While you are aspiring to its exclusive range of automobiles, why not take the first step by acquiring a BMW … scooter?
Yes, you heard that right. The German marque has just introduced in Malaysia two premium models for the urban scooter market. What better vehicle to start with before exploring the higher ends of the BMW spectrum?
Making their local debut last week were the BMW C400X and C400GT urban scooters from the maker’s Urban Mobility segment.
The C400X is a mid-sized scooter built to overcome challenges of mobility in a city. Its design is light and manoeuvrable with excellent wind and weather protection. The storage concept comprises two integrated storage compartments and the Flexcase under the single-section seat for more convenience while on the road.
The C400GT maxi scooter, meanwhile, is the Gran Turismo variant of the C400X geared towards increased comfort and an enhanced touring capability.
Whether riding into the city centre, travelling to the office or enjoying a tour after work or at the weekend, the manufacturer says the GT is the perfect partner on which to enjoy free-time riding to the full and with a passenger, too.
The GT can be instantly identified by the aerodynamically designed twin LED headlight. It also has a separate rider backrest while both the rider’s and passenger’s feet rest on comfortable footboards integrated into the body of the scooter.
The C400GT also has enhanced wind and weather protection with a higher windshield as compared to the 400X. This to meet the demands of both everyday practicality and touring suitability.
Both these Urban Mobility models are powered by an efficiency-optimised single-cylinder engine with a capacity of 350cc combined with Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), vibration decoupling and Automatic Stability Control (ASC) as standard.
For zippiness, BMW says the engine outputs 34 hp (25 kW) at 7,500 rpm and 35 Nm peak torque at 6,000 rpm. The models employ power transmission through a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) gearbox including a torsional drivetrain swing arm with minimum vibration.
Safety is reassured during acceleration with the Automatic Stability Control (ASC), an anti-slip control system which limits the amount of engine drive torque transmitted according to road surface conditions.
Suspension and damping are managed by a telescopic fork at the front and two spring struts at the rear. They also come with excellent brake performance thanks to the twin disc brake at the front accompanied with a single disc brake at the rear and fitted with Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) as standard.
Setting these two apart from the competition is the new optional equipment item, ‘Connectivity’, featuring an instrument cluster in the form of a 6.5-inch full-colour TFT screen. Together with the further advanced BMW Motorrad Multi-Controller offering integrated operation, it allows the rider to access vehicle and connectivity functions.
In addition to the convenience of being able to use the phone and listen to music during travel, there is also the benefit of effortless navigation by means of arrow-based navigation available through the BMW Motorrad Connected App.
The GT comes in non-metallic Alpine White and Moonwalk Grey and metallic Black Storm. The 400X, meanwhile, is available in metallic Zenith Blue and Black Storm and non-metallic Alpine White.
Retail prices for the 400X and GT (on the road, without insurance and with a 3-Year Warranty and 3-Year roadside assistance programme) are RM44,500 and RM48,500 respectively
Yes, you could get a car for that price but this is a BMW (wink!)