The BMW CE 04 is by no means a surprise, despite being completely unique compared to everything else now available in the plug-in scooter market, driven by Chinese commuter products. In Munich, they’ve been working on their next-generation e-scooter for a while, which has very little in common with the “old” C-Evolution and borrows heavily from Helix’s next-generation automobiles. We put it through its paces to determine if, beyond the lines, the CE 04 is indeed a breath of fresh air.
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How Does A New BMW CE 04 Look Like?
The BMW CE 04 doesn’t look like it was created with a pencil; rather, it appears to have been formed by a succession of precise scalpel strikes. The lines are tight and acute, and three-dimensionality dominates while casting a “smooth” surface on the shield that protects the Full-LED headlamp and the visually stunning suspended seat. The 1,675 mm wheelbase and 160 mm rear tire reminds one of a Grand Touring motorbike rather than a home-work protagonist in European metropolises, but the explanation for such impressiveness can be found in the characteristics that connect this e-scooter to BMW’s current generation vehicles, such as the IX.
The CE 04, in fact, uses the same cells as the Bavarian electric SUV. In the WMTC cycle, these cells produce 8.9 kWh and have a range of around 80 miles. The normal charger takes 3.5 hours to charge the batteries to 80% capacity, whereas the optional 6.9 kW quick charger takes only 65 minutes. The CE 04 may be charged at home or in a charging station. The permanent magnet motor, which is also of automotive origin, has a steady power output of 20 hp and a peak of 42, with 70 Nm of torque. For B and A1 licensees, the CE 04 is also available in an 11 kW version.
The chassis is more traditional, with a tubular frame, 35 mm telescopic fork, and a side-mounted linkless monoshock. The 15-inch wheels have 265 mm rotors—two in front and one in back—and are shod with Pirelli Diablo Rosso tires in 120/70 and 160/60 widths. The illuminated, side-loading storage compartment provides plenty of freight capacity. There’s also a smartphone compartment near the instrument panel, replete with a charger and cooling fan. This smartphone compartment seamlessly interacts with the control bridge, which features a 10.25-inch TFT screen with connectivity and map navigation enabled by the BMW Connectivity App.
What Are The 2022 BMW CE 04 Specifications?
Here you can see the specifications of the 2022 BMW CE 04.
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | |
|---|---|
| Charging capacity | 1.2 kW with integrated charger |
| Standard charging time | Approx. 4h:20min for 0-100% and approx. 3h:30min for 0-80% 1) |
| Battery voltage (nominal) | 148 V |
| Traction battery | Traction storage with high-voltage technology integrated into the vehicle underbody, 8.9/8.5kWh (gross/net) (8.9/6.2 kWh, 11 kW with optional power reduction) |
| Charging power | Charging cable with country-specific power plug |
| Alternator | DC/DC converter with 500 watts that has been integrated into the charger |
| Charging time with optional quick charge capability | Approx. 1h:40min for 0-100% and approx. 1h:05min for 0-80% |
| Standard charging time | Approx. 4h:20min for 0-100% and approx. 3h:30min for 0-80% |
| MOTOR | |
|---|---|
| Rated capacity | 20 hp |
| Maximum power | 42 hp at 4,900 rpm |
| Type | Permanent-magnet liquid-cooled synchronous motor |
| Max. torque | 45.7 lb-ft at 1,500 rpm |
| PERFORMANCE-CONSUMPTION | |
|---|---|
| Acceleration | 2.6 s from 0 – 50 km/h (31.1 mph) |
| Maximum speed | 75 mph (electronically limited) |
| Recuperation | Automatic recuperation in overrun mode |
| Range according to WMTC | Approximately 80 mi |
| BRAKES-CHASSIS | |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 1,675 mm (66″) |
| Rear-wheel guide/suspension elements | Single-sided swing arm/directly hinged suspension strut with 92 mm spring travel |
