BMW CE 02 OVERVIEW & PRICE
PERFORMANCE AND MOTOR
At the heart of this electric scooter is an air-cooled, synchronous motor that produces a peak power output of 15 horsepower (11 kilowatts) at 5,000 rpm. This power plant is designed to provide smooth and instant acceleration, a characteristic that is particularly beneficial in urban traffic conditions. The CE 02’s standout performance feature is its impressive acceleration capability, ensuring that you can swiftly navigate city traffic and merge seamlessly with faster-moving vehicles.
The scooter can go from 0 to 48 km/h in three seconds, a feature that is particularly beneficial in urban traffic conditions. This quick acceleration, a result of the electric motor’s immediate torque delivery, allows riders to swiftly navigate city traffic and merge seamlessly with faster-moving vehicles. Regarding top speed, the BMW CE 02 can reach up to 59 mph (about 95 km/h). While this may not seem exceptionally fast compared to some conventional motorcycles, it is more than sufficient for urban and suburban commuting.
The top speed is electronically limited to ensure optimal battery performance and rider safety, balancing performance and practicality. The CE 02 offers multiple riding modes for different preferences and situations. The standard modes include “Flow” for gentle acceleration and medium energy regeneration and “Surf” for a direct throttle response with zero regeneration. For those seeking a more dynamic riding experience, the Highline package introduces a “Flash” mode, which provides a very responsive and sporty feel. These modes not only affect the power delivery and regenerative braking but also the overall riding experience, allowing riders to customize their journey.
RANGE
The range is crucial for electric vehicles; the BMW CE 02 doesn’t disappoint. According to ARAI standards, the official claimed range of the CE 02 is an impressive 108 km per charge. However, it’s important to note that real-world conditions often yield different results due to rider weight, road conditions, and weather. In practical scenarios, the actual range of the BMW CE 02 is slightly lower than the claimed figure.
Several sources suggest that the real-world range is closer to 85-90 km on a single charge. This discrepancy is familiar with electric vehicles, where ideal testing conditions may not always match everyday usage patterns. The CE 02 has a 3.92 kWh battery, and its range can be influenced by the riding mode selected. The different modes (Flow, Surf, and Flash) affect power delivery and regenerative braking, impacting the overall range.
For instance, the Flash mode provides maximum power and energy recovery, potentially extending the range slightly through regenerative braking. It’s worth noting that the CE 02’s range can also be affected by the type of usage. Urban stop-and-go traffic can benefit from regenerative braking, potentially extending the range compared to constant high-speed travel. This, along with the scooter’s agility and stability, makes the CE 02 particularly well-suited for city commuting, where its range can be optimized, and its manoeuvrability can make navigating through traffic a breeze.
FEATURES AND TECHNOLOGY
The BMW CE 02 comes packed with an array of features that set it apart in the electric scooter market:
- Advanced Display: The scooter has a 3.5-inch micro TFT display that provides essential information such as battery percentage and speed. This clear and easy-to-read display ensures that riders have all the necessary information at a glance.
- Connectivity: The CE 02 features Bluetooth connectivity, allowing seamless integration with the BMW Motorrad Connected app. This integration enhances the digital experience, providing riders additional functionalities and information.
- Smartphone Integration: A highly integrated smartphone holder with SP Connect technology is available, enabling riders to keep their devices secure and accessible during rides. This feature is handy for navigation and accessing ride-related information.
- Keyless Ride: The CE 02 incorporates Keyless Ride technology, allowing riders to start and stop the vehicle without needing a traditional key. This adds a layer of convenience to the riding experience.
- LED Lighting: The vehicle is fitted with all-around LED lighting, providing excellent visibility and contributing to the modern aesthetic of the bike.
- Riding Modes: As mentioned earlier, the CE 02 offers multiple riding modes, including Flow, Surf, and Flash (in the Highline package), allowing riders to customize their riding experience.
- Rider Aids: The scooter has Automatic Stability Control (ASC), which functions similarly to traction control, and Recuperation Stability Control (RSC), which acts like drag torque control. These systems enhance safety and stability during acceleration and braking.
- Reverse Aid: An electric reverse gear is included, making it easier to manoeuvre the bike in tight spaces. This feature will be particularly appreciated in crowded Indian cities.
- Heated Grips: With the Highline package, heated grips provide additional comfort during colder weather conditions, extending the riding season for many users.
HANDLING
The BMW CE 02 is engineered to excel in urban environments, offering a blend of agility and stability that makes it ideal for city commuting. Despite its weight of 142 kg, the CE 02 feels remarkably light and easy to manoeuvre, especially in heavy traffic conditions. Its small turning radius and flickable nature allow riders to easily navigate tight spaces and crowded urban settings, making it a perfect companion for daily city rides.
