BMW Motorrad's fully electric CE 04 scooter is finally destined for New Zealand shores with BMW Motorrad NZ distributor Sime Darby confirming the first examples will arrive in October 2023.
First announced in 2021, the CE 04 will be the first fully electric offering from BMW Motorrad NZ for the New Zealand market, and has been designed to have similar performance to a 400cc executive scooter.
“The BMW CE 04 is our new electric star for the city," BMW AG CEO Oliver Zipse said at the time of its launch.
"It combines an e-drive with emotion and motorcycling fun. The latest technology, and the best battery cells, which also provide power in the BMW iX. Just like the CE 04, all future new BMW Motorrad models for urban mobility will be pure electric.”
New Zealand pricing for the CE 04 is set at $28,490 plus on roads, which while it is certainly much more than the current crop of EV scooters go for it does make a bit of sense. Currently, the EV two-wheeler market in NZ is focused on the moped class - great for inner cities but limited once you need to do a bit of distance. The CE 04 is a larger more powerful option with its 42hp (31kW) motor and more practical offering on top of being a product from a trusted premium European manufacturer.
For your money, you get a two-wheeled carbon-neutral commuter that is truly two-up capable and able to hit 50kph in 2.6 seconds. Top speed is expressway ready at a claimed 120kph with a maximum range of 130km from a full charge.
As you'd expect from a BMW, the CE 04 doesn't skimp when it comes to tech.
It's equipped with three rider modes – Eco, Rain and Road – to tune the power delivery of the electric motor, with braking backed by ABS.
The cockpit features a huge 10.25-inch TFT display with integrated maps for navigation and extensive connectivity as standard.
Optional extras include Dynamic Traction Control, ABS Pro along with a pool of official BMW Motorrad accessories and rider equipment.