Skywell BE11 unveiled as midsize electric SUV with 304-mile range

The Skywell BE11 – a new mid-size SUV from China – has debuted in the UK ahead of its launch later this year.

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Unveiled at the Everything Electric Show in Harrogate, the BE11 will “make the switch to electrification more affordable for families and business users alike” – and will also “set a new standard for specification and pricing in the mid-size e-SUV market”, according to UK distributor Innovation Automotive.

The Skywell brand was formed in 2017 by Skyworth, one of the world’s largest consumer electronics brands, and the Nanjing Golden Dragon Bus Company – giving a mixed heritage said to deliver advanced technology and strong build quality.

All BE11 models will be powered by a 204hp motor, giving a 0-62mph time of 9.6 seconds, with an option of 72kWh and 86kWh lithium-ion batteries. These provide WLTP combined ranges of 248 and 304 miles respectively.

Key exterior features include ‘razor’ LED headlights, 19-inch diamond-cut wheels, a sculpted rear spoiler and large silver skid plate, plus a Skywell-illuminated rear lightbar. The BE11 will also come with a large opening panoramic skyroof and electric tailgate with motion-sense opening.

The interior comes with leather-style seats, 128-colour ambient lighting and contrasting wood-style veneer and piano black panelling for the cockpit and also promises “generous” leg and headroom.

The onboard infotainment system is equipped with a 12.8-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, DAB radio, three USB ports and a Metz sound system with eight speakers, engineered in Germany.

The package of driver assistance measures includes more than 20 comfort and safety aids, such as intelligent cruise assist, traffic sign recognition and blind spot detection.

The Skywell BE11 will be available to pre-order through the Innovation Automotive website from August 2024, with the first models arriving into IA’s expanding dealer network in September.

Prices are yet to be announced but promise to be “extremely competitive”, and all models are backed by a seven-year vehicle warranty and an eight-year, 155,000-mile warranty for the battery.

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Natalie Middleton

Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for over 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day. Natalie edits all the Fleet World websites and newsletters, and loves to hear about any latest industry news - or gossip.