By: Uday Mohan
July 30, 2025
Walk into any BMW showroom and chances are your eyes will land on a shiny M-series coupé or a touring motorcycle poised for the Alps. Tucked somewhere unexpected, though, is the C400 GT—a city scooter with enough attitude to make even a seasoned motorcyclist raise an eyebrow. When BMW throws its badge on something, it’s usually worth a second look.
I’m not a scooter guy. Never have been. Until the day they handed me the keys to the C400 GT and said, “Go for a spin.” What followed was an unexpected dive into the world of urban mobility and a realization that this isn’t your average step-through. It’s premium, purpose-built, and full of quiet swagger.
The styling is unmistakable. Sharp lines, bold proportions, and a quad LED headlight assembly up front that stares down traffic like it owns the lane. Large, clear LED indicators flank the body, and out back, a clean taillight cluster ensures you’re seen, even when you’re cutting through city fog or dusk traffic. It’s a scooter, yes, but with presence.
The test unit came in the Exclusive trim, which dials the premium feel way up. Diamond White Metallic paint gives it a clean, confident stance, accented by subtle gold highlights that catch the light just right. Black seats and wheels ground the look, while unique floor lighting adds a literal glow-up to the urban riding experience. It’s modern and upscale, with just the right amount of attitude.
The engineering becomes obvious once you’re on the move. The fuel tank sits low in the frame, which lowers the center of gravity and transforms how it handles. Lane changes are sharp, corner entries feel intuitive, and if you need to back it into a tight space, it’s light and easy—almost like it floats.
That balance makes the GT oddly empowering. Whether you’re a new rider or a seasoned commuter, you feel in command. The handlebars sit higher and wider than expected, which takes some getting used to if you’re coming off a traditional bike. Once you’ve adjusted, it flows through traffic with almost no effort.
Here’s where I had doubts: a CVT paired with a single-cylinder 400cc engine. I’ve never been a fan of CVTs because they usually sap the life out of a good powertrain. That wasn’t the case here.
Twist the throttle and it jumps forward with confidence. Power delivery is linear, smooth, and surprisingly eager. It doesn’t sound thrilling, but in traffic, that seamless pull is a gift. Top speed is rated at 140km/h, and while I wouldn’t choose it for a highway trip across provinces, you’re never going to feel underpowered on the expressway.
Let’s just say it: this thing has more tech than some motorcycles twice its size and price. The company calls it “Urban Mobility,” but the experience feels more like “Urban Royalty.”
The optional 12-inch full-colour infotainment display is crystal clear, packed with real-time data (mileage, temps, navigation, music, phone), and pairs effortlessly with a helmet headset. Heated seat and handlebars? Standard. If you’ve ever ridden on an October morning in Toronto, you already know why that matters. A manually adjustable visor helps cut wind on faster stretches.
Storage is another strong point. Two large front compartments, one with USB Type-C charging, and a spacious under-seat bay that expands to fit a full-size helmet or a grocery run. Just for a bit of flex, it includes puddle lights. Yes, puddle lights. On a scooter. If your motorcycle doesn’t have those… well, this one does. You can also throw on a luggage carrier that adds 43.5 litres of extra space in the back.
The C400 GT isn’t the cheapest city runabout. What you’re paying for is a thoughtful blend of design, technology, comfort, and ride quality that feels like a proper step up. Sure, there are cheaper scooters. Sure, you could get a small-displacement bike and call it a day. They just don’t offer this balance of capability and refinement.
I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first—mostly because this thing messes with your idea of what a scooter is supposed to be. By the end of my ride, though, I wasn’t asking why BMW made one. I was asking why nobody else has made one this good.
Vehicle Specs
Segment: Scooter
Engine: 350cc single-cylinder, four-stroke engine
Gearbox: CVT stepless belt drive
Horsepower: 34 horsepower at 7,500rpm
Torque: 26 lb-ft at 5,750 rpm
Fuel Economy: 3.6L/100 City / 3.3L/100 HWY / 3.5L/100 Mixed (3.3:/100 observed)
Base Price:$9,945
As Tested Price: $11,515