BMW C EVOLUTION (2014 - 2020) Review

Overall rating

Final decisions over practicality and cost will ultimately be left to personal circumstance but the BMW C evolution is an excellent - if marginally compromised - maxi-scooter, well worth your consideration if you’re looking for the ultimate in clean urban refinement. And as a statement of BMW's intent, the C evolution is a fascinating debut.

• Related: Best electric motorbikes

As well as this in-depth review, MCN also spent a week with the BMW C evolution to see what it's like to live with.

Tester Liam commented: "A week with the C Evolution is enough for me to see the future is bright. Yes it’s expensive, and the range isn’t that great, but that’s the price of being an early adopter of new technology. And, of course, there is the fuel saving that makes the asking price a bit more bearable. Give it a few years for batteries to get smaller, lighter and ranges to go up, and electric bikes could be serious competition for petrol bikes."

During 2016 BMW launched a pair of new versions of this bike: one with an extended range and one restricted for A1 licence holders. Both used the same batteries as the BMW i3 electric car.

The new Long Range got an 11bhp (8kW) increase in power, with the range extended to 160km (99 miles), which was a significant improvement over the 62 mile range of the 2014 model. Top speed was electronically limited to 80mph.

The Europe-only A1 licence version had power capped to 15bhp (11kW) and had the same 62-mile range as the current model. Top speed was limited to 74mph.

The C evolution went off sale in 2020, ahead of a renewed push on electric motorbikes by BMW over the coming years. The first sign of this was the news that the BMW C1 looks set to make a comeback as an electric commuter. 

Ride quality & brakes

The handling is firm, but forgivingly fun when you manage to break free from the traffic and attempt a more ambitious ride. The weight of the batteries makes for a solid centre of gravity and despite the front end feeling a little light and skittish on occasion, there are no real complaints.

The brakes do an admirable job of keeping the bike’s 265kg in check and no part of the equation feels under-delivered. Torque Control Assist (TCA) is a welcome addition, keeping the rampant torque delivery under control at low speeds, and there's a handy reverse gear too, useful when paddling it back into a tight parking spot.

Engine

The thump of instant acceleration from the 53ft/lb of instant torque on tap - which surges you forward to the electronically restricted 75mph limit with decent gusto and nothing but an electric whine for company - is a real joy. It's like riding a child's toy, but with the daunting task of negotiating city traffic in rush hour.

Reliability & build quality

The C evolution seems was built by BMW, so the build quality felt excellent from new. Our BMW C evolution owners' reviews show very positive comments, with the quote "Perfect commuter for many" summing up the bike perfectly. 

Value vs rivals

You can’t consider an electric vehicle of any type without taking the dreaded spectre of battery charging into account. BMW quote four hours as the official duration for a full charge of the lithium-ion cells, but the charge time of this type of battery is not strictly linear. In truth the first 50% of the capacity charges quicker than the final half, so whilst four hours would deliver full range, you could be ready to ride 30 miles in less than half that time. Final decisions over practicality and cost will ultimately be left to personal circumstance.

Equipment

As you turn the key, a stunning colour LCD display flashes into life and you're greeted with a mesmerising blast of numbers and graphs – all suitably Star Trek – before being asked to start the motor. The regenerative braking system offers at least some familiarity by acting like engine braking, especially in 'Dynamic Mode' where speed can be scrubbed-off quickly by just releasing the throttle.

'Road' and 'Eco Pro' settings do the same, but with 'Road' offering less regenerational charge back into the batteries, while 'Eco Pro' restricts the rate of acceleration, improving battery life. The most peculiar feeling comes in 'Sail' mode, which removes all regenerative return, allowing you to coast down hills like you’re riding a massive skateboard.