Introducing the Skywell BE11: A New Electric Crossover from China
The Skywell BE11 is an upcoming electric crossover from China that is set to make its debut in the UK. The Skywell brand, a joint venture between Skyworth and Nanjing Golden Dragon, aims to compete with luxury automakers like Audi and Mercedes-Benz. The BE11 is the brand’s first-ever car and comes with two battery options: a 72kWh battery with 248 miles of range and an 86kWh battery with 304 miles of range.
Design and Styling: A Simple and Inoffensive Exterior
The BE11 boasts a simple and inoffensive design, similar to other Chinese EVs already available in the UK. It features distinctive ‘razor’ LED headlights, chrome accents, and 19-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. While the design may not be groundbreaking, the larger proportions of the BE11 provide ample room inside for passengers and cargo.
Interior Quality and Infotainment: Lacking Compared to European Rivals
In terms of interior quality, the BE11 falls short of its European rivals. The fake wood veneers, synthetic leather seat upholstery, and scratchy plastics give the cabin a cheap feel. The dashboard is dominated by a large 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen, but the software and systems are sub-standard. The digital speedometer only displays in kilometers, the sat-nav system doesn’t work, and connecting a smartphone to Apple CarPlay proved to be a challenge. The touchscreen itself is ill-configured and difficult to use while driving.
Engines and Performance: Powerful, but Not Well-Tuned
The BE11 offers ample power for motorway speeds and overtaking, but the motor hasn’t been well-tuned. Accelerating hard causes the front tires to lose traction due to the car’s weight. The throttle pedal can be difficult to modulate, with a short delay before the motor responds. The regenerative braking system also falls short, requiring the use of the brake pedal more than expected. The brake pedal itself is soft and spongy, requiring smooth inputs for a composed stop.
Ride and Handling: Better on Motorways, Mediocre on Rural Roads
The BE11 performs better on motorways, with a comfortable ride and good stability. However, on cross-country roads, the ride quality suffers. The soft suspension and lack of body control make the BE11 feel unsteady over bumps and potholes. The steering is light and lacks feel, making it difficult to maintain stability at speed. Overall, the BE11 falls short of the dynamic standards set by its European rivals.
The BE11: Unfinished and Lacking Desirability
Despite its spacious and practical cabin, solid performance, and decent motorway speeds, the BE11 falls well short of its rivals in terms of ride, body control, handling, interior quality, and infotainment technology. The user manual’s strapline, “All is well,” is ironic considering the car’s shortcomings. With an estimated price in the high-£30k range and no unique selling point, it’s unclear how the BE11 can compete with established rivals for the attention of UK drivers.
Conclusion
The Skywell BE11 is an ambitious entry into the electric crossover market from China. While it offers solid performance, spaciousness, and decent range, the BE11 falls short in terms of design, interior quality, and overall driving experience. Its pricing in the same range as established European rivals makes it a tough sell for UK drivers. As the electric vehicle market continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Chinese brands like Skywell adapt and improve their offerings to meet the high standards set by their competitors.