Skywell has announced updates and a £5,000 price cut for its BE11 family SUV in response to poor initial reception.
The BE11 received harsh criticism when it launched in 2025. The Chinese manufacturer has now implemented what it calls “significant technical upgrades” based on feedback from journalists and the limited customer base.
Advanced Safety Features Added
The most notable improvements center on driver assistance technology that was missing at launch.
Skywell has introduced a new ADAS package specifically developed for UK roads. Lane keep assist, lane departure warning, and blind spot detection – features that were notably absent from the original vehicle – are now standard equipment.
The system has been calibrated on British roads rather than adapted from Chinese specifications.
Additional safety features include automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning for the first time. Traffic sign recognition and rear cross traffic alert round out the new safety package.
The basic cruise control system has been replaced with an adaptive setup that maintains distance from vehicles ahead.
Interior Comfort Upgrades
Skywell says it’s addressed passenger comfort complaints with heated and ventilated front seats.
The driver’s seat now includes electronic adjustment and memory functions. Additional USB ports have been added throughout the cabin, and there’s a new three-pin vehicle-to-load socket designed for UK users.
An optional 15.6-inch touchscreen can replace the standard 12.8-inch unit for buyers wanting a larger display.
Pricing and Range Details
The price cuts are substantial – the entry-level BE11 now starts at £31,990, down from £36,995.
That pricing puts the BE11 in direct competition with smaller SUVs while offering significantly more interior space. The longer-range variant costs £34,990, reduced from £39,995.
Skywell hasn’t changed the powertrain specifications. The base model uses a 72kWh battery providing 248 miles of range, while the premium version gets an 86kWh pack good for 303 miles.
Both variants use the same 201bhp front-mounted motor.
The charging speed remains a limitation – both models are restricted to 80kW DC charging. That means a 10-80% charge still takes 45 minutes on rapid chargers, which is slower than most current competitors.
Brand Expansion Plans
Skywell represents a joint venture between Chinese electronics manufacturer Skyworth and electric bus maker Nanjing Golden Dragon.
The company plans to introduce two additional models and a commercial van to the UK market later this year.
The Skywell Q will target the C-segment hatchback market currently dominated by the VW ID.3 and upcoming Kia EV4. The Skywell Skyhome is positioned as a D-segment saloon to compete with the Tesla Model 3.
Whether these improvements and price cuts can overcome the BE11’s rocky start remains to be seen – but the changes address most of the specific criticisms leveled at the original launch version.
