The €11,990 (RM60,000) urban scooter has been a long time coming, having being previewed as the BMW Motorrad Concept Link in 2017 and then as the near-series BMW Motorrad Definition CE 04 in 2020.
With a maximum output of 31kW (42hp), the CE 04 has a powerful motor and promises outstanding riding pleasure. For the classic “traffic light start” from 0 to 50kph, it takes just 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 120kph – for speedy progress not just in the city but on main roads and motorway sections, too.
The CE 04 has an ample battery cell capacity of 8.9 kWh, providing a range of some 130km (reduced output version: 100km). 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 – without worrying about range.
The 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.
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 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 cars, BMW Charging solutions are available for the CE 04, too – for maximum flexibility based on numerous customised programmes for charging at home, on the road and at work.
The electric scooter is available with traction control system, comparable to the Automatic Stability Control (ASC) 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.
The CE 04 features three riding modes namely “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.
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 CE 04 is fitted with generously sized tyres, with 120/70 R15 67H at the front and 160/60 R15 56H at the rear.
At the front, a twin disc brake ensures secure deceleration, supported by a single-disc system at the rear. 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.
The CE 04 comes fitted as standard with a 10.25-inch TFT colour screen with integrated map navigation and connectivity. 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.
The lighting units on the CE 04 are based on LED technology. They include a headlamp for high beam and low beam at the front. In addition to a rear light featuring LED technology, there are also LED turn indicators. The indicator lamps likewise use LED technology.
Even greater safety at night is offered by the adaptive turning light Headlight Pro, available as an ex works option. Here, the rider benefits from further improved illumination of the road when cornering for even safer riding at night. Special light functions such as “Welcome” and “Good Bye” are also available as ex works options.
