Exotic Chinese electric cars have found their way to Russia for several years, and Skywell was the first to establish a formal presence in the market.
Skywell started as a homegrown startup. The first model ET5 appeared a little over two years ago, and the brand itself is a project of Skyworth, a technology giant that expanded from consumer electronics into automotive ambitions.
Skywell ET5 competes in the same crossover segment as models like the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro and Skoda Kodiaq. Its dimensions are 4698 mm in length, 1908 mm in width, and 1696 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2800 mm. The vehicle weighs 1880 kg, which is typical for a vehicle of this size. It is front-wheel drive only.
Where can it be purchased?
The dealer network remains modest for now, with plans to open 20 dealerships this year and 10 more next year. Brand representatives note that around 70 dealership applications have been received.
Yet the brand expects solid sales. In the recent two months of the outgoing year, about 200 cars were sold; in 2023 total sales reached 3000 units.
People appreciated the quality and the material choices. In terms of ergonomics, the steering wheel reach is adjustable by a small amount, a detail that shows a focus on driver comfort.
Initially it seemed the Skywell factory placed the driver seat oddly, with an ottoman style configuration on the driver’s side.
Using the multimedia system with a 12.8 inch display, the car offers a virtual key. The seat can fold into a very comfortable sleeping position by car standards. The backrest can recline further than in most competitors, there is lateral support at the headrest, and the footrest provides leg support.
The all-electric ET5 is set to join a hybrid variant called HT-i later this summer. The two share the same body and interior, but the hybrid adds a modest 1.5 liter petrol engine and an electric motor. At low speeds the engine charges the batteries; during acceleration the two motors work together; on the highway the petrol engine predominates. This arrangement aims to balance environmental friendliness, range and efficiency by drawing energy from two sources.
The authors are watching closely as the electric ET5 arrives alongside the HT-i hybrid.
About technology
The rear seat area feels spacious enough to cross legs. There is no central tunnel, so a third passenger has ample space. Heated seats and windshield heating are not yet standard, but are expected in future updates. The doors are designed to open wide and lower to protect thresholds reliably.
The trunk offers 467 liters of storage space, which is modest for a midsize SUV. There is no space for a spare wheel; the footprint is tight and a repair kit is standard. The constraint is a conscious choice rather than a design flaw.
The only electric motor powers 204 horsepower and delivers a sprint to 100 km/h in about 7.9 seconds. Top speed is limited to 150 km/h. In Russia, faster speeds are often impractical due to road rules, and at higher speeds the battery drain becomes significant for electric cars. The 72 kWh battery provides an estimated range of roughly 520 km on the older NEDC cycle and around 400 km on the more realistic WLTP cycle.
The engine bay contains only the windscreen washer fill cap; the rest is a smooth plastic surface. This is a nod to efficiency in frequent fuel stops. The front lighting is LED as a base feature, while a higher trim adds adaptive cruise control, ambient interior lighting, a revamped rear view, a sunroof, a traffic sign scanner, a 220V outlet, and two USB ports on the second row. The more expensive version also introduces a laser high beam, a feature once common only on some German premium brands. The laser beams extend far into the night, and the system activates automatically at high speeds when appropriate, offering a clarity that conventional lenses struggle to match. The ET5 showcases this technology in a notable way.
Skywell ET5 presents a restrained and calm design that is unlikely to look outdated with time. It stands out for using relatively little chrome for a Chinese model and even raises questions about whether 19-inch wheels look proportionate on a car that is not overly large.
What about warranty?
With Skywell’s Russian entry, the Skywell brand site skywellauto.ru announced Dealon LLC as the official distributor. For some time, the ET5 has been available through Electrocars, a Chelyabinsk dealer that also claimed official distributor status. That status has since moved to advertising channels and has been removed from the dealer’s own site and social profiles.
The ET5 price in Chelyabinsk was 3.8 million rubles in November, with a warranty of 2 years or 60,000 km by Electrocars’ service center. The official warranty terms are more nuanced. A private owner enjoys a 5 year or 150,000 km period for the vehicle itself, while the battery carries an 8 year or 200,000 km coverage. For commercial use, the warranty drops to 2 years or 120,000 km per vehicle, while the battery gets 5 years or 500,000 km. The suspension is covered for 1 year or 60,000 km, the lighting system for 3 years or 120,000 km, and the electric motor with inverter for 8 years or 150,000 km. The designation of commercial use primarily refers to taxi operations.
Nominated for the Grand Prix “Behind the Wheel”
New models can participate in the 2023 Driving Grand Prix, which includes vehicles introduced in 2022 or those that have undergone a generation shift. A restyling also qualifies. The Skywell ET5 line is considered a 100 percent new entrant.
Vote to influence the prize
Participants in the Driving Grand Prix poll help determine the best car novelties of the year. As a thank you for taking part, three readers receive prizes, and the opportunity remains for anyone who completes the survey before the stated deadline.
COMPLETE THE 2023 DRIVING GRAND PRIX SURVEY
All details about the event are collected in a dedicated section on the site.