Wild, wilder, WILD! For the 2025 season, Orbea redesigned their eMTB for the rough stuff from the ground up, and claim that it’s more powerful than ever. The latest generation of the Wild has 170 mm of travel front and rear and comes equipped with Bosch’s brand-new Performance Line CX motor, which can be paired with either a 600 Wh or 750 Wh battery. As usual, Orbea’s online configurator allows for countless customisation options. But what’s the new Orbea WILD capable of?
Orbea have been in the cycling business for a long time, developing and building bikes since 1931. Today, the Basque manufacturer offers a wide range of bikes, from city and road bikes to (e-)mountain bikes. And they have long proven their ability to build excellent eMTBs. Both their light eMTB, the Rise, and the previous iteration of their full power eMTB, the WILD, have secured our coveted “Best in Test” and “Best Buy” badges in several of our big eMTB and light eMTB comparison tests. However, Orbea haven’t rested on their laurels and just now introduced a new version of the Orbea WILD, which, like its predecessor, focuses uncompromisingly on trail performance.
For the new WILD, Orbea’s development team worked in close collaboration with the Orbea FOX Enduro Team, which competes in the E-Enduro World Cup. Through the OOLab project – Orbea’s research and development division – the WILD was even transformed into a full-fledged downhill bike. The new WILD now generates 170 mm of travel front and rear rather than 170/160 mm (f/r), and is available either as a full 29er bike or a mullet bike with a smaller 27.5” wheel at the rear. The wheel size, along with other components and colours, can be selected via Orbea’s extensive MyO configurator. For the motor, Orbea chose the latest generation of the Bosch Performance Line CX motor, which draws its power from either a 600 or 750 Wh battery. Our custom build test bike in size M tips the scales at 22.1 kg and sets you back € 11,200.
The 2025 Orbea WILD in detail
At first glance, the new Orbea WILD looks almost identical to its predecessor, boasting a modern design language and sharp lines. A distinctive brace above the motor connects the downtube to the seat tube and doubles as the lower shock mount. For the latest iteration of the WILD, Orbea’s development team focused on fine details, adjusting the kinematics of the rear suspension and increasing the insertion depth of the dropper post.
The cables are routed internally and disappear into the frame through a special guide in the headset, which ensures a clean look but also makes it harder to service the cockpit. A generously sized chainstay protector prevents chain slap and paint chips, while a TPU plate on the downtube shields the frame against stray rocks. A small rubber fender prevents dirt from accumulating in the gap between the main frame and the swingarm.
The Bosch Performance Line CX motor system of the 2025 Orbea WILD
The new Orbea WILD features the latest, fifth-generation Bosch Performance Line CX motor. Like its predecessor, it delivers 85 Nm of torque and 600 watts peak power. Orbea engineers also revised the motor mounts, which allowed them to integrate the drive more seamlessly into the frame and thus to achieve a sleeker overall design.
The motor draws its power from either a 600 Wh or 750 Wh battery. Regardless of the version you choose from the online configurator, the battery is permanently integrated into the frame, meaning that you can’t remove it for external charging. This is mainly due to the fact that Orbea focused entirely on performance with the new WILD, and using a permanently integrated battery allowed them to design a stiffer frame and reduce weight by avoiding a cutout in the downtube, which needs to be reinforced with extra material. The battery capacity can be expanded using the optional 250 W Bosch PowerMore Range Extender.
The battery can be charged via the easily accessible charging port, which is protected against dirt by a high-quality cover. On the new WILD model, this has moved slightly back to create more room for longer dropper posts. The motor is paired with Bosch’s minimalist System Controller, which is integrated into the top tube and shows all basic riding data, like the battery charge status and current support mode. The modes can be selected using the wireless Bosch Mini Remote on the handlebars, which impresses with good ergonomics and a clean design. In typical Bosch fashion, you can activate and customise the riding modes and many other motor settings, like the navigation function and Bosch’s eBike Lock using the Bosch eBike Flow app.
For more detailed information about the new Bosch Performance Line CX and to find out how it performs on the trail, you might want to take a closer look at this test.
The spec of our 2025 Orbea WILD 2025 test bike
In typical Orbea fashion, you can customise both the spec and look of the WILD down to the smallest detail using the extensive MyO configurator. We specced our test bike for maximum trail performance, using the M-LTD model as the base for our configuration. The suspension consists of a FOX 38 Factory fork with the new GRIP X2 damper, and a matching FOX FLOAT X2 Factory air shock, both generating 170 mm of travel. Both the fork and shock offer countless adjustment options and deliver a tremendous performance on the trail.
FOX also supply the Transfer Factory dropper post, which offers a generous 210 mm of travel. and can be inserted all the way into the frame, ensuring plenty of freedom of movement on the trail. You can choose the dropper post travel length at no extra cost from the configurator – excellent! Shimano XTR four-piston brakes with 200 mm GALFER rotors front and rear do stopping duties.
