BMW CE 04 Gets a Refresh: Still the King of Electric Scooters?
Remember the BMW CE 04? Yeah, that futuristic-looking electric scooter that hit the streets a few years back. We had a blast ripping around on the original this year– the electric power was addictive and it handled like a dream. But let's be honest, the styling was... divisive. It looked like something straight out of a sci-fi flick, which wasn't exactly everyone's cup of tea here at Biker Torque.
Well, BMW has given their electric champion a bit of a makeover and it looks like they're doubling down on what made the CE 04 so popular while trying to refine its, shall we say, unique aesthetic.
Still the undisputed top dog in the electric scooter game (for anything above 11kW anyway), the CE 04 has been tweaked to offer a cleaner look in its base "Lightwhite uni" guise.
But for those who still want to stand out, the "Avantgarde" model in "Gravity blue metallic matt" with bright yellow accents is sure to turn heads.
And if you're after a touch of premium elegance, the "Exclusive" version in "Spacesilver metallic" adds some sophisticated flair, along with practical upgrades like a bigger windscreen, hand protectors, and heated grips – perfect for those chilly Aussie mornings!
Beyond the fresh paint jobs, BMW has added more creature comforts as optional extras across the range, including heated grips and that larger windshield. The Avantgarde and Exclusive models also get fancy laser-engraved rear wheel rims.
Underneath the stylish (or more stylish?) exterior, it's still the same punchy electric scooter we enjoyed. With up to 31 kW (42 hp) on tap, the CE 04 can scoot from 0 to 50 km/h in a blistering 2.6 seconds. Top speed is still a respectable 120 km/h, meaning it's more than capable on city streets and even some highway stretches. The 8.9 kWh battery offers a claimed range of around 130 km, which should be plenty for most urban commutes and weekend jaunts.
Charging is still flexible, with options for regular household sockets, wall boxes, and public chargers. The optional quick charger can juice up the battery from flat to full in just 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Safety and tech haven't been ignored either. The CE 04 comes standard with a massive 10.25-inch TFT screen with integrated map navigation – no more fiddling with your phone for directions! You also get LED lighting all around, with an optional adaptive headlight for even better visibility in corners.
BMW is offering a decent list of optional extras, including a centre stand, anti-theft alarm, E-Call, comfort seat, and even a "Dynamic package" with features like lean-sensitive ABS Pro and Dynamic Traction Control.
So, while we might have raised an eyebrow at the original CE 04's looks, there's no denying its performance and technology were top-notch. With these new refinements and added practicality, it seems BMW is keen to maintain its reign as the electric scooter king. We're looking forward to getting our hands on the updated model and seeing if the new styling has won us over completely!