Skyworth K Electric Review

When Skyworth announced its entry into our market, the same two questions popped into everyone's minds. Those who didn't know the brand wondered, "What is Skyworth?" while those who heard of it were puzzled as to why an appliance manufacturer was making electric cars.

While it's easy to assume that only traditional carmakers can produce vehicles, this is no longer the case today. Need proof? Xiaomi, which makes everything from smartphones to vacuum cleaners to air purifiers to toothbrushes, makes the SU7, which is available in four variants.

Seen in this light, Skyworth's foray into automobile production doesn't come as a shock. However, since it is better known for appliances as opposed to cars, its challenge will be building a brand that consumers will both accept and aspire to.

The K's design is sleek and has elements that may be inspired by other brands' models

Drawing attention

The K is Skyworth's first contender in Singapore's hotly contested electric SUV segment. It's a newcomer, and as such, the first thing it needs to do is garner attention.

It's a relatively large vehicle, standing 1,696mm tall and stretching 4,720mm from tip to tip. The wheelbase length is a generous 2,800mm, so passenger space should be more than adequate. Size-wise, the K is larger than its segment rival, the BYD Sealion 7.

The K's styling, though sleek, is understated. It's not bad-looking, with L-shaped elements on the front bumper and seemingly Volvo-inspired daytime running lights. Profile-wise, one could mistake it for a Volkswagen Tiguan, thanks to the strong shoulder lines.

The roof edge spoiler and 'diffuser' lend a measure of sportiness to the SUV

The rear end, on the other hand, would have looked nondescript had it not been for the 'Skyworth' lettering within the taillight. Interestingly, this lettering is illuminated in overseas markets, but since LTA deems this to be a distraction, it had to be disabled for the car to pass homologation here.

Overall, the K blends in rather than stands out in carparks. Only eagle-eyed observers will notice the unfamiliar badge and styling, which will prompt them to have a peek at the rear end.

The cockpit feels spacious and refined, thanks to items such as the wood veneer trim and panoramic sunroof

Exploring inside

Skyworth's clean design continues inside. Get behind the wheel and you're greeted by a 12.8-inch infotainment display and 12.3-inch instrument panel. Both present information with sharp graphics, and I like the fact that the touchscreen seems more resistant to smudges compared to other cars.

Menu organisation is a weak point, though. Although the number of sub-menus is limited, the way the information and options are presented need to be more intuitive. Usefully, some of the features come with a '?' symbol, which explains their function when you tap on it.

Wireless Apple CarPlay also works seamlessly - once it has loaded. Strangely, it always takes a while for it to initialise each time the car is turned back on. Perhaps a software patch will hasten this process.

The instrument panel and infotainment display have pleasing graphics, but the latter takes a while to load

The control layout is relatively straightforward, but you'll soon notice that despite the rollers and buttons on the steering wheel, you can only cycle through your music tracks using the touchscreen. Annoyingly, the bezels surrounding said buttons are raised, so keeping your hands in the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions is uncomfortable.

Backseat passengers, on the other hand, will find plenty to like about their accommodations. The 2,800mm wheelbase, together with the flat floor, accords occupants lots of room to stretch their legs. And since there's plenty of headroom, even those over 1.75m tall will enjoy lounging around back here.

The generous legroom and flat floor offer plenty of space to stretch out, and there's even a three-pin socket so you can work on the go

Charging or even working on your laptop on the go or in a carpark is also possible thanks to the three-pin socket. Interestingly, you can switch off the power to the socket via the infotainment system. Skyworth says this enhances safety in case there are children in the car.

With regard to luggage space, the K offers 467 litres with the rear seats up and 1,167 litres when the backrests are folded. Strangely, however, the backrests in the test unit couldn't be completely folded flat, limiting the extra capacity that could be freed up.

The boot volume is relatively decent, but it could have been bigger if not for the substantial wheel arch intrusions

Silky drive

Unlike so many models in this segment that are Cat A, the K is a Cat B COE. Although Cat A COE makes a car less expensive and more attractive, the dealer says it had to consider the K's dimensions and 1,930kg mass: Less power output would have impacted its performance.

So, the K's electric motor produces 201bhp and 320Nm of torque, which are enough to propel the SUV from zero to 100km/h in 9.6 seconds. Though not sporty, the powertrain's responsiveness means the car doesn't feel like it's struggling.

Skyworth says the K is aimed at family men and women who are seeking a large electric SUV that's both spacious and refined. The K easily fulfils this remit - when you're in a quiet cabin surrounded by wood veneers and pampered by a pliant ride, going fast is the last thing on your mind.

While not the quickest SUV, the K nevertheless offers an 'S' mode for drivers in a hurry

Speaking of which, although the ride is soft, it surprisingly turns woolly when going over undulating surfaces. It's unexpected, as the longer and larger a vehicle is, the more stable it typically becomes.

Another factor that will dissuade you from driving the K quickly is its ultra-light helm. This is probably the first car I've driven whose steering is both effortless and devoid of feel. Indeed, your best feedback is feeling the car as it changes direction - the helm does not provide feedback.

Unique features include 'Super Endurance', and the ability to customise brake pedal feel and steering assistance

However, most buyers are likely to welcome such effortlessness in an EV. Need to circle a multi-storey carpark in search of a space, or just threading your way through busy roads? Admittedly, doing either is easier with in a car with an over-assisted helm.

More assistantance, on the other hand, is what the regenerative braking needs. Although the K is unique in letting drivers adjust the strength of this with a percentage bar, setting the level to 100% results in neither strong regeneration nor one-pedal drive.

Much to mull over

On paper, the Skyworth K is a tempting proposition, for it is a lot of car for not a lot of money. For $177,888 (correct at time of writing), you get a large SUV with a roomy interior, adequate power, and more than enough range for the average driver to go a week before charging.

There are cons, of course. The infotainment's loading time is longer than expected, the ride gets woolly over pockmarked surfaces, and the steering is just too light. Also, the radar for the adaptive cruise control has a narrow band, so when the road curves, you slow down because cars in other lanes are 'seen' in yours.

That said, if you can overlook these and are not brand-conscious, then the K might be the family car for you. Gaining widespread acceptance, though, remains Skyworth's challenge, for it still must build a brand that others can aspire to own.

These articles may also interest you:

The BYD Sealion 7 combines space and comfort together with more power than you realistically need

The XPENG G6 comes with unique exterior and offers plenty of space for all passengers

There's also the Volkswagen ID.5 to consider, with its healthy range and competent drive