BMW CE 04 Review Is India's Most Expensive Electric Scooter Worth the Splurge?

There are vehicles that aim to blend in, and then there are vehicles like the BMW CE 04 a machine that seems designed specifically to make you stop in your tracks and say, “What is that?” It doesn’t just demand attention, it commands it. From its razor-sharp design to its eye-watering price tag, the CE 04 is like no other scooter currently on Indian roads.

But here’s the thing does that make it practical? Or desirable beyond the initial wow-factor? Can you really justify spending over ₹15 lakh on a scooter, even if it has a BMW badge slapped on its side panels?

In this brutally honest and human-touch review, we take a deep dive into what the BMW CE 04 really is, what it’s trying to be, and whether it’s something anyone in India should seriously consider owning.

First Impressions: This Is No Ordinary Scooter

When I first laid eyes on the BMW CE 04, it didn’t feel like I was looking at a scooter. It felt more like a prop from a science fiction movie that someone accidentally parked in a BMW showroom. The design is just... out there.

With a long, stretched body, minimalist front, an angular LED headlamp, and those razor-sharp panel cuts, the CE 04 looks like the future on two wheels. And that’s not just a cliché it genuinely doesn’t resemble any scooter we’ve seen before in India. It’s not trying to be understated, it’s deliberately provocative.

In fact, when I rolled up to a coffee shop on it, people literally walked over to ask, “Is that even legal on Indian roads?” That says it all

A Scooter or Rolling Art?

This machine takes the idea of a scooter and flips it on its head. It's got an urban-retro-futuristic thing going on like if Blade Runner and Berlin had a design baby.

Angular body panels: Nothing curves softly here. Everything is sharp, intentional, aggressive.

Exposed components: From the floating side panels to the visible motor belt drive this thing is all about form follows function.

Side-loading storage compartment: Yes, it’s on the side, and yes, it can fit a few small grocery bags or the included charger. But no, don’t expect to fit your helmet.

Even the offset rear monoshock is exposed in a way that screams “look at me,” and it works. The rear disc wheel with dotted design adds flair, but we weren’t big fans of the flashy stickers on the white variant.

Quality and Touchpoints: BMW Does Not Cut Corners

The 10.25-inch TFT display is probably the largest screen you’ll find on any two-wheeler in India, let alone a scooter. It's vivid, interactive, and utterly premium. You get navigation, ride stats, battery health, and more. The UI is snappy, and the entire system is surprisingly intuitive.

Pair that with tactile switchgear, high-grade plastic materials, and excellent fit-and-finish, and you get a cabin that wouldn’t feel out of place in a premium car.

Even little things like the handlebar grips, mirror stalks, and even the fonts used on the display all scream premium BMW.

Riding Position and Ergonomics: Futuristic but Flawed

Sitting on the BMW CE 04 is... different. The seat is narrow, long, and quite high at 780mm. While that’s manageable for most riders, it may not be friendly for shorter individuals or those not used to tall seating positions.

The foot-forward stance feels oddly like you’re riding a cruiser motorcycle rather than a scooter. The handlebar falls naturally to your hands, which is great, but the wide central spine means your legs are always spread apart like you’re awkwardly trying to hug the scooter.

The flush side stand is another quirk it looks cool but is a bit annoying to locate and deploy quickly. It's these little touches that remind you: this scooter wasn’t designed with Indian traffic or ergonomics in mind.

Performance: Smooth, Powerful, and Confident

Let’s get into the good stuff

Battery & Range:

Battery Pack: 8.5kWh (lithium-ion)

Claimed Range: 130km (WMTC cycle)

Real-world range: Expect around 90–110km depending on traffic, speed, and mode.

While that range figure doesn’t compete with some Indian EVs (like Ola S1 Pro or Ather 450X), the CE 04 isn’t really playing the same game.

Motor Output

Power: 42bhp

Torque: 62Nm

That’s seriously potent for a scooter, and trust me, it shows. The CE 04 pulls cleanly and silently, offering linear acceleration that feels natural yet powerful. It easily touches 100–120 kmph on open roads, and BMW claims a top speed of 120kmph, but it can do a bit more with ease.

