The BMW Group is presenting the near-series version of the BMW Motorrad Concept Link at NEXTGen 2020. BMW have said the Motorrad Definition CE 04 with its electric drive and connectivity solutions, sets out to redefine the scooter segment.
The BMW Concept Definition CE 04 looks like it could be out of a Star Wars movie.
The electrically powered BMW Motorrad Concept Definition CE 04 has been developed and adapted to meet the everyday needs and requirements of the customer. While the BMW Motorrad Concept Link in 2017 still seemed like a vision far from the future, the BMW Motorrad Definition CE 04 in 2020 transfers the radical design of the Concept Link to production readiness with almost unchanged design.
“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 and 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, both technically and visually,” explains Edgar Heinrich, Head of Design at BMW Motorrad.
Sharp and futuristic lines give it the next generation BMW appeal.
Visually, the BMW Motorrad Definition CE 04 has an elongated, low vehicle body and the diagonally rising front end to give it that next generation BMW appearance. The flat battery in the underbody provides a 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. In addition, the low position of the flat battery in theory, provides a favourable centre of gravity, which should help with the scooters handling response.
BMW have said that the BMW Motorrad Definition CE 04 deliberately stages the bike’s technology as part of the design. That is why the side panels don’t completely cover the vehicle’s side section at the rear. Instead they stretch across parts of the vehicle’s side like little wings allowing views of the drive unit, cooling ribs, single-sided swing arm, spring strut and tooth belt. Along with this are plenty of integrated lights like the two U-shaped headlights and the two C-shaped taillights
A 10.25 inch full colour LCD which connects up to your smartphone will be included.
As a part of the scooters outfit, BMW have looked to integrate the riders safety gear, innovative features such as the integrated light guides in the sleeves and hood should ensure greater visibility on the road. It can be switched on and changed in colour via sensors in the sleeve. To ensure that the rider is always fully charged up, the inside pocket of the jacket has an inductive charging field to keep your smartphone charged.
BMW have given the Definition CE 04 the ability to connect via a smartphone to its 10.25 inch display to act as an interface with analog inspiration, “We deliberately wanted to create a fashionable look that is urban yet highly functional rather than classic motorcycle clothing. We want to develop products with which you can get off the vehicle and go about your everyday business hassle-free. At the same time, the rider equipment offers the protection you are used to from BMW Motorrad and even becomes part of the vehicle communication to the outside world”, explains Julia Lein, Head of Rider Equipment Design at BMW Motorrad.
Thanks to saving space without a combustion engine, there is plenty of storage for full sized helmets.
BMW Motorrad have said they aspire to consistently pursue electromobility, BMW Motorrad already showed in 2011 what electromobility can look like in the urban environment with the Concept e. This was followed by the first prototype of the BMW C evolution in London, which was presented during the Summer Olympics in 2012. BMW Motorrad was the first-ever manufacturer in the premium segment to launch the series-production vehicle C Evolution in 2014, which made daily commute to work on two wheels purely electric.
BMW Motorrad Definition CE 04 Highlights.
- Full electric.
- Large LCD screen with mobile connectivity.
- Integrated riding jacket for safety.
- Next generation BMW looks.
- Low centre of gravity.
Due to the battery placement flat along the floor, the scooter should have a low centre of gravity and improve handling.
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March 11, 2021
BMW wouldn’t bring their C Evolution scooter to Australia, despite it being a perfect city commuter vehicle, due to “lack of charging infrastructure”. But they sell it in London, which is just as bad as Sydney or Melbourne for chargers.
Don’t expect to see this here in Oz, either. Not with home-grown alternatives like Fonzarelli and Savic probably being cheaper, as well.