The Skywell BE11 has become one of the most criticized electric SUVs since launching in the UK in late 2024. But does this Chinese newcomer deserve its harsh reputation?
According to multiple automotive reviews, the BE11 has been called “nowhere near good enough” and “almost certainly the worst [car] you can pay legitimate human currency for” by Top Gear. Even experienced journalists who heard I was testing one expressed sympathy – an unusual response in the industry.
To find out if the criticism is justified, I took the BE11 on a 400-mile family road trip.
What Is Skywell?
Skywell represents a joint venture between Skyworth – a TV manufacturer – and the Nanjing Golden Dragon Bus Company. The company joins dozens of Chinese brands targeting the UK’s growing electric vehicle market with a mid-to-large SUV that promises high equipment levels at competitive prices.
