BMW has taken wraps off their first ever electric scooter — the CE 04. It is the production version of the Definition CE 04 and the Concept Link scooters and it hasn’t changed too much from its concept counterparts on the styling front. The CE 04 makes use of a 8.9kW battery that’s coupled to an electric motor which produces 41bhp and 62Nm and it has a WMTC-certified range of 130km. The CE 04 is BMW Motorrad’s first model to launch what it refers to as a ‘silent revolution’ that will inspire a future range of zero exhaust emissions models from the German marque.
To say that the BMW CE 04 is a road-going concept scoot won’t be an exaggeration as the biggest talk of the town about the CE 04 is definitely its styling. The concept looks are retained, though with the addition of practical stuff like rear view mirrors, indicators and mud guards. It flaunts layered body panels that give it a futuristic look. BMW has also retained the concept’s massive 10.25-inch TFT instrument cluster with integrated map navigation and smartphone connectivity in the CE 04. Under the seat, which is a single-piece “floating” unit, you'll find a side helmet compartment which can be accessed while seated. Upfront, there’s a ventilated mobile charging compartment as well, with a type-C USB charging port. The CE 04 gets a V-shaped LED headlight with DRLs that is available with BMW’s Adaptive Headlight Pro system as an option. It can be had in a choice of two variants — Standard and Avantgarde Style. The former gets a Magellan grey metallic paint with an orange visor and graphics while the latter is dressed in a Light White shade.
The BMW CE 04 has an 8.9kWh battery and a single motor that produces 41bhp and 62Nm of peak power output. This powertrain lets the CE 04 sprint from 0 to 50kmph in a claimed 2.6 seconds and top speed is rated at 120kmph. BMW says the CE 04 promises a 130km WMTC-tested range on a single charge and the battery can be charged from zero to 100 per cent in 4 hours 20 minutes using the standard 2.3kW charger. However, the battery, which is mounted in the CE 04’s flat underbelly, can be replenished completely from 0 per cent in 1 hour 40 minutes and from 20 to 80 per cent in 45 minutes using a 6.9kW DC fast charger.
The CE 04 is underpinned by a one-piece tubular steel frame. It’s suspension duties are handled by 35mm telescopic forks upfront and a monoshock at the rear. It gets a single sided swingarm and power to the rear wheel is provided by a belt-drive system. The braking hardware comprises twin 265mm front disc brakes with a single 265mm rear disc brake and ABS. However, the company also offers BMW ABS Pro (as optional equipment) that uses banking sensors to control braking on bends. Furthermore, the CE 04 also gets Automatic Stability Control (ASC) which can be upgraded to the Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) system. Riders have an option to choose three riding modes — Eco, Road, and Rain as standard and an optional Dynamic mode for a more enthusiastic ride.
The BMW Motorrad CE 04 goes on sale internationally early next year. In the UK, the BMW CE 04 is priced at GBP 11,700 (Rs 12.06 lakh, without taxes). Now it remains to be seen if BMW Motorrad will bring it to Indian shores.