjustable driver’s seat with memory settings.
- Additional USB‑C ports (now three in the front, two in the rear).
- 360° parking camera for effortless manoeuvring.
- Optional 15.6‑inch infotainment touchscreen with a revamped UI.
Pricing – A £5,000 Sweetener
The price now starts at £31,990 for the Standard‑Range version, down from £36,995. Long‑Range pricing follows a similar discount curve. Skywell’s UK partner, Innovation Automotive, says the cut is designed to make the BE11 a genuine contender in the increasingly crowded electric SUV market.
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Design & Dimensions
| Dimension | BE11 (2024) | BE11 (2026 Revision) |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,685 mm | 4,685 mm (unchanged) |
| Width (incl. mirrors) | 1,950 mm | 1,950 mm |
| Height | 1,660 mm | 1,660 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,860 mm | 2,860 mm |
| Boot space | 560 L | 560 L |
Feature Comparison: Original vs. Revised BE11
| Feature | Original BE11 | Revised BE11 (2026) | Competitor Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADAS | None | ACC, AEB, BSD, LKA | Volvo XC40 Recharge – Full ADAS |
| Infotainment | 10‑inch screen, basic UI | 15.6‑inch optional screen, intuitive UI | Hyundai Ioniq 5 – 12.3‑inch |
| Seat Comfort | Manual front seats | Heated, vented, electric driver seat | Kia EV6 – Heated front seats |
| Charging Ports | 2 × USB‑C | 5 × USB‑C (3 front, 2 rear) | MG ZS EV – 3 × USB‑C |
Engine & Battery Specifications
| Spec | Standard Range | Long Range |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Type | 72 kWh NMC | 86 kWh NMC |
| WLTP Range | 248 mi (≈399 km) | 303 mi (≈487 km) |
| Motor Power | 201 bhp (150 kW) front‑wheel drive | |
| 0‑60 mph | ≈7.8 s | |
| Top Speed | 112 mph (180 km/h) | |
Price Comparison Across the Segment
| Model | Starting Price (UK) | Range (WLTP) | Key ADAS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skywell BE11 (2026) | £31,990 | 248‑303 mi | ACC, AEB, BSD, LKA |
| Nissan Ariya (Standard) | £38,495 | 260 mi | ProPILOT Assist |
| Škoda Enyaq iV (75 kWh) | £40,000 | 310 mi | Adaptive Cruise, Lane Assist |
| Hyundai Ioniq 5 (Long Range) | £44,995 | 336 mi | SmartSense Suite |
How the Revision Impacts Real‑World Driving
Owners who have tested the updated BE11 report a noticeable improvement in ride comfort. The added suspension tuning, combined with the new adaptive cruise system, smooths out highway undulations. Steering still leans toward a more relaxed feel, but the lane‑keeping aid provides confidence during long motorway stretches.
On the efficiency front, the numbers are virtually unchanged—still respectable but not class‑leading. The 72 kWh pack still delivers around 4.2 mi/kWh, while the 86 kWh version edges closer to 4.5 mi/kWh under mixed conditions.
Charging speed remains competitive: up to 150 kW DC fast‑charging on compatible UK stations, allowing an 80 % charge in roughly 35 minutes.
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Where to Buy the Revised BE11
Skywell’s UK distribution is handled by Innovation Automotive in Gloucestershire. Prospective buyers can schedule test drives at the company’s showroom in Cheltenham or order online for home delivery.
For a deeper dive into the original review, see Autocar’s article here.
Conclusion – Is the BE11 Worth Considering Now?
Skywell’s decision to address criticism head‑on shows a willingness to evolve—a trait that’s often missing in fast‑growing Chinese EV startups. The addition of ADAS, a more premium cabin, and a £5,000 price cut collectively shift the BE11 from “budget curiosity” to a legitimate value proposition in the UK market.
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If you’re after an electric SUV with generous interior space, a respectable range, and a price tag that undercuts the Nissan Ariya and Škoda Enyaq, the refreshed BE11 deserves a test drive. It may still lag behind premium rivals in terms of refinement, but the gap has narrowed enough to make it a compelling option for cost‑conscious shoppers.
FAQ – Skywell BE11
- 1. What does ADAD stand for?
- It’s a typo; the correct term is ADAS – Advanced Driver‑Assistance Systems, now standard on the 2026 BE11.
- 2. Is the BE11 eligible for the UK electric‑vehicle grant?
- Yes, the Standard‑Range version qualifies for the £2,500 MOT‑based grant, provided the buyer meets the income criteria.
- 3. How fast can the BE11 charge on a 150 kW DC charger?
- About 35 minutes to reach 80 % from 10 %.
- 4. Does the long‑range model have a different motor?
- No, both variants share the same 201 bhp front‑motor; the range difference is solely battery size.
- 5. Are there any plans for a all‑wheel‑drive version?
- Skywell has hinted at an AWD variant for future model years, but none are confirmed for 2026.
- 6. What warranty does Skywell offer?
- Eight‑year or 100,000‑mile battery warranty, plus a three‑year/60,000‑mile comprehensive vehicle warranty.
- 7. How does the BE11’s interior quality compare to rivals?
- The refreshed cabin uses soft‑touch plastics and upgraded upholstery, bringing it closer to mainstream European rivals, though some hard‑feel surfaces remain.
- 8. Can the BE11 be fitted with a roof‑rack for bikes?
- Yes, factory‑approved roof‑rack fittings are available and do not affect the warranty.
- 9. Is there a subscription service for the ADAS features?
- No, ADAS functions are included as standard on the 2026 model; there’s no extra subscription.
- 10. Where can I find a service centre for the BE11?
- Innovation Automotive operates a dedicated service hub in Cheltenham, and a network of authorised EV specialists across the UK can handle routine maintenance.