One of the standout features of the CE 02 is its multiple riding modes. The scooter offers three modes – Flow, Surf, and Flash – each adjusting the throttle response and regenerative braking to suit different riding styles and conditions. This flexibility allows riders to tailor their experience, whether they’re looking for a relaxed cruise or a more engaging ride.
The CE 02 is equipped with a single-channel ABS system, which, while functional, has been noted as a potential drawback for a premium product. The lack of rear ABS might concern some riders, especially those new to two-wheelers. However, the scooter compensates with its excellent traction, thanks to the thick Michelin City Grip tyres that provide confidence-inspiring grip and stability.
COMFORT
The scooter features flexible ergonomics that can accommodate riders of various sizes. With two sets of footpegs, riders can choose between a more upright or a sportier position, enhancing overall comfort during long rides. The seat height of 749 mm makes the CE 02 accessible to a wide range of riders, including those of shorter stature. However, the seat design, described as a flat, bench-like structure, may not be ideal for carrying a pillion passengers, making it more suited for solo rides.
The suspension setup is tuned primarily for urban environments, providing a comfortable ride at city speeds. The suspension is softer, which might not be optimal for higher speeds or rougher road conditions. For those opting for the Highline variant, additional comfort features include heated grips, which, while perhaps unnecessary in the Indian climate, add to the scooter’s premium feel. Including a smartphone holder and USB-C charging port enhances convenience for urban riders, allowing them to stay connected on the go.
BUILD QUALITY
The BMW CE 02 showcases exceptional build quality, living up to the high standards of the BMW brand. The scooter’s unique and futuristic design differentiates it from traditional two-wheelers. It boasts large balloon tyres on 14-inch cast alloy wheels, upside-down forks, a flat bench seat, and sophisticated switchgear. The design of the CE 02 is heavily influenced by skateboarding and BMX culture, giving it a distinctive look that appeals to younger urban riders.
This innovative approach to design doesn’t compromise on quality, as the CE 02 is constructed with high-quality materials typical of BMW’s standards. Experts have praised the CE 02 for its robust construction and attention to detail. The switchgear and other components are high quality and comparable to those of more premium BMW models like the R1300GS.
This quality level extends to the scooter’s overall fit and finish, ensuring a premium feel that justifies its position in the market. While the build quality is generally excellent, it’s worth noting that using solid wheels means that it’s impossible to use a chain lock, which could be a downside for some users. However, this design choice contributes to the scooter’s unique aesthetic and potentially reduces maintenance requirements.
STYLING AND DESIGN
The BMW CE 02 stands out with its progressive design and youthful proportions. It features a unique blend of scooter and motorcycle elements, resulting in a distinctive appearance that will turn heads on Indian roads. The design is described as nimble, practical, and robust, perfectly aligning with its urban mobility focus. The CE 02 boasts a torsionally rigid double-loop frame, contributing to its stability and handling characteristics. The overall design emphasizes minimalism and functionality, with clean lines and a futuristic aesthetic that sets it apart from traditional scooters and motorcycles.
COLOR OPTIONS AND VARIANTS
There are two colour options available for the BMW CE 02 in India, and they are:
- Cosmic Black: Comes with cosmic black paintwork and a monochrome black seat, which is standard. Granite grey metallic sets astonishing contrasts, and the tape design looks fresh.
- Cosmic Black 2: Equipped with the Highline package, the CE 02 becomes even more extroverted: with exclusive paintwork in Cosmic Black 2, a 3-colour motorcycle seat and 22 tapes, including a rim tape set. The gold-coloured fork takes it to the next level.
In terms of variants, BMW offers the CE 02 in two main configurations:
- Standard Variant: This includes the base model with all essential features.
- HIGHLINE Package: This premium variant includes additional features such as a 1.5 kW quick charger, heated grips, and a smartphone holder.
VALUE FOR MONEY
Priced at ₹ 4,49,000 (ex-showroom), the CE 02 is positioned as a premium offering. This price point places it significantly higher than competitors like the TVS X and the Ather 450X. In terms of performance, the CE 02 offers a power output of 11 kW, which is competitive with its rivals. However, its riding range of 108 km on a full charge falls short of competitors like the TVS X (140 km) and Ather 450X (126 km).
This lower range might be a consideration for potential buyers, especially given the higher price point. The CE 02 does offer unique features and a premium brand experience that may justify its higher price for some buyers. Its distinctive design, solid build quality, and BMW’s reputation for engineering excellence are factors that could sway buyers looking for a premium electric scooter experience.
