BMW Motorrad has now launched the CE 04 in India at Rs. 1.5 million (US$ 18,000) (ex-showroom, India), making it the most expensive scooter and electric two-wheeler in the country.

Bookings for the CE 04 are to open from 24th July, 2024, with deliveries scheduled to start in September, 2024.

Battery, range, price, delivery details

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

It is driven by a liquid-cooled permanent magnet motor, which is rare in India. This is rated for a peak output of 31kW (43 PS) and 62 Nm of torque. Power is transmitted to the rear wheel through a belt final drive, and the scooter has a single-sided swingarm. BMW claims the CE 04 will sprint from 0 to 50kph in just 2.6 seconds and will reach 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 are handled by twin 265mm discs at the front mated to J.Juan radially-mounted 4-piston callipers and a 265mm disc at the rear with a single piston axial calliper.

CE 04 rides on 15-inch wheels, which are among the largest in India's scooter segment. Tyre sizes are akin to a middleweight sport bike: 120/70-R15 at the front and 160/60-R15 at the rear. Despite its relatively low seat height of 780mm, the CE 04 has a kerb weight of 231kg, nearly matching that of the new R 1300 GS.

The bike 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, a main stand and reverse mode. It also has a ventilated storage compartment with a USB C charger for smartphone and a side-mounted storage compartment with a dedicated light. It is available in blue and white colours.

Similar to other BMW models, a wide range of accessories is available for the CE 04, including various seat options, additional electronic features, a taller windscreen, and more.

Other scooters priced above Rs. 1 million in India include the Vespa 946 Dragon Edition Rs. 1.4 million and the C 400 GT Rs. 1.1 million. BMW Motorrad has announced 8 new launches in 2024, indicating that 2 more models are yet to arrive in India.

The Ultraviolette F77 Mach 2 Recon electric bike offers similar power but boasts higher torque and range compared to the CE 04. But it comes at an affordable price of Rs. 400,000.