What really stands out is how refined the ride feels. No vibration. No lag. Just seamless torque.

Ride Quality and Handling: Surprisingly Agile for a 231kg Scooter

Yes, you read that right 231kg. This scooter is heavier than some motorcycles in the 400cc segment. But the weight is distributed well.

Front Suspension: Telescopic forks

Rear: Preload-adjustable monoshock

Drive: Toothed-belt (maintenance-friendly and quiet)

On city roads, it’s a bit tricky to weave through bumper-to-bumper traffic. But once you get moving, the CE 04 feels planted, smooth, and composed. The chassis is stiff, which makes high-speed cruising surprisingly enjoyable.

Cornering? You can do it, but don’t expect sportbike levels of lean angle. The long wheelbase and heavy weight make it more of a gentle cruiser than a flickable city scooter.

Brakes: Confident, Stable, and Safe

With twin front disc brakes and single disc at the rear, braking is powerful and progressive. The CE 04 also comes with ABS, which works smoothly and adds confidence.

Even in emergency stops, the scooter holds its line well. The low center of gravity definitely helps here.

Riding Modes: Four Ways to Feel the Future

There are four ride modes, each with distinct characteristics:

Eco: Max regen, best range. Good for short trips but feels a bit sluggish.

Rain: Softer throttle response. Feels safe but uninspiring.

Road: Best balance of power and regen. Natural and intuitive.

Dynamic: Sharper throttle. Max fun. Slight bump in performance.

I found myself sticking with Road mode most of the time, occasionally switching to Dynamic for quick bursts of fun. Eco mode felt too restrictive, and Rain is best left for actual wet conditions.

Charging: Not Lightning Fast, But Acceptable

BMW provides a 2.3kW charger with the CE 04. Using that:

0 to 80%: ~3.5 hours

0 to 100%: ~4.5–5 hours

While it’s not as fast as DC fast charging found on some cars, it's acceptable for overnight charging or office commutes. Unfortunately, there’s no native DC fast charging capability (at least not yet in the Indian-spec model), which could have made a real difference.

What Works – Pros

✅ Stunning design – Looks like a piece of moving art.

✅ Excellent performance – Powerful, smooth, and torquey.

✅ Top-notch features – Massive display, premium switchgear, multiple modes.

✅ Solid brakes and ride stability – Feels composed even at 100+ kmph.

✅ Premium quality – From plastics to lights to suspension feel.

 

What Doesn’t – Cons

❌ Price – ₹15.25 lakh (ex-showroom) is extremely steep.

❌ Limited practicality – Small storage, high seat, poor side stand ergonomics.

❌ Low range compared to Indian EVs – For the money, it could offer more.

❌ Not made for Indian roads – Design and features are tailored for European cities.

 

Verdict

Head Over Heart? Or Heart Over Head?

So, should you buy the BMW CE 04?

Let’s be blunt. If you’re looking for value, the CE 04 is not for you. This is not a daily commuter in the typical Indian sense. It doesn’t compete with Ather or Ola or Bajaj Chetak. It’s not trying to.

The BMW CE 04 is a statement. A design-led, futuristic showpiece that tells the world: "I ride different."

It’s like owning a Ducati Panigale to commute 4km to work no one really needs it, but you buy it because it speaks to you. And that’s exactly what this scooter does. It’s less about function, and more about emotion, design, uniqueness, and pushing the envelope of what an electric two-wheeler can be.

Would I buy one? Honestly, no. But would I love to have one parked in my living room just to admire it like a sculpture? Absolutely.

Final Rating: 7.5/10

Performance: 9/10

Design & Build: 10/10

Comfort & Ergonomics: 6/10

Features & Tech: 9/10

Value for Money: 3/10

Overall Emotional Appeal: 10/10

Disclaimer

This article is written for informational and editorial purposes only. Pricing, specs, and features mentioned are based on the review unit and current listings as of May 2025. All content is created by human editorial analysis. For latest updates, visit official BMW Motorrad India channels.

Published by: rooh-e-seemanchal.in