Skyworth ET5

Model Overview

The Skyworth ET5 is the first mass-production model introduced following the brand reboot of Skyworth Auto. Originally known as the Tianmei Auto ET5, it is positioned as a D-segment all-electric SUV. In April 2021, Skyworth Group founder Huang Hongsheng officially announced the renaming of Tianmei Auto to Skyworth Auto, with the Skyworth ET5 making its official debut in the same month. Post-subsidy, the EV was priced between RM152,800 and RM198,800 across five variants, offering two NEDC driving range options of 410 km and 520 km. Globally, the model is sold under various nameplates, including the Skyworth EV6 (global markets), Skywell ET5 (Turkey, UAE, etc.), Elaris BEO (Germany), and Imperium SEV (US, Canada).

Design Language

The Skyworth ET5 adopts a modern "Bauhaus" design philosophy, giving it a sleek and sporty presence. Up front, a slim enclosed grille connects seamlessly to sharp, horizontal headlamps with the brand badge sitting flush at the centre, while the three-tier lower air intake adds visual depth to the front fascia. Dimensions come in at 4,698 mm long, 1,908 mm wide, and 1,696 mm tall, with a 2,800 mm wheelbase; a crisp shoulder line spans from the front fender to the tail lights, complemented by pronounced wheel arches for a more athletic stance. At the rear, it features a full-width LED light bar with illuminated "SKYWELL" lettering, giving it strong night-time brand recognition. Inside, the cabin features a symmetrical dashboard layout accented with chrome trim and wood-grain inserts, paired with a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel and a rotary gear selector, delivering a clean, premium look that blends high-tech functionality with homely comfort.

Powertrain and Performance

The entire Skyworth ET5 range is powered by a front-mounted single permanent magnet synchronous motor delivering 150 kW (204 PS) and 320 Nm of torque, completing the 0-100 km/h sprint in 9.6 seconds on to a top speed of 150 km/h. Throttle calibration leans toward smooth, progressive delivery, well-matched to its role as a family-friendly mid-size electric SUV. Battery options include a 55.33 kWh ternary lithium-ion pack on entry-level trims delivering an NEDC range of 410 km, while higher-spec variants get a 71.98 kWh battery pack good for 520 km. On DC fast charging, a 20% to 70% top-up takes around 30 minutes, whereas standard AC charging requires approximately 12 hours. An updated variant was later introduced with a larger 86 kWh battery pack, boosting its WLTC driving range to 642 km.

Chassis and Handling

Underneath, the ET5 rides on front MacPherson struts and a rear multi-link independent suspension setup, paired with electric power steering (EPS) in a front-wheel drive (FWD) configuration. While this suspension layout is standard fare in its class, its damping is tuned on the softer side to prioritise ride comfort. The rear multi-link setup does a commendable job of soaking up road imperfections, delivering a supple, composed ride well-suited for daily family commutes. Braking is handled by ventilated discs up front and solid discs at the rear, with an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) fitted as standard.

Cabin and Features

The digital cockpit centres around a 12.3-inch full digital instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch floating touchscreen infotainment display (base trims get an 8-inch driver display), powered by Skyworth's proprietary Skylink smart OS. The system integrates Skyworth's digital ecosystem, remote app control, and AI voice command, while connecting seamlessly with the Swaiot smart home ecosystem to interface with thousands of IoT appliances for bidirectional vehicle-to-home control. A key cabin highlight is the patented "Sleep Seat", which offers 10-way electric adjustment and a one-touch nap mode activated via voice command: the seat automatically reclines, the leg rest deploys, and the climate control switches to fresh-air mode to create a relaxing rest space. Practical amenities include 24 storage cubbies, an expansive panoramic sunroof, and a hands-free powered tailgate, opening up to a 467-litre boot that expands to 1,141 litres with the rear seats folded flat.

Safety and Driver Assistance

On the active and passive safety front, the ET5 comes standard with core electronic aids such as ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), and Traction Control System (TCS), alongside six airbags and pretensioner seatbelts with load limiters. Advanced driving assistance is provided by a Level 2.5 ADAS suite packing over 15 active safety features, including Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB). However, the EV fared poorly in official C-NCAP crash safety assessments. In a 2023 crash test of the 520 km variant, it achieved an overall score of just 39.9%, earning an alarming 1-star safety rating. It scored 0 points in the side impact test due to extensive B-pillar cabin intrusion, managed an occupant protection score of only 38.5%, and exhibited lacklustre obstacle recognition in active safety trials. This disappointing crash test result dealt a heavy blow to the vehicle's market credibility.

Market Performance and Verdict

Debuting in 2021 as the pioneer model under the Skyworth Auto badge, the Skyworth ET5 initially enjoyed early brand visibility by leveraging Skyworth's established reputation in consumer electronics. However, being essentially a rebadged Tianmei ET5 without substantial architectural upgrades under the skin, it was widely perceived as a badge-engineered stopgap model lacking meaningful innovation. The poor C-NCAP 1-star safety result further eroded buyer confidence. In the domestic Chinese market, the ET5 and its subsequent iterations under the EV6 moniker faced intense rivalry from heavyweight contenders like BYD, GAC Aion, and XPeng, resulting in lacklustre sales figures. Internationally, the EV is exported under badges such as the Skyworth EV6 to Germany, Turkey, the US, and Canada, leaning on aggressive pricing and smart-cabin tech, though it remains in a market exploration phase. As an early crossover attempt by an appliance giant into the automotive sector, the ET5 holds strategic significance for Skyworth's move into smart mobility, but significant product refinements and structural safety upgrades remain critical hurdles moving forward.