As the electric vehicle market gaining momentum, the German automaker BMW Motorrad announced the new scooter CE 04 will officially be a part of its 2022 lineup.
A concept vehicle that imagines the future of expensive electrically powered urban two-wheel micromobility, the CE 04 is a silent revolution and was first revealed in November 2020 as part of Concept Link in 2017.
CE 04 is a good-looking ride, with a decidedly retro-futuristic vibe, harkening back to what people in the 70s or 80s might have thought a “futuristic” vehicle would look like.
BMW AG CEO Oliver Zipse said the BMW CE 04 is the company’s 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. Just like the CE 04, all future new BMW Motorrad models for urban mobility will be pure electric,” said Oliver Zipse.
According to the company sources, this is not the first electric scooter BMW has sold. Back in 2014, it came out with the C Evolution, which never really took off in the States. Maybe it was because it was ahead of its time. Maybe it’s because it cost $13,000.
The CE 04 starts at just around $12,000. Now, the whole point of the BMW Motorrad Concept Link is to provide “a vision of what will be important in the urban environment in the future,” so maybe BMW doesn’t care if it doesn’t crush it with sales. But until BMW produces something much cheaper than its gas equivalents (you can buy a new Vespa for under $5,000), the automaker’s new scooter is not guaranteed to take cities by storm.
Plenty of power and ample range for supreme riding in the city and in urban areas.
With a maximum output of 31 kW (42 hp), the new BMW CE 04 has a powerful motor and offers outstanding riding pleasure. For the classic “traffic light start” discipline from 0 to 50 km/h, it takes just fast 2.6 seconds. Even in the reduced output L3e-A1 vehicle class, 23 kW (31 hp) drive power is available. The maximum speed of both versions is 120 km/h – for speedy progress not just in the city but on main roads and motorway sections, too.
The new BMW CE 04 has an ample battery cell capacity of 60.6 Ah (8.9 kWh), providing a range of some 130 kilometres (reduced output version: 100 km). This enables day-to-day emission-free riding in the city, in an urban setting and for smaller-scale fun tours after work or at the weekend – with complete peace of mind.
Innovative electric drive with liquid-cooled electric motor.
The new BMW CE 04 has a permanent magnet electric motor mounted in the frame between the battery and the rear wheel, as used in a similar form in BMW cars such as the 225xe Active Tourer.
BMW Motorrad conducted extensive riding tests to develop a specific type of recuperation for each riding mode, giving the rider a high-level convenience. This means that optimum performance and riding characteristics are available in every situation on the road.
Short charging times and charging technology based on the system used in cars.
The lithium-ion battery is charged using the integrated charging device either at a regular household socket, a wallbox or a public charging station. When the battery is completely flat, charging time ideally lasts 4 hours and 20 minutes. With the quick charger available as an optional extra with an output of up to 6.9 kW (2.3 kW is the standard level), charging time is reduced to just 1 hour and 40 minutes when the battery is completely flat.
If the battery level is only 20 per cent and the battery is charged to 80 per cent, the charging time is reduced to just 45 minutes with the optional quick charger. Depending on the market, the standard charging cable with a charging capacity of 2.3 kW comes as standard with the BMW CE 04.
A Mode 3 charging cable is required for fast charging at the wallbox at home or at a public charging station. In the same way as with BMW automobiles, BMW Charging solutions are available for the BMW CE 04, too – for maximum flexibility based on numerous customised programmes for charging at home, on the road and at work.
Increased riding stability through slip control by means of ASC (Automatic Stability Control). DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) as an ex works option.
This traction control system is available on the new BMW CE 04, comparable to the Automatic Stability Control in BMW motorcycles with combustion engine. ASC limits engine torque in relation to rear wheel slip. Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), available as an optional extra, provides even greater riding safety. DTC enables even more safe acceleration, especially in banking position.
Three riding modes “ECO”, “Rain” and “Road” for efficient, day-to-day use as standard. “Dynamic” riding mode for further enhanced riding pleasure as an ex works option.
In developing the BMW CE 04, BMW Motorrad attached particular importance to providing opportunities for the rider to make an individual choice between maximum efficiency and maximum riding fun. Accordingly, the new BMW CE 04 features the three riding modes “ECO”, “Rain” and “Road” as standard. The additional “Dynamic” riding mode is also available as an ex works option, enabling the scooter to accelerate at an even swifter pace.
Directionally stable suspension with one-piece tubular steel main frame for smooth handling and a high level of ride comfort.
The main frame 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. The new BMW CE 04 is fitted with generously sized tyres, with 120/70 R15 67H at the front and 160/60 R15 56H at the rear.
Powerful brake system
At the front, a twin disc brake ensures secure deceleration, supported by a single-disc system at the rear. In addition, BMW Motorrad ABS ensures a high level of active safety. ABS Pro, available as an optional extra, goes even further: By means of a banking sensor, ABS Pro also controls braking on bends, thereby offering the greatest possible safety.
10.25” TFT colour screen with integrated map navigation for convenient route planning and extensive connectivity as standard.
The new BMW CE 04 comes fitted as standard with a 10.25-inch TFT colour screen with integrated map navigation and connectivity. Its excellent readability, clear menu navigation and highly integrated operating concept put the new BMW CE 04 at the top of the scooter segment. For the first time, the new 10.25-inch colour screen makes it possible to display a navigation map in the instrument cluster, so no additional display is needed.
Future-oriented design and colour scheme.
The new BMW CE 04 embodies a new, forward-looking form of urban two-wheeled mobility in its design as well, featuring an innovative style that arouses emotions for this new drive technology while instantly identifying the scooter as a member of the BMW Motorrad family.
The modern surface finish is in a striking Light White, complemented by matt black sections in the front and side areas as well as the “floating” seat. In addition, there are trend-setting wheels (solid wheels) featuring a disc-wheel look and a side stand that is integrated in the design styling. The new BMW CE 04 in Avantgarde Style (ex works option) is a striking, colourful statement of contemporary urban mobility. In this style, the colour Magellan Grey metallic is supplemented with a black/orange seat, an orange wind deflector and various graphics.
“The new BMW CE 04 is the logical and at the same time rethought continuation of BMW Motorrad’s electromobility strategy. Urban conurbations are its element. This is where it sets a new benchmark – in terms of both technology and visual style.” Florian Roemhild, Project Manager BMW CE 04.
The highlights of the new BMW CE 04:
Rated output 15 kW (20 hp). Maximum output 31 kW (42 hp).
Reduced output version: 11 kW (15 hp) or 23 kW (31 hp).
Ample cell capacity in the battery of 60.6 Ah (8.9 kWh).
Range of approximately 130 kilometres (reduced output version: 100 km).
Short charging times and charging technology based on the system used in cars.
Increased riding stability due to slip control by means of ASC (Automatic Stability Control). DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) as an ex works option.
Three riding modes “ECO”, “Rain” and “Road” for efficient, day-to-day use as standard. “Dynamic” riding mode for further enhanced riding pleasure as an ex works option.
Directionally stable suspension with one-piece tubular steel main frame.
Powerful braking system with ABS. ABS Pro with banking capability as an ex-works option.
10.25-inch TFT colour screen with integrated map navigation and extensive connectivity as standard.
Powerful LED lighting units all round. Adaptive Headlight Pro and light functions as ex works options.
Storage compartments at the side and front. The side helmet compartment can now be operated while seated.
Actively ventilated mobile phone charging compartment with USB-C charging port.
Future-oriented design and colour scheme.
Extensive range of optional extras and original BMW Motorrad Accessories as well as rider equipment.
