What will be the face of the mobility of the future? A question that everyone is asking and to which BMW Motorrad has answered by opening a “pop up store”, ie a temporary store in the heart of Paris. For the German manufacturer, the future is already tomorrow with the CE 04 electric scooter which is announced for the first quarter of 2022.
Sold more than 4,000 copies in France, the C evolution has made it possible to give credibility to the electric system within BMW Motorrad’s “urban mobility” range and has made the German manufacturer a pioneer among the major manufacturers.
VIDEO – Our discovery of the BMW CE 04
Seven years later, CE 04 takes over but is not content to capitalize on the success of its predecessor. On the contrary, he is playing it disruptive! A resolutely futuristic design, divisive even, but which produces its effect. Place de la Madeleine, it has become a curiosity that prompts you to enter the ephemeral store to understand what it is all about.
“It’s a real statement in terms of design. It is not just a question of revolutionizing the mode of transport according to energy but also of visually bringing a new conception of the city ”, explains Nathanaëlle Heinrich, director of BMW Motorrad France.
BMW knows its audience well since the order book is starting to fill up quickly with several hundred pre-ordered CE 04s already. “I’ve already booked it, but I’m coming to watch it a little longer. »Declares a visitor, already won over.
Future urban emperor?
While large cities are chasing heat engines, BMW offers an individual mobility solution according to the director of BMW Motorrad France: “We are responding to a double problem: the subject of air pollution and pollution. sound thanks to the electric. But also the issue of congestion in urban centers with a low footprint and therefore does not participate in the phenomenon of traffic jams. All while keeping freedom of movement! “
The CE 04 is resolutely urban and less GT than the C evolution. A speed restricted to 120km / h to optimize battery performance and a range of 130km announced with a capacity of 8.9kWh (60.6Ah). The scooter benefits from a technology transfer from the automotive big sister since it is the same battery pack as the iX, BMW’s latest 100% electric SUV.
On the performance side, some maxi-scooters will have a cold sweat at a red light: 0 to 50km / h in 2.6 seconds, a power of 20hp which rises to 42hp at peak.
“That’s actually the good news! It’s that we switch to electric but it’s even more fun, it’s really fun, it’s a big smile under the helmet! “, Laughs the director of BMW Motorrad France,” once you taste an electric scooter, you wonder why it was not always like that. With a scooter, we have a low center of gravity since the batteries are at floor level and therefore good agility. The scooter is certainly the concept most likely to introduce electrification on 2-wheels, ”she concludes.
A scooter that is accessible to all
With the CE 04, BMW seeks to attract a large clientele, motorists, scooter riders and pedestrians, since it is also accessible in A1 license with a 15ch version and performances very close to “full”: 100km of autonomy and a peak power of 31hp.
A scooter that is also more accessible with a 780mm saddle that allows you to put your foot on the ground in all circumstances and a relaxed driving position “bobber”. The sleek saddle if it asserts its lines, does not seem to promise the comfort of a GT motorcycle. But you have to put it into perspective when you know that the average time spent on a 2-wheeler in town do not exceed 30 minutes.
The CE 04 is also reassuring with all the electronic assistance that is usually found on the motorcycles of the group: traction control (via torque) and ABS or driving modes. And since it is a BMW 2-wheeler, it is Premium in its performance. It offers as standard the huge 10.25-inch TFT screen of the 1250 RT, the BMW GT, which connects with your phone and allows you to display the GPS in full size. But also an automatic parking brake that is triggered with the stand, a reverse gear and an energy recovery system.
And you can personalize your CE 04, with a maximum of options in the purest BMW tradition. We will retain 2 main option packs: the city pack at 770 euros in particular to have heated grips and an alarm. And the pro pack at 1,070 euros for traction control and ABS on the angle, a “dynamic” driving mode which notably improves energy recovery and adaptive lighting.
For those who do not find the future very practical in terms of storage, know that it is possible to accommodate a full face helmet in a box which is located under the saddle on the right, and that you can also add a top case or flexible luggage for do not deny your adventurous spirit if you are already a GS owner.
When young people are connected
In this Madeleine “pop up store”, a surprise awaits you. BMW designers have almost had carte-blanche in recent years and they are in a facetious mood, to the point of playing on the ambiguities between modes of travel. So here is an even more disruptive concept!
CE 02 was presented to the public for the first time at the Munich Motor Show. A UFO that targets the micromobility of urban youth. 15ch, 90Km of autonomy, this 125cc equivalent wants to blow up the weights of traditional scooters. Compact and accessible (730mm seat height) it could become the Honda Dax ST70 of the new generation.
He is so cool, that he suggests storing his skateboard “board” to make a footrest!
Simple move or real daring? “At BMW, no concept is innocent” Nathanaëlle Heinrich slips mischievously. This is perhaps the second member of the new CE range.
The future according to BMW visible throughout the month of October
If you decide to take a stroll at Place de la Madeleine before October 29, be careful when you go to number 32, some may go back to the future! Finally, it will depend on your budget. CE 04 starts at 12,150 euros and can go up to 14,685 euros with the different option packs installed. But at this price, all you need is the jacket with integrated LED lights connected to the CE 04 for optimal visibility… And that’s good, BMW is working on it! You can also opt for the long-term loan with a “Leasing” at 180 euros per month, maintenance included.
Finally, for more constrained wallets or those who prefer to move more smoothly, the shop also houses electric bikes made in Munich and even scooters.
And no, do not try to leave with CE 02, it is still only a concept!
INFO :
BMW POP UP STORE PARIS – LA MADELEINE
32, place de la Madeleine, 75008
Open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (except public holidays).
Until October 29
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