[Updated] The new BMW CE 04 electric scooter is a futuristic urban commuter with a 130km range
[Update] 1:15pm 8/7/21: The CE 04 is confirmed for an Australian market introduction in Q1 2022, and pricing and specifications are listed at the bottom of this article. At $20,350 AUD, it’s certainly not cheap, but with little maintenance and refueling needed, we’re confident this scooter will find popularity among well-heeled urban commuters.
BMW is well known for its motorcycles; the Bavarian automaker has built many iconic bikes such as the twin-cylinder boxer-engined R series, to the water-cooled BMW K series, however outside Europe, BMW Motorrad is not a name synonymous with scooters.
The BMW CE 04 is a serious bike, and BMW is throwing all its technology at the futuristic scooter. With an 8.9 kWh battery pack, the CE 04 shares its cells with the yet-to-be-released iX SUV. According to Oliver Zipse, CEO of BMW AG, “The BMW CE 04 is our new electric star for the city. It combines an e-drive with emotion and motorcycling fun. The latest technology, and the best battery cells, which also provide power in the BMW iX.”
Those 8.9 kWh will provide a 130 kilometre (81 mile) range, and power a 31 kW (42 PS) rear wheel-mounted electric motor that propels the CE 04 from 0 to 50 km/h (31 mph) in just 2.6 seconds. In the urban traffic light grand prix, the CE 04 will be tough to beat. The maximum speed is 120 km/h (65 mph).
BMW will make a reduced-output version available in Europe, with 23 kW (31 PS) to comply with L3e-A1 vehicle class regulations for riders with licence restrictions.
The battery will charge from 0-100 percent on a regular, household power socket (2.3 kW) in 4 hours and 20 minutes. With a 6.9 kW fast charger, the same charge will take only 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Design and Technology
Let’s talk design; it has already been designed as radical and futuristic, but I think it’s the perfect evolution of BMW’s urban mobility bikes. a broad, aggressive front with LED headlgiths, low-slung body thanks to the hub-mounted motor and tech-y colours like grey, white, matte black and orange. BMW designers have even described it as architectural, and the CE 04 appears to share some design elements with the BMW Welt pictured in some photographs below.
There’s a 10.25-inch TFT colour screen with integrated map navigation and telephone connectivity. It would be great to see a touch interface integration of Apple Carplay or Android Auto, but we’re not sure if that smartphone mirroring tech has made it to bikes yet.
A permanent magnet electric motor mounted in the frame between the battery and the rear wheel drives the CE 04, and three riding modes “ECO”, “Rain” and “Road” are standard. The additional “Dynamic” riding mode is also available as an ex-works option, enabling the scooter to accelerate at an even swifter pace. it’s unclear whether this will be available as an option outside Europe at this stage.
Engineering and Mechanicals
BMW bikes are always criticised for their price, and sure, one does pay a premium for perceived brand cache, however from the handful of different (petrol) BMW bikes I’ve ridden, you can literally feel the engineering that has gone into the product. They ride, corner and handle beautifully, and inspire a confidence on the road that, in my opinion, is worth the entry price.
The main frame of the body is a tubular steel construction. The front wheel is controlled by a telescopic fork with a slider tube diameter of 35 mm. Rear wheel control consists of a single-sided swing arm. At the rear, suspension and damping are performed by a directly controlled, fully covered spring strut.15 inch tyres are standard, with 120/70 R15 67H fitted at the front, and 160/60 R15 56H at the rear. These are sure to provide grip aplenty.
Powerful braking is present to halt all that performance; disc brakes all round, with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and ASC (Automatic Stability Control).
While 130 kilometres of range may not sound like much, that’s enough in theory to complete the round-trip from Palm Beach on Sydney’s Northern Beaches to the Central Business District, or from Greenwich Connecticut to Midtown Manhattan.
While greater range is always welcome, there is an environmental and performance trade-off, and we think BMW has struck the right balance here with its 8.9 kWh battery pack.
The BMW CE 04 will launch in Spring 2022 (quarter 2) in the northern hemisphere; BMW Australia has been contacted regarding a possible local market introduction.
[Update] Australian specification is as follows:
BMW CE 04: $20,350*
Standard specification:
- Liquid-cooled permanent magnet electric motor
- 130kW (42hp) output
- 62Nm torque
- 8.9kWh air-cooled lithium-ion high voltage battery
- 2.3kWh charger
- Tooth-belt driven gearbox (total gear ratio: 10.5)
- Dynamic Package (Headlight Pro, Adaptive Headlight, Daytime Riding Light, Riding Modes Pro, ABS Pro)
- Comfort Package (Heated Grips and Backrest Comfort Seat)
- Seat Heating
- Tyre Pressure Control
- Centre Stand
- LED indicators
- LED headlight and taillight
- 10.25-inch TFT display
- Ventilated mobile phone charging compartment
- USB-C charging port
- Front and side storage compartments
- Light White paint
Options
- Backrest Comfort Seat II: No cost option (note: recommended for riders above 190cm tall)
- Windshield High: $140
- Anti-theft alarm system: $375
- 30A Quick Charger: $1,330
BMW CE 04 Avantgarde: $20,690*
Includes all standard specification from the CE 04 and adds the following:
- Windshield High
- Magellan Grey Metallic paint
Options
- Backrest Comfort Seat II: No cost option (note: recommended for riders above 190cm tall)
- Anti-theft alarm system: $375
- 30A Quick Charger: $1,330
