BMW Concept E Electric Scooter

The electric maxi-scooter concept rode onto BMW’s main presentation stage along with the Husqvarna E-go youth-oriented electric motorcycle concept. The two-wheeled concept models are not close to becoming production models; they were there mainly to help set the stage for BMW’s i3 and i8 electric car concept models which also debuted in Frankfurt.

BMW did re-affirm it will introduce two premium maxi-scooters by the end of the year but both will be powered by two-cylinder combustion engines.

Back to the Concept e, BMW says its designers sought to create a vehicle that looked clean and efficient yet agile. The front uses the same “split-face” design found on other BMW models such as the R1200GS and S1000RR. The front panel/leg shield is shaped like a boomerang, suggesting an aerodynamic look.

BMW was light on the technical details however. BMW’s i cars use over 60 volts of electricity, enough for BMW to claim the Concept e offers similar acceleration to a gas-powered maxi-scooter.

BMW also claims a range of 100 km (62 miles) on a fully-charged battery, with the help of regenerative braking. Of course, it would probably help if the scooter used conventional mirrors instead of the Concept e’s LCD screens and rear-facing cameras. Still, BMW claims a charge time of under 3 hours.

BMW Husqvarna E-go

BMW unveiled its concept for an electric-powered entry-level motorcycle, the Husqvarna E-go, a motard-style urban commuter that appears to be BMW’s answer to Zero’s offerings.

Despite the rather self-centered sounding name, the E-go is a humble-looking vehicle with some intriguing innovations.

At first glance, the Husqvarna E-Go looks a lot like a bicycle – until you notice there are no pedals. The E-go is powered by an electric motor, though BMW has not released any information about the motor or the battery.

Visually, the E-go does reflect Husqvarna’s brand identity with the red and white colors, dirtbike-style number plate and a similar front fender to the Nuda 900R. Two things do stand out with the E-go however: the 176 pound claimed weight and the single-sided front wheel.

The 176 pound weight sounds incredibly light, but without any information about the battery or strength of the motor, it doesn’t mean much.

The front suspension is more interesting. The Husqvarna E-go has both suspension tubes on the right side of the wheel with 35mm inner fork tubes. It’s an interesting idea and helps the E-go look even smaller than it is when viewed from the left, but it’ll be more interesting to see how it rides.

Subaru XV

Subaru is preparing to unveil the all-new XV crossover during September’s Frankfurt Motor Show.

The model was previously shown in concept form at the Shanghai Auto Show earlier this year and Subaru’s designers claim to have stayed true to the look of that car. The teaser shot clearly shows the same blistered wheel arches, prominent grille and headlights as the concept. 

When it goes on sale early next year, the XV will go head-to-head with Nissan’s Qashqai and looks set to replace the Subaru Forester in the line-up.  The firm also claims it will bring a new level of “engineering excellence” to the segment. 

Unlike Nissan’s crossover the XV will be four-wheel drive only and it will come with a range of engines including an entry-level 1.6-litre petrol and a 2.0-litre diesel unit.