BMW CE 04 electric scooter launched at Rs 14.90 lakh
BMW has launched the CE 04 at Rs 14.90 lakh (ex-showroom, India) and it is the most expensive scooter as well as electric two-wheeler on sale in India currently.
Powering the BMW CE 04 is an 8.5kWh battery with a claimed range of 130km. There are two charger options available - the standard 2.3kW and the (optional) faster 6.9kW. Claimed 0-100 percent charging times for the CE 04 are 4hr20min for the 2.3kW charger and 1hr40min for the faster 6.9kW option.
The permanent magnet motor propelling the CE 04 is liquid-cooled, which is quite rare in India. This is rated for a peak output of 31kW(42hp) and 62Nm of torque. The motor transfers power to the rear wheel via a belt final drive and the CE 04 has a single-sided swingarm. BMW claims the CE 04 will do the 0-50kph sprint in just 2.6s and will go on to an electronically limited top speed of 120kph.
All of this is packaged in a steel double loop frame suspended by a telescopic fork and an offset monoshock. Braking duties on the CE 04 are handled by twin 265mm discs at the front mated to J.Juan radially-mounted 4-piston calipers and a 265mm disc at the rear with a single piston axial caliper.
The CE 04 rolls on 15-inch wheels at both ends which are some of the largest in the scooter game in India today. Tyre sizes are akin to a middleweight sportbike with a 120/70-R15 (front) and 160/60-R15 (rear). The CE 04’s seat height is a relatively low 780mm but it's 231kg kerb weight is almost as much as the new R 1300 GS.
The CE 04 comes standard with all-LED lighting, a Bluetooth-compatible 10.25-inch TFT display, keyless ignition, 3 riding modes (Eco, Rain, Road), ABS, switchable traction control, main stand and reverse mode. It also has a ventilated storage compartment with a USB C charger for your smartphone as well as a side-mounted storage compartment with a dedicated light. Two colours are available - blue and white.
As is the case with other BMW models, there is a veritable cornucopia of accessories available from different seats, more electronic features, taller windscreen and much more.
At its Rs 14.90 lakh asking price, the BMW CE 04 is the most expensive scooter on sale in the country. Deliveries for the CE 04 will begin in September and bookings open today.
Other scooters above the Rs 10 lakh mark in India are the Vespa 946 Dragon Edition (Rs 14.28 lakh) and the CE 04’s petrol-powered cousin, the
C 400 GT (Rs 11.25 lakh). BMW Motorrad says a total of 8 new launches will happen this year, which means there are still 2 new models that are yet to come to India.
The Ultraviolette F77 Mach 2 Recon electric bike makes similar power, but has much more torque and range, compared to the CE 04 but is much more affordable at Rs 3.99 lakh. It remains to be seen how many customers in India pay the premium for the unique CE 04 over other comparable options.
All prices ex-showroom, India
Autocar
