Watch out for Skywell, a new Chinese brand arriving in Spain with the BE11 electric SUV, and promising plenty of surprises

It is called Skywell, belongs to the Chinese technology giant Skyworth, and has just officially launched in Spain. It arrives with an interesting one hundred percent electric SUV, the BE11, with 150 kW (204 CV) and up to 477 km of range. But its plans also include a plug-in hybrid SUV with up to 145 km of electric range arriving this same year, and for 2026 the Hongtu electric van and the production version of the Skyhome prototype are expected, a sports saloon that aims very high.

Skywell BE11: a 100% electric SUV with a family-oriented layout

The BE11 moves squarely into the territory of mid-size SUVs, where there are increasingly more options for a 100% electric vehicle… and where more and more models are coming from Chinese brands. It measures 4.7 metres in length, 1.70 metres in height and 1.91 metres in width, and offers a spacious cabin with a 467-litre boot, expandable to 1,141 litres by folding down the rear seats. One of its main rivals is the BYD Seal U.

The electric motor on the front axle delivers 150 kW (204 CV) and a maximum torque of 320 Nm. There is a choice between a standard-range version, with a 72 kWh lithium-ion battery that allows homologation of 400 km of range, or the Long Range version, with an 86 kWh battery and a range of 477 km. Homologated consumption is very low: 15.6 kWh/100 km. It supports DC fast charging, which allows going from 10% to 80% battery capacity in 30 minutes.

There are two trim levels for the BE11, Comfort and Luxury. The equipment is very complete, with features such as a power tailgate, keyless entry, leather upholstery, a V2L socket for charging external devices, heated and ventilated front seats, an openable panoramic roof, adaptive LED headlights and up to 20 driver assistance systems. In addition to decorative details more focused on luxury, the Luxury version adds features such as matrix laser headlights, a panoramic camera, wireless phone charger and a METZ sound system with eight speakers. All versions have a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and a 12.8-inch touchscreen for the multimedia system, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wirelessly.

BE11 prices start at 41,000 euros for the standard-battery Comfort version, and from 44,900 euros for the Luxury version, while the Long Range variants with the larger-capacity battery carry a 3,500-euro premium. All versions come with a 5-year vehicle warranty and an eight-year battery warranty.

Skywell’s plans: a PHEV now, a compact at year-end and more surprises

But like other Chinese brands, aware that fully electric models still lack sufficient “pull” among users, Skywell is also going to bet on plug-in hybrid technology. And the first to arrive will be the Skywell HT-i, which would be the PHEV version of the BE11, expected around mid-year. Some technical features have already been announced, such as several battery versions being available. With the largest capacity, reaching 32.8 kWh, this SUV will offer an electric-mode range of 145 km, and claims a combined total range of 1,268 km, surpassing the Jaecoo 7 PHEV. The propulsion system combines a 177 CV electric motor with a 147 CV 1.5 Turbo petrol engine.

The next model in the Skywell range will arrive at the end of 2025. It is the Skywell Q, a 4.3-metre compact with a hatchback body and very sporty lines, which was presented to the public at the Paris Motor Show in October 2024. In principle, an electric motor of 204 CV is mentioned, which seems few for the acceleration figures being discussed, below 4 seconds to reach 100 km/h from a standing start. It is confirmed that there will be two battery options to choose from, with 65 kWh or 80 kWh, which would allow a range of more than 480 km in the best case. It is also confirmed that there will be plug-in hybrid versions, arriving already in 2026.

For that same year Skywell will also have a presence among commercial vehicles with the Hongtu electric van, offered in six body configurations with lengths between 4.99 metres and 5.00 metres. And if the plans go as expected, the next model to arrive would be the production version of the Skyhome prototype, with which the brand would fully enter the segment of large luxury saloons.