BMW Motorrad has launched the CE 04 electric maxi-scooter in India at ₹14.9 lakh (ex-showroom). Unveiled in 2021, the CE 04 makes use of a 8.5kW battery delivering a 130km claimed range. It gets an array of features and a whole host of optional extras. Here's everything you need to know about it.
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. It borrows design cues from the Definition CE 04 concept, 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 is available in two shades — Light White on the base variant and Imperial Blue Metallic in the Avantgarde variant.
The BMW CE 04 has an 8.5kWh battery and a single permanent magnet motor mounted in the frame between the battery and the rear wheel. It produces 41bhp and 62Nm of peak torque. 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 0 to 80 per cent in 3 hours 30 minutes using the standard 2.3kW charger. It is fast charging compatible and BMW is offering a wall box charger as an optional extra.
The CE 04 is underpinned by a one-piece tubular steel frame. Its 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. The CE 04 also gets Automatic Stability Control (ASC) with Dynamic Traction Control as an option. Riders have an option to choose three riding modes — Eco, Road, and Rain as standard and an optional Dynamic mode as a part of the Dynamic Package for a more enthusiastic ride. This package also adds the ABS Pro tech, adaptive headlights and even DRLs. More optional kit includes heated grips and a backrest as a part of the Comfort Package.
At ₹14.9 lakh (ex-showroom), the BMW CE 04 is the most expensive electric two-wheeler, let alone scooter, for sale in India. While it has no direct rivals, its price tag is very close to that of its sibling — the BMW C 400 GT which demands ₹11.25 lakh, but that’s an ICE-powered scooter. The Ultraviolette F77 Mach 2 performance electric motorcycle comes closest to the CE 04 but at ₹3.99 lakh that is a lot more affordable.