BMW C Evolution Long Range, performance and autonomy increase, +60% [ROAD TEST]

The electric propeller scooter is no longer a novelty, we got to try it for the first time over 3 years ago (here the article), and subsequently for a second time (here is our article complete with video), with MY2017, however, it's done in two, with the standard setup, whose price drops to 14.400 euros (it was 15.750), which is supported byLong Range option, with a cost of an additional 1.500 euros. What is it about? Of a new technology applied to the battery pack, whose density increases, increasing the amount of energy stored. The most evident data is precisely that ofautonomy, which goes from 100 to 160 km, but with the adoption of the new batteries it was decided to also use a different management of the engine, which continuous power è now 19 kW (26 HP), 8 kW (11 HP) more than the standard model. It also goes up top speed, still electronically limited, but now at 129 km/h (instead of 120).

It evolves and doubles

The choice was not to replace the previous model, but to support it with this version, perhaps for reasons related to possibility of driving the less performing even with an A license at 16 years old, or with a B, exactly like a 125 cc motorcycle, but also to differentiate them in price. The latter certainly remains important, starting from 14.400 euros, which becomes 15.900 for the Long Range, and is in fact the only major flaw, if we can call it that, which hinders the diffusion of a truly excellent product. We have had the opportunity to test other electric vehicles, but honestly, every time we get back on the C Evolution, it always appears to us as the best alternative for urban and non-urban mobility, given that the autonomy now allows us to do some I walk outside the door.

Few tweaks, always surprising when driving

In the driving of the renewed C Evolution little changes, in terms of aesthetics it has the same ionic silver metallic / electricgreen livery, but with new graphics for the central tunnel of the Long Range variant. The management of power delivery guarantees even more brilliant performance, as mentioned, with a 0-100 that is covered in two tenths of a second less (6.8 versus 7), while the 50 threshold is always reached in 2.8 seconds. Sports scooter performance, but the data do not give an idea of ​​how "fast" the C Evolution is, to the point that the powerful braking system, with a double 270 mm disc at the front bitten by a two-piston caliper, a single one always 270 at the rear, it can struggle to stop the 275 kg, if you get carried away. The problem is the total silence, with only the whistle of the electric motor to accompany the impressive acceleration.

Without looking at the speedometer, you risk touching the maximum speed from one traffic light to another, with stopping distances increasing accordingly. The concrete case, which helps us explain the level of performance and the immediacy of acceleration and recovery of the C Evolution, is a traffic light that is about to turn red. The instinctive reaction, that of opening the throttle and leaving it only when we reach the intersection, leads us to get there an instant after we thought of doing so, but at speeds that are far too high. The delay and slowness of a thermally powered vehicle become the past, we enter a sort of new dimension, which makes us think (perhaps some of our peers will remember) that we are Automan in the science fiction television series of the 80s. Always present 4 driving modes, with Eco Pro joined by Dynamic, Sail and Road. In addition to power delivery, they have an impact on regenerative engine braking, which can reach levels that, with a correct driving style, can significantly reduce the use of the brakes.

The new batteries

What makes a product better the new BMW C Evolution Long Range, more than the slightly increased performance, is obviously theautonomy, considerably higher: from approximately 100 to 160 km. All without increasing size and weight. The technology is the same as that adopted in the automotive field, obviously also by its cousin i3, which increases the "density" of the batteries in terms of stored energy. The new Samsung SDI 94 Ah cells, as the name suggests, go from the previous 60 to 94 Ah. Since these are 36 3.75 V cells, the overall capacity rises from approximately 8.1 kWh in the "standard" version to 12.7 kWh. The charging cable is new, with a smaller section, while charging times increase accordingly to the capacity of the batteries. As always, you can choose the absorption power, varying it from a minimum of 6 to a maximum of 13 A, with a maximum charging time of approximately 4 and a half hours.

How much does it consume?

We found a figure of approximately 8 kWh per 100 km (the value declared in the WMTC cycle) is 9. If you are used to liters of petrol, this figure alone says little. However, if we make an equivalence (assuming 0,22 euros/kWh and 1.5 as electricity and petrol costs), we are in the order of one liter of petrol travels 100 km, when with a maxi scooter you would need about 5! With a short charge during the trip and perhaps choosing a state road instead of the motorway, it is also possible to take it to the seaside for holidays or a weekend, given the real autonomy is very close to the value declared by BMW.

Tester clothing:
Jacket: Tucano Urbano Urbis 5G

Trousers: Tucano Urbano Panta Urbis 5G

Gloves: Toucan Urban Tetris

Shoes: Alpinestars Vulk Shoes

Helmet: Tucano Urbano El'Jet