Being a big fan of science fiction and having had a decent dose of such movies, I have always wondered what the future will look like. Not in a dystopian sense but in a Cyberpunk-ish iRobot-y way. Then, being a motorcyclist, I also wonder what the vehicles are going to look like. Since the dawn of electric vehicles, quite a few have come close to drawing a picture of that future. The one that stands out even among those outlandish vehicles is the BMW CE-04. 

It is not a surprise though that the example that impressed me the most is Germany-bred. BMW has been associated with quite a few such vehicles. Who can forget the iconic BMW i8? Even now, BMW’s fleet has some of the most successful electric cars. While I think that they could have gone with an electric motorcycle, the BMW CE-04 all-electric maxi scooter does the job pretty well. I have ridden it before, albeit briefly, I got to ride it again during #xBhpPowerTour2024 and this time, for a little longer than before. 

Before starting, I would like to clarify that longer still means within the city. It comes under the urban mobility umbrella of BMW Motorrad and that is how it has been conceptualized and executed. So the range is a bit limited. But I am jumping the gun here. Let us start with the looks first and I feel like the BMW CE-04 looks smashing. The lines and edges are quite futuristic but the headlight is timeless. It is reminiscent of some bigger touring Beemers. The branding and decals are minimal which lends this maxi scooter a very clean look. The colours also complement the clean looks. 

Just like the CE-04, the Acer Swift 5 also gives one a glimpse into the future… a future combining power and portability.

In terms of specifications, we get a liquid-cooled motor with a 6.2 kWh motor with an option for power reduction that helps with the range. The maximum power sits at a healthy 42 bhp and the torque at a pretty impressive 62 Nm. With the standard charger it gets to 100% in 3.5 hours and with the optional quick charger, you can get to full charge in around an hour and 40 minutes. The range is touted to be around 130 km, but expect that to be lesser in the dynamic mode with a topping of some spirited jaunts. 

The anxiety around the range is a bit better with the ever-improving infrastructure around electric vehicles. Despite that, do not expect to take it for a long ride away from the cities where charging stations are hard to come by. If you take it easy though, you can expect to run around the city visiting your favourite places and coming back to home base with a fair bit of charge left. Alternatively, you can put it on charging for a quick top-up while you grab some refreshments or a quick bite to eat. 

Talking about how it rides, I love it. The torque is instant and while not a novelty anymore, it is still quite exciting. 65 Nm is a fair bit of torque but more than that, it is the delivery that impresses. That instant torque can result in a choppy throttle and a jerky ride but the CE-04 has been optimized well. Throttle transitions are smooth and predictable even with the regen. It never feels hesitant or unwilling to do your best exactly the way you want it. It is also a fairly quick little number if you are willing to push it a bit in Dynamic mode but the most impressive aspect for me remains the throttle response. 

With Killer looks, stellar specs, and a camera system to die for, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra has everything one can ask for in a flagship… and then some!

As far as maxi scooters go, the BMW CE-04 also handles well. Due to the battery pack being situated in the floorboard, the centre of gravity is low. It makes the CE-04 very steady and composed. The long wheelbase further helps matters in this regard but also makes it a tad bit sluggish. But then again, it is not meant for corner carving so you take it to the winding roads in a canyon at your peril. It might hold its own but you aren’t scraping your elbow on this one. If ridden within its limits, it has quite a flow and rhythm to it and it is a fun little vehicle to hop around the city. 

The best bit though is the technology and at the centre of it all is the humongous display. The 10.25” TFT display is not only brilliant and crisp but also very clever. It has a split screen option that can hybridise the interface between digital and analogue. Add to that the BMW Motorrad Connectivity and BMW Motorrad Connected app, you get a range of data; performance data, range, charging time, favourite playlist, next destination or a phone call. There’s also watertight and ventilated storage for your smartphone complete with a USB-C connector. 

The electronics suite controlled via the screen is just as comprehensive. ABS and ASC are standard but the optional features also include DTC and ABS Pro. You can also get heated seats for the colder jaunts around the city. There is electric reverse support and with all that, it is no surprise that you get a keyless ride. 

Overall, I found the BMW CE-04 to be quite an impressive two-wheeler. It is priced a little too high in India and I believe that ours is not a ripe market for it either. But in a city like Munich, and most European cities in my opinion, it is very fun and convenient to ride. If this is what BMW Motorrad thinks is going to be the future of mobility, I do not think things will be as bleak as many self-proclaimed purists might make you believe…