| Front suspension/suspension elements | Single-bridge telescopic forks with 110 mm spring travel |
| Castor | 120 mm (4.7″) |
| Frame | Steel double loop frame |
| Brake, rear | Single disc brake 265 mm (1 piston floating caliper) |
| Brake, front | Double disc brake 265 mm (4 piston fixed caliper) |
| Tire, rear | 160/60 R15 |
| Tire, front | 120/70 R15 |
| ABS | BMW Motorrad ABS |
| Rim, rear | 4.50 x 15” |
| Rim, front | 3.50 x 15” |
| Steering head angle | 63.5° |
| Wheels | Cast aluminum wheels (disc wheel or disc wheel optics) |
| EQUIPMENT | |
|---|---|
| Standard equipment | -10.25” TFT display including BMW Motorrad Connectivity -Full LED headlight -ASC -Electronic reverse -Keyless Ride -Three Ride Modes ( Rain, Eco, Road) -Standard charging cable for domestic sockets -BMW Motorrad ABS -Side Loading storage compartment featuring lighting -Ventilated storage compartment with USB C |
| Optional accessories | -Decorative sticker sets -Urban Vario topcase -Holder for side bag -Luggage carrier -Urban Collection side bag, small |
| Optional equipment | -Quick charge capability -Heated grips -Various seat options -Anti-theft alarm system -Tire pressure monitor (TPM) -Style Avantgarde -High windscreen -Center stand |
| POWER TRANSMISSION | |
|---|---|
| Secondary drive | Toothed belt and gearbox with fixed transmission |
| Transmission | 1-speed transmission, integrated into motor housing |
| WEIGHTS-DIMENSIONS | |
|---|---|
| Length | 2,285 mm (90″) |
| Seat height at vehicle curb weight | 780 mm (30 .7″) (800 mm with optional comfort seat) ( 31.5″) |
| Height (above windshield) | 1,150 mm (45.3″) |
| Inner leg curve at vehicle curb weight | 1,810 mm (71.3″) (1,856 mm with optional comfort seat) (73.1″) |
| Payload (with standard equipment) | 179 kg (395 lbs) |
| Unladen weight, road ready | 231 kg (509 lbs) |
| Width (over mirrors) | 855 mm (33.7″) |
| Permitted total weight | 410 kg (904 lbs) |
Does The New BMW CE 04 Have A Satisfying Performance?
The control panel makes it clear that this e-scooter is given the same level of attention as BMW Motorrad’s endothermic flagships like the R 18 Bagger or R 1250 RT, and it comes equipped with the really helpful Emergency Call technology, but it’s the performance that really sets it apart: it may be the firstborn of a new philosophy, but it has a more than defined character, thanks to the 42 horsepower that makes itself known as soon as you turn the right handlebar grip
It is quite stable on the fast, keeps the trajectory easily, and is rapid in changes of direction. It only suffers for its massive size in the narrowest of rides, an area that does not belong to it. Its size disadvantages it in heavy traffic, where zig-zagging with its generous five-foot wheelbase needs to be carefully anticipated, but good weight distribution helps.
It’s the ideal scooter for every situation thanks to its switchable engine maps. In ECO, the engine brake is felt and liveliness is kept at bay, while in Dynamic (part of the Pro package’s extras) the powertrain’s potential is touched with a loose rein. Surprisingly, the suspension performs admirably over potholes and city cobblestones while maintaining adequate traction even when cornering, and the response of the two front discs bitten by a pair of fixed 4-piston calipers is properly calibrated: modular and powerful enough. Aerodynamic protection is nearly non-existent if you don’t select for the extra larger plexi, but that’s the one aspect of the BMW CE 04 where design triumphed over functionality.
To Summarize
The BMW CE-04 is more than just an electric maxi-scooter. It’s a lot more fun to ride, has the latest BMW technology, and makes you appear like a time traveler. Form follows function, and the unconventional design complements its features perfectly—highly it’s fast, very silent, and comfier than it appears. Among the few “green” options for a 400 cc petrol-powered scooter, the BMW CE-04 is the real deal in electric commuting if money is not a factor.