Plugged to life" - electrically powered and plugged to the rider's life.
The electrically powered BMW Motorrad Concept Definition CE 04 has been consistently developed and adapted to meet the everyday needs and requirements of the customer. True to the motto "Plugged to life", it combines the customer's analogue world with the digital one. In conjunction with the corresponding intelligent rider equipment, a holistic, highly emotional and newly conceived mobility experience is created.
"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 current 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.
Innovative architecture and trailblazing design.
The segment-defining design of the Definition CE 04 stands for a new, urban aesthetic. 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 an almost unchanged design.
"We have managed to transfer many innovative elements and details of the concept into the series. 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 that defines a new, urban aesthetic and differentiates itself from conventional styling. A design that follows the basic needs for simple functionality, clear aesthetics and the digital reality today's users live in. The new architecture has led to a visual revolution and has produced many new design themes. Maybe it will polarise, but it will stand out," continues Alexander Buckan, Head of Vehicle Design BMW Motorrad.
Visually, the BMW Motorrad Definition CE 04 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 current, 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. In addition, the low position of the flat battery provides a favourable centre of gravity, which ensures playful handling and dynamic riding fun.
Clear shapes and modern technology interpreted in timeless style.
Clear lines, generous surfaces and distinctive design underline the modern impression of the proportions. This is further enhanced by using two colours: beneath the contemporary surface finish in Mineral White metallic, a matt black area forms the vehicle's core, the technical heart. It stretches from the front to the rear and the tyres and front lights. Also, integrating the drive unit and the suspension elements. 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 swingarm, spring strut and tooth belt.
The design of the lights is as reduced as it is modern. The two U-shaped LED front lights are characterised by a minimalist design. Their clear-cut layout and 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 two C-shaped light elements.
Practice-oriented design and ergonomics.
"A scooter is not a "fun bike" which is taken for a 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," says Alexander Buckan. "That's why we dealt intensively with the design of the drive and energy storage system to make it meet the needs of the actual user: The urban target group mainly rides short distances of approx. 12 km per day. Long-distance comfort is, therefore, less important than variable ergonomics and easy accessibility. In this way, we created a "floating" seat bench seat, which allows you to glide comfortably onto the vehicle even from behind. It also offers improved ergonomics for single riders, regardless of leg length and height."
Rider equipment as part of vehicle communication.
The designers have also broken new ground regarding rider equipment: "We deliberately wanted to create a fashionable look that is urban yet highly functional rather than classic motorcycle clothing. We want to develop products to 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.
At the heart of the rider equipment developed exclusively for the BMW Motorrad Definition CE 04 is a casually cut warm parka suitable for everyday use. Black riding jeans, stylish sneakers and a white open face helmet complete the look. In a broken white tone, the parka offers a high degree of wearing comfort thanks to its wide cut and is distinctive thanks to its urban style. The high collar and the large hood provide an even higher level of coolness. Details such as the positioning of the zippers or the discreet print emphasise the urban look, which allows you to go from your scooter directly to the office in style. The high-tech material of the parkas is waterproof, robust and breathable. The flexible protectors incorporated into the parka provide the safety expected from BMW Motorrad.
Innovative features such as the integrated light guides in the sleeves and hood ensure greater visibility in road traffic and 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 parka has an inductive charging field for the smartphone. The rider equipment is seamlessly integrated into the rider's life.
Graphics as a unique styling feature.
The unobtrusive graphic design of the BMW Motorrad Definition CE 04 showcases the new concept to optimum effect. However, completely different design versions are possible here. Gerald Höller, the graphic designer at BMW Motorrad Design, explains: "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. We see the CE 04 Definition almost as a moving screen with which a customer can express his personality - from modern elegant to urban."
Seamless connectivity.
The BMW Motorrad Definition CE 04 always focuses on practical and user-friendly solutions concerning design and digital use. BMW Motorrad sees excellent potential in the interaction between vehicle and rider equipment in terms of safety, comfort and emotional experience. Its 10.25-inch display is the largest in the scooter segment and acts as an interface between the digital and analogue worlds of the rider. The rider is connected to his environment through his smartphone via the BMW Motorrad Definition CE 04.
