BMW Motorrad has revealed a near production version of its Concept Definition CE 04 at the brand’s #NEXTGen 2020. The bike is a link between the analogue and digital worlds of the rider, offering a means of transport and communication for the urban commuter.
With its electric drive, trailblazing design and innovative connectivity solutions, it sets out to redefine the scooter segment. True to the motto ‘Plugged to life’, it combines intelligent rider equipment, to create a holistic, highly emotional mobility experience.
“Electric mobility is a central drive system for the BMW Group and we are consistently relying on this technology in our sustainability strategy. Electric drives are also a current topic for BMW Motorrad, especially for the urban environment.
Since 2013, we have been a pioneer in this area with the BMW C evolution scooter. The BMW Motorrad Definition CE 04 is the logical continuation of the electromobility strategy for urban conurbations.
The Definition CE 04 provides a concrete preview of what a contemporary production vehicle could look like, with which we will take two-wheel electric mobility in metropolitan areas to a new level.
“We have managed to transfer many innovative elements and details of the concept into the series,” BMW head of vehicle design Alexander Buckan said.
“The technical realities of electric drive – such as the flat energy packs in the underfloor and the compact drive train – allow us to create a highly distinctive design which defines a new, urban aesthetic and which differentiates itself clearly from conventional styling.”
Buckan believes the CE 04 may well polarise some consumers, but at the same time will stand out from the crowd. Visually, it clearly breaks with the look of scooters as we know them.
Instead, an elongated, low vehicle body and the diagonally rising front end create a silhouette that is as modern as it is clear. The generous, calm surface design with sharply defined edges blends perfectly into modern, urban surroundings.
The flat battery in the underbody provides new freedoms, such as the new storage solution, which is illuminated and can be folded open from the side. It gives the rider easy access for storing a helmet and other equipment.
A favourable centre of gravity results, which ensures playful handling and dynamic riding fun. The design of the lights is as reduced as it is modern as well. The two U-shaped LED front lights are characterised by minimalist design.
Their clear-cut layout and the slim contours accentuate the modern and trailblazing visual appeal of the front section. The rear lights have been integrated into the rear side panels in the form of two C-shaped light elements.
“A scooter is not a ‘fun bike’ which is taken for ride in the mountains in fine weather, but a practical everyday vehicle for driving from home to the office or meeting friends in the evening – simply a vehicle for every day in the city,” Buckan continued.
The target group for the CE 04 mainly rides around 12km per day. Long distance comfort is therefore less important than variable ergonomics and easy accessibility.
To that end, BMW Motorrad designed a ‘floating’ bench seat, which allows the rider to glide comfortably onto the bike, even from behind. It also offers improved ergonomics for single riders, regardless of leg length and height.
BMW Motorrad sees great potential in the interaction between vehicle and rider equipment in terms of safety, comfort and emotional experience. The rider is connected to his/her environment through his smartphone via the BMW Motorrad Definition CE 04.
Its 10.25-inch display is the largest in the scooter segment to date and acts as an interface between the digital and analogue worlds of the rider. They’ve even developed exclusive riding gear to go with the concept bike.
These include a casually cut warm parka suitable for everyday use. Black riding jeans, stylish sneakers and a white open face helmet to complete the look. Graphic designs on the bike showcase the new concept to optimum effect.
“Thanks to the new architecture, we have created something completely new with this vehicle – and in the future we want to use graphics and colours to emphasise this even further,” BMW Motorrad Design graphic designer Gerald Höller explains.
“We see the CE 04 Definition almost as a moving screen with which a customer can express his personality – from modern elegant to urban.”
Following BMW Group’s sustainability strategy, BMW Motorrad also aspires to consistently pursue electromobility, with their work in this space starting as early as 2011, with the Concept e. This was followed by the first prototype of the BMW C Evolution.
BMW Motorrad was the first-ever manufacturer in the premium segment to launch the series-production vehicle, with the C Evolution in 2014, which made daily commute to work on two wheels purely electric.
But that was just the beginning. For the successor model, designers and developers were given a free hand. The result is a completely new architecture and iconic design.
The BMW Motorrad Definition CE 04 now continues BMW Motorrad’s electromobility strategy for urban environments, and thus provides a concrete preview of what a contemporary production vehicle could look like.
