"Most popular E-Enduro of the year." This title was won by secure the Orbea Wild in our readers' poll in summer 24. And after less than two years on the market, the Spaniards want to make their successful model even better with an update. Why the rush? Of course: The new Bosch drive is here. Even if the fifth version of the Swabian power unit does not set a new benchmark in terms of performance or weight, the new CX does come with some updates that Orbea does not want to do without. More on this later.
Far removed from the e-drive, the new Wild is more of a shallow evolution than a blatant revolution. 170 millimetres of suspension travel at the front and rear are now standard. The predecessor had 160 at the rear and a choice of 160 or 170 at the fork. Geometry and kinematics have only been subtly changed. As usual with Orbea, the equipment can be customised via the online configurator. In addition to the components, the options also include the two battery sizes 600 or 750 watt hours and - new for 2025 - a small 27.5 mm wheel for the rear.
For our test, Orbea provided us with the sinfully expensive top model M-LTD for 11,999 euros. The high-end speedster shines on the scales: 21.66 kilos with thick suspension elements and robust equipment. We have never measured such a value for a powerful Bosch bike in this suspension travel class. A similarly equipped Wild of the previous generation with Powertube 625 weighed over 800 grams more. The new 600 battery is therefore a successful diet.
Pleasingly, the range still remains at a good level. We climbed 1630 metres in altitude in our standardised range test. In typical Bosch CX fashion, this is significantly more than an average value for a 600 battery. But what can the newcomer do off-road? That's exactly what we found out in this test.
The facts about the Orbea Wild M-LTD
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX Gen5, 85 Nm max. torque
- Battery: 600 Wh (permanently installed)
- Frame material: Carbon
- Suspension travel: 170 / 170 mm
- Wheel size: 29 inch (optional 29/27.5 possible)
- Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Price: 11 999 Euro
- Weight: 21.7 kg (test bike in size L, EMTB measurement)
- Guarantee: for life
Cheaper models of the Orbea Wild
With a carbon chassis, the Wild M is available from 7499 euros. The Wild H with aluminium frame (1.5 kilos more weight!) is cheaper from 6499 euros. As usual, the weld seams on the aluminium frame are stylishly polished. Brand new and cheaper: the Wild ST for moderate use made of aluminium and with reduced suspension travel of 150 millimetres. The bike for touring and moderate trails is available in two equipment variants for 5299 and 5999 euros. You can find more information about the entire Orbea Wild range in our detailed presentation.
The e-bike drive
The reason for the early relaunch of the still young Orbea Wild is the new Bosch Performance Line CX. What can the new one do better? First and foremost, the background noise. The new motor has finally done away with the inbuilt rattling that its predecessor and the big competitors from Shimano and Yamaha have. It is also a little quieter and even more refined when pedalling uphill. The new CX is also slightly lighter.
Next item on the diet list: The new 600 battery. As with its predecessor, it is permanently installed in the down tube. And compared to the old 625 battery, it saves a good 500 grams. However, if you want maximum range, you still have to reach for the old and heavy Powertube 750 on the new Wild, which also fits into the down tube as an option. This adds a whopping 1250 grams and means a surcharge of 249 euros.
The new and significantly lighter Powertube 800 (400g lighter than the PT 750) is not included in the programme. This is because it is thick, which, according to the engineers, would have restricted the design of the frame too much. The Bosch Powermore 250 range extender also fits on top of the bike.
For the controls, Orbea relies on the combination of a wireless mini-remote and the LED display system controller in the top tube. A Kiox 300 can be added in the configurator for 149 euros, but not the new, sportier Purion 400, which sits slimly behind the handlebars.
The geometry of the Orbea Wild
The geometry of the new Orbea Wild has only been minimally adapted, but its basic features remain extremely close to those of its predecessor. The values are suitable for a powerful E-Enduro, but by no means extreme. The reach in particular is moderate at 469 mm in size L (measured in the BIKE test lab). The largest size XL should be 25 millimetres longer. Tall riders who prefer a long reach will be left out in the cold. The Wild is available from S to XL.
EMTB measurements at a glance (frame size L)
- Seat tube length: 428 mm
- Wheelbase: 1280 mm
- Reach: 469 mm
- Stack: 649 mm
- Steering angle: 63.5 degrees
- Seat angle: 77 degrees
- Chainstay length: 448 mm
- Bottom bracket height: 342 mm
The features of the Orbea Wild M-LTD
When it comes to equipment, the Spanish company Orbea takes a special approach. This is because many parts can be customised when ordering via the MyO configurator. The basic configuration of the top model M-LTD for a hefty 11,999 euros goes all out when it comes to parts ex works.
- Fork / Shock: Fox 38 Factory Grip X2 / Float X2 Factory
- Gear system: Sram XX Eagle Transmission
- Brakes: Shimano XTR, 203/203 mm
- Wheels: Oquo MC32 LTD Carbon
- Tyres: Maxxis Assegai Exo+ Maxxgrip / Minion DHR II DD, 29 x 2.4 inch
- Special features: Colour and parts of the equipment freely selectable
Practical test: How the Orbea Wild M-LTD rides
The Orbea Wild is an absolutely competent uphill partner. The modern riding position, centred in the bike thanks to the steep seat angle, provides good control even in steep and technical passages. The suspension is extremely sensitive and generates enormous traction. This allows you to test the limits on difficult climbs. The strong modulation of the CX motor also scores points. Only those who want to be passively pushed up the steepest stretches will have problems. Then the front becomes light and precision suffers.
On the downhill, the fluffy suspension leaves its mark on the Wild. The bike literally sticks to the ground, giving it plenty of comfort and traction. The rear end offers a generous amount of travel. Especially in difficult terrain or in the wet, this provides a lot of security. Anyone who doesn't necessarily want to tackle tough trails like a pro will love this character. Added to this is the integrated riding position, which also boosts self-confidence. The handling is very intuitive, so you can go full throttle on nasty descents without much familiarisation. However, the Wild is not an extreme case. If you want to tickle out that last bit of high speed on downhill runs, you might even want a little more reach (even frame size XL is not very long!) and support at the rear.
The riding position is rather compact due to the moderate reach and short stem. On the other hand, the Wild remains on the handy side for an E-Enduro with plenty of travel and a powerful motor. In addition to the not too extreme geometry, the low overall weight and light wheels also score points here. The Wild whizzes from one bend to the next in a fun and confident manner. It also masters tight bends relatively willingly. However, the newcomer is not ultimately lively. For those who value an explicitly poppy chassis with lots of support, the rear suspension could be a little too fluffy. A firmer rear end would also provide even more liveliness on flowing routes with tame surfaces.
EMTB evaluation of the Orbea Wild M-LTD
Strengths
- High-traction chassis
- Super trail handling
- Light and quiet
- Equipment and colour configurable
Weaknesses
- Permanently installed battery
- Optional 750 battery is heavy
- Expensive
The BIKE conclusion
The new edition of the Orbea Wild is not a revolution. But the bike has been improved in many details. Strong downhill performance, light, manoeuvrable and finally also nice and quiet. For us, the Spaniard is rightly one of the most popular E-Enduros. At least the expensive top version is fully convincing. We hope that Orbea will also venture into a BIKE comparison test with the Wild in more moderate price ranges. Unfortunately, this has rarely been the case in the past. - Florentin Vesenbeckh, Deputy Editor-in-Chief BIKE Magazine
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
