Scooters, they divide opinions like no other. Are these motorcycles or not, but if there are no motorcycles, what are they? In the case of the newly introduced BMW CE 04 we still don't know, but it looks very futuristic.
Almost eight years after the introduction of BMW's first e-scooter, the C-Evolution, the brand comes with a successor, the CE 04.
BMW is targeting drivers from an urban environment with the new CE 04. Not only for daily use of the e-scooter for commuting, but also for use in their leisure time.
The A1 version has an autonomy of 100 km according to BMW, for the A2 version that is 130 km.
For the development of BMW Motorrad took advantage of the automotive division's experience in electric powertrains.
For example, the liquid-cooled permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor is located in the frame, between the lithium-ion battery and the rear wheel.
From the 8.9 kWh battery, the e-motor can achieve a maximum power of 31 kW for the A2 version or 23 kW for the A1 version.
The maximum torque is 62 Nm in both engine versions. A toothed belt provides the transmission between the e-motor and the rear wheel.
Charging times are important with EVs. That is why a quick charger is part of the option package.
With 6.9kW you can fully charge the CE 04 in about 1h10' if you have a charging point with a strength of 30 Ampere at your disposal.
The CE 04 has a tubular steel frame and is therefore anything but revolutionary in that respect. The suspension is also almost old-fashioned with a telescopic front fork and single-sided swingarm at the rear.
The wheels are two 15-inch units with tire sizes 120/70 at the front and 160/60 at the rear. At the front, the four-piston calipers bite into dual hydraulically actuated 265mm discs, at the rear identical but with one disc and one piston.
The CE 04 is of course equipped with an ABS system. Optionally, a cornering ABS system can be made of this. ASC (Automatic Stability Control) is supplied as standard, which should control the torque of the e-motor, optionally DTC (Dynamic Traction Control on top).
Almost standard as on all other premium scooters, the rider can choose between three modes, being 'Eco', 'Rain' and 'Road'.
All lighting elements around the CE 04 consist of LED units. Optionally, an adaptive headlight can be chosen.
With a 10.25 inch TFT color screen with integrated navigation and connection to your mobile phones as the dashboard of the CE 04, BMW Motorrad spared no expense. The compartment in which you can put your smartphone to charge it while driving is ventilated to prevent overheating. Of course, the CE 04 is equipped with a USB-C input.
According to BMW, the CE 04 combines the futuristic look of a minimalist scooter, just look at the covered front disks and the floating saddle, with the driving pleasure of a motorcycle.
The standard version has a black and white color scheme, the Avantgarde version has Magellan Gray Metallic color with black and orange accents.
The BMW CE 04 will be at dealers from February 2022, although orders are already being accepted.
