Wednesday, 11 Mar 2026

title:Skywell BE11 Review: Is This £35k SUV Worth Your Money?

content:Is the Skywell BE11 a Worthy EV SUV Contender?

You’re scouting for an affordable electric SUV under £40k, eyeing the Skywell BE11 alongside the Kia EV6 or Volkswagen ID4. But does this new model stand out in a crowded market? Autocar’s hands-on review reveals critical flaws you need to know before making a decision. After analyzing their verdict, it’s clear the BE11 has potential but falls short of being a top pick.

content:Key Specs & Price Context

The Skywell BE11 is a mid-sized electric SUV, matching the dimensions of popular rivals like the Kia EV6 and VW ID4. It boasts an unusual 2011 horsepower (a figure that stands out compared to typical mid-sized EVs, which usually range from 200–400 HP). Battery options include a 72 kWh pack (248-mile range) or an 86 kWh pack (304-mile range), but its maximum charge rate is only 80 kW—slower than many competitors. Prices start at £35k, with the long-range model costing around £40k, putting it directly against well-established rivals.

content:Interior: Style vs. Substance

The BE11’s interior has a retro Mercedes-inspired look, but build quality is a letdown. Autocar’s test found the steering wheel material creaks when touched—a red flag for durability. While BYD and MG offer better interior fit and finish, the BE11 does get one win: physical buttons for safety-critical features like fog lights and wiper sensitivity, which are easier to use while driving than touchscreen controls. The central touchscreen is large but has mixed functionality and inconsistent graphic quality.

content:Driving Experience: Unfinished Finesse

Driving the BE11 is underwhelming. It suffers from excessive pitch and roll during cornering, and the ride is occasionally thumpy over rough roads. The steering feels springy, and the brake pedal is spongy—all signs of an unresolved chassis setup that lacks finesse. Autocar notes the car feels like it needs an extra round of tuning to polish these issues.

content:Verdict & Final Thoughts

Autocar gives the BE11 a 2.5-star verdict. The main issue? It doesn’t offer a compelling reason to choose it over rivals. At £35k–£40k, you can get more polished options like the Kia EV6 (better driving dynamics) or MG ZS EV (stronger build quality). The BE11’s flaws in interior build and driving feel make it hard to recommend.

content:Toolbox & Action Guide

Checklist for Test Driving

  1. Check the steering wheel for creaks and overall build quality.
  2. Evaluate brake pedal response and steering feel on rough roads.
  3. Test the touchscreen’s functionality and graphic consistency.
  4. Compare physical button placement to rivals.
  5. Ask about charge time and real-world range.

Recommended Resources

  • Autocar’s EV Comparison Tool: Ideal for side-by-side specs of the BE11 vs competitors like the Kia EV6.
  • BYD Atto 3 Review: A strong alternative with better interior quality and proven reliability.
  • MG ZS EV Brochure: A budget-friendly option with solid build and practical range.

content:Conclusion & Engagement

The Skywell BE11 has potential but needs more refinement to compete in the mid-sized EV SUV market. Autocar’s 2.5-star verdict sums it up—save your money for a more polished option.

When considering electric SUVs under £40k, which model would you prioritize over the BE11? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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