So it only feels right to give it a proper long-form send-off.
Let me start at the beginning — because this loan wasn’t without its issues.
When I first plugged it in at home, things didn’t quite go to plan. The car didn’t charge as quickly or as fully as expected. It appeared to be pulling around 3kW, which with an 86kWh battery is not what you want to see. That’s the difference between an easy overnight top-up and a much longer wait. On top of that, the ADAS system occasionally picked up what seemed to be random speed limits via its traffic sign recognition. Not dangerous, not catastrophic — but certainly frustrating.
Now here’s the bit that matters.
A quick message to Skywell and an engineer was dispatched to my driveway to investigate. No drama, no argument — just action. That is exactly what a new brand entering a competitive market needs to do. Attention to detail and quick response times are critical if you want to win over sceptical buyers. The issues couldn’t be fully resolved on the spot, but they’ve been diagnosed and will be addressed via a software update from China when the vehicle returns to base.
And honestly, that counts for a lot.
Because let’s rewind a bit. When the BE11 first launched in the UK, it wasn’t exactly welcomed with open arms by sections of the press. It was criticised for its pricing, some missing features, and a few rough edges in the software. So the question is simple — has it improved?
The short answer: yes. And in some important ways.
First, the price. It’s now positioned lower, which feels much more realistic for what the car offers. Pricing is everything in this segment. Buyers cross-shop hard. And at this revised figure, the BE11 makes far more sense.
What do you actually get for your money?
You get a large, properly spacious SUV with an official range of over 300 miles. More importantly, in cold weather — when EVs tend to suffer — I actually exceeded the WLTP figure. That’s impressive. Real-world range matters more than brochure numbers, and in day-to-day use this feels like a genuine long-distance car.
Then there’s the specification.
This isn’t a stripped-back budget EV. Far from it. Standard equipment includes:
- Power tailgate
- Panoramic glass roof
- Electrically adjustable seats with both heating and ventilation
- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror (now added)
- A much more complete ADAS suite
- Adaptive cruise control
And that adaptive cruise makes a big difference. On the motorway, this is a proper mile muncher. Quiet, comfortable, stable — it settles into a cruise extremely well. The suspension leans more towards comfort than sportiness, which suits the character of the car perfectly.
The revised ADAS setup is also noticeably more complete. Features that felt missing before are now present, and while the system still isn’t class-leading in its calibration, it’s a clear step forward. For many buyers, especially those using the car for long commutes or business use, that extra driver assistance will be appreciated.
Inside, space is one of the BE11’s strongest suits. The cabin is large and airy, helped by that panoramic roof. Rear passenger space is generous, and the boot offers plenty of luggage capacity. It’s the sort of car you could comfortably run as a family SUV or use for airport runs without compromise.
And that brings me to what I think could be its sweet spot.
With its range, cabin space, and equipment levels, I can genuinely see this doing very well in the private hire and minicab market. The MG5 EV carved out a strong reputation in that sector thanks to value, practicality, and range. The BE11 offers similar long-distance ability, but in SUV form with a more premium feel inside.
Is it perfect? No.
There are still moments where you’re reminded this is a newer entrant to the UK market. Some software calibration could be slicker. Some of the finishing touches could be more polished. It’s not quite at the level of the very best European or Korean rivals in overall refinement.
But here’s the key point: the gap is closing.
Skywell has listened. They’ve responded to criticism. They’ve adjusted the price. They’ve added features. They’ve improved the ADAS offering. And crucially, they’ve shown they’re willing to support customers quickly when issues arise.
For buyers on a budget who need long range, space, and plenty of specification, the BE11 now represents genuinely strong value. It’s comfortable, practical, well equipped, and capable of serious distance between charges.
So as it goes back, I can say this — the revisions have made a real difference. It may still be a little rough around the edges, but it now offers exceptional value for its price, specification, and range.
And with the Q model on the horizon, it’ll be very interesting to see how Skywell builds on this progress.