With the e-SUV Rally 2020, Italian cult brand Bianchi launches its very first SUV eMTB, a concept that was designed with integration, design and safety as absolute priority.
Whilst the roots of Bianchi lie deep within the racing and mountain biking segment, the Italian cult brand offers a wide portfolio of e-bikes. With their e-SUV series, they’re now introducing a new technological flagship at EUROBIKE. It took the company about 2 years to develop their first E-SUV. For Bianchi, “E-SUV” wants to be a successful cocktail of lifestyle, integration and safety. The line includes a total of three models with 150 mm rear-travel, with an intended application range from commuting to eMTB bike racing.
The eye-catching design of the Bianchi e-SUV Rally, which according to Bianchi reminds us of the striking rock formations of the Dolomites, was developed by experienced motorcycle designers. And this is quite evident: Integrated fenders and lights and powerful shapes – the new e-SUV Rally is a striking blend of motorcycle look and bicycle design.
The very stylish and squared carbon frame accommodates a Shimano STEPS E8000 motor and 720 Wh battery. In addition, Bianchi adapted the frame design to allow for a number of mudguards (front, rear and downtube on the battery cover). However, due to their unconventional position, the functionality of the mudguards is somehow questionable. The striking battery cover on the down tube also functions as an airflow system, which, according to Bianchi, was mainly developed for cooling purposes.
The cockpit includes a full-carbon handlebar with internal cable routing for electronic cables, and a holder for external GPS devices such as Garmin. The daytime light, which has been developed in cooperation with Spanninga, is beautifully integrated into the head tube. It was designed according to the “see and be seen” principle and is intended to make riders visible also from the side. Two rear-lights complete the safety concept of the three Bianchi e-SUV models. The rally model also features a 1,100 lumen Lupine SL light.
Bianchi e-SUV 2020: Availability, spec and prices
The three versions (Adventure, Rally, Race) will be available in just three sizes (M, L and XL) from March 2020. Both the Adventure version (€ 6,790) and the Rally model (€ 10,490) feature a mix of 29″ and 27.5+ wheels. The Race version comes with 29” x 2.6″ tires. All models come with a big 720 Wh battery and STEPS E8000 motor as well as a 12-speed drivetrain. Whilst the Race and Rally versions feature a Shimano XTR groupset, the more affordable Adventure version come with a SRAM GX-Eagle. The Adventure and Rally versions both have a 150 mm FOX chassis and the Race version features a 160 mm FOX fork. According to Bianchi, the target weight of the lightest version should be around 23 kg.
Bianchi e-SUV Racer
Travel 160 mm/150 mm (v/h)
Motor/Battery Shimano E800/720 Wh
Drivetrain Shimano XTR 1×12
Wheels 2.6″x29″
Bianchi e-SUV Rally
Travel 150 mm/150 mm (v/h)
Motor/Battery Shimano E800/720 Wh
Drivetrain Shimano XTR 1×12
Wheels 29″/27.5″
The geometry
With a slack 65° head angle, steep 75.5° seat angle and 452 mm chainstays, as well as a rather compact reach of 458 mm in size L (e-SUV Rally and Adventure), the geometry key data of the e-SUV 2020, seem pretty consistent.
e-SUV Racer geometry
| Size | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat tube | 440 mm | 480 mm | 520 mm |
| Top tube | 600 mm | 620 mm | 645 mm |
| Head tube | 110 mm | 120 mm | 130 mm |
| Head angle | 65° | 65° | 65° |
| Seat angle | 75.5° | 75.5° | 75.5° |
| Chainstay | 452 mm | 452 mm | 452 mm |
| BB height | 27 mm | 27 mm | 27 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,216 mm | 1,238 mm | 1,265 mm |
| Reach | 442 mm | 460 mm | 482 mm |
| Stack | 623 mm | 631 mm | 641 mm |
e-SUV Rally & Adventure geometry
| Size | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat tube | 440 mm | 480 mm | 520 mm |
| Top tube | 600 mm | 620 mm | 645 mm |
| Head tube | 110 mm | 120 mm | 130 mm |
| Head angle | 65° | 65° | 65° |
| Seat angle | 75,5° | 75,5° | 75,5° |
| Chainstay | 452 mm | 452 mm | 452 mm |
| BB height | 27 mm | 27 mm | 27 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,216 mm | 1,238 mm | 1,265 mm |
| Reach | 442 mm | 460 mm | 482 mm |
| Stack | 623 mm | 631 mm | 641 mm |
Our first impression of the Bianchi e-SUV 2020
With a distinctive carbon design and exciting details, the new Bianchi e-SUV 2020 is a true eye-catcher! Whilst a number of clever features such as the fully integrated cockpit, the fancy daytime light and the large 720 Wh battery are both functionally and visually pleasing, other features such as the integrated mudguards are visually appealing but not very functional. The three models of the new e-SUV model series are clearly distinguishable from each other, and we’re particularly excited about the fully-specced rally model! However, only a thorough test will reveal how the Bianchi e-SUV performs on the trail – the geometry key-data, however, are already very promising.
For more information head to: bianchi.com
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Words: Photos: Robin Schmitt
