BMW has introduced the CE 04 electric scooter, priced at ₹14.90 lakh, marking it as the most expensive two-wheeler in India. Bookings are open with deliveries expected in September.

BMW CE 04 Launch Overview

BMW has launched the CE 04 at ₹14.90 lakh (ex-showroom, India), establishing it as the most expensive electric scooter and two-wheeler in the country. Bookings for the CE 04 commenced today, with deliveries scheduled to start in September.

Key Features of the CE 04

• Riding Modes: The CE 04 comes equipped with three riding modes: Eco, Rain, and Road.
• Color Options: It will be available in two colors: blue and white.
• Delivery Timeline: Deliveries are set to begin in September, and bookings are currently open.

Specifications and Performance

The BMW CE 04 is powered by an 8.5kWh battery, promising a claimed range of 130km. It offers two charging options: a standard 2.3kW and a faster 6.9kW. Charging times from 0 to 100 percent are estimated at 4 hours and 20 minutes with the 2.3kW charger, and just 1 hour and 40 minutes with the 6.9kW option.

The scooter features a liquid-cooled permanent magnet motor that generates a peak output of 31kW (42hp) and 62Nm of torque. The power is transmitted to the rear wheel via a belt final drive, and it boasts a single-sided swingarm. BMW claims that the CE 04 can accelerate from 0 to 50kph in just 2.6 seconds and reach an electronically limited top speed of 120kph.

Its design incorporates a steel double-loop frame suspended by a telescopic fork and an offset monoshock for enhanced stability. Braking is managed by twin 265mm discs in the front paired with J.Juan radially-mounted 4-piston calipers, alongside a 265mm disc at the rear with a single-piston axial caliper.

Wheel Size and Dimensions

The CE 04 is fitted with 15-inch wheels, which are among the largest found in India’s scooter segment. It features tire sizes akin to a middleweight sportbike: 120/70-R15 at the front and 160/60-R15 at the rear. Despite a relatively low seat height of 780mm, the scooter has a kerb weight of 231kg, closely matching the newly launched R 1300 GS.

Additional Features

Standard features of the CE 04 include:

• All-LED lighting
• A Bluetooth-compatible 10.25-inch TFT display
• Keyless ignition
• 3 riding modes (Eco, Rain, Road)
• ABS and switchable traction control
• Ventilated storage space with a USB C charger
• A side-mounted compartment with dedicated lighting

BMW provides a wide range of accessories for the CE 04, including various seat options, additional electronic features, a taller windscreen, and more.

Competitors in the Market

In India, other scooters priced above ₹10 lakh include the Vespa 946 Dragon Edition at ₹14.28 lakh and the petrol-powered C 400 GT at ₹11.25 lakh, which shares its brand with the CE 04. BMW Motorrad plans to unveil eight new models this year, with two more anticipated launches in India.

Notably, the Ultraviolette F77 Mach 2 Recon electric bike, whose specifications are similar, offers higher torque and range at a more affordable price of ₹3.99 lakh. It will be interesting to see how the unique features of the CE 04 attract customers despite the higher price point.

All prices are ex-showroom, India.