Shifting is taken care of by a robust, electronic SRAM XX Eagle Transmission drivetrain, which draws its power directly from the bike’s main battery, meaning that you don’t have to charge an additional AXS battery. The WILD rolls on a new OQUO MC 32 Team Power alloy wheelset, which is meant to be more durable than its predecessors due to the new rim profile and optimised alloy. Additionally, the wheels can be colour-matched to the rest of the bike via the configurator. For the tires, Orbea rely on a proven MAXXIS combo consisting of an ASSEGAI at the front and Minion DHR II at the rear, both in the soft MaxxGrip compound and bomb-proof DH casing. For such a potent eMTB, this is the optimal tire combination if you want to really push your limits.
Orbea WILD M-LTD
€ 11,200
Specifications
Motor Bosch Performance Line CX 85 Nm
Battery Bosch PowerTube 600 Wh
Display Bosch System Controller
Fork FOX 38 Factory GRIP X2 170 mm
Rear Shock FOX FLOAT X2 Factory 170 mm
Seatpost FOX Transfer Factory 210 mm
Brakes Shimano XT 200/200 mm
Drivetrain SRAM XX AXS Eagle Transmission 1x12
Stem OC Mountain Control MC10 Alu SL 50 mm
Handlebar OC Mountain Control MC10 Carbon 780 mm
Wheelset OQUO MC 32 Team Power 29"
Tires MAXXIS ASSEGAI, MaxxGrip, DH/ Minion DHRII, MaxxGrip, DH 2.5"/2.4"
Technical Data
Size S M L XL
Weight 22.1 kg
Trailer approval no
Kickstand mount no
The spec variants of the 2025 Orbea WILD
The MyO configurator is like a giant Lego kit for e-mountainbikers. There are six pre-configured spec variants, all of which can be further customised via the online configurator both in terms of components and finish. You can choose from a wide range of components, some of which come at an additional cost. The options include different suspension setups, brakes, handlebars, dropper posts, wheels, and tires. Additionally, you can choose the battery capacity and select between different remotes and displays. All WILD models rely on the same Bosch Performance Line CX motor and generate 170 mm of travel front and rear.
Alongside four carbon models, which retail between € 7,499 and € 11,999, Orbea also offer two aluminium variants: the WILD H20 and H10, which cost € 6,499 and € 7,229, respectively. In typical Orbea fashion, the aluminium frame is nearly identical to the carbon variant, as the weld seams are mostly smoothly finished.
But that’s not all. For the 2025 model year, the Basque manufacturer is introducing a smaller sibling to the WILD: the WILD ST. This version is aimed at riders who primarily tackle moderate terrain but still want to enjoy the benefits of a full-power eMTB. There are two versions to choose from, the H30 and H20, which are priced at € 5,299 and € 5,999 respectively. The Orbea WILD ST generates 150 mm of travel (front and rear), and features an aluminium frame and the same new Bosch Performance Line CX motor. Needless to say, these versions can also be customised through the configurator.
The geometry of the 2025 Orbea WILD
The Orbea WILD is available in four sizes, S to XL and only has a slightly different geometry than that of its predecessor. The head angle is now 0.5° slacker, measuring 63.5°. Chainstay length is a conservative 448 mm and is consistent across all sizes. While at 415 mm in size M, the seat tube is rather short, it allows you to insert a long 210 mm dropper post all the way into the frame, ensuring plenty of freedom of movement. The new version of the Orbea WILD can also be converted to a mullet bike with a 29″ wheel at the front and smaller 27.5″ wheel at the rear. You can either select the wheel size directly in the configurator or purchase a linkage later to adjust the geometry accordingly.
Size | S | M | L | XL |
---|---|---|---|---|
Reach | 435 mm | 455 mm | 480 mm | 505 mm |
Stack | 625 mm | 634 mm | 643 mm | 652 mm |
Chainstay | 448 mm | 448 mm | 448 mm | 448 mm |
BB Height | 358 mm | 358 mm | 358 mm | 358 mm |
Seat tube | 415 mm | 415 mm | 435 mm | 460 mm |
Head angle | 63.5° | 63.5° | 63.5° | 63.5° |
Seat angle | 77.5° | 77.5° | 77.5° | 77.5° |
Top tube | 553 mm | 586 mm | 612 mm | 639 mm |
Head tube | 110 mm | 120 mm | 130 mm | 140 mm |
Wheelbase | 1228 mm | 1252 mm | 1282 mm | 1311 mm |
The new 2025 Orbea WILD on the trail
For this first ride review, Orbea invited us to the French Pyrenees, specifically to Saint-Lary and Loudenvielle, which is also a host location for the E-Enduro World Cup. We had the opportunity to ride the new WILD over countless laps on different types of trails with a large team from Orbea, testing different component and battery configurations.
Riding uphill, the WILD places you in a comfortable, upright pedalling position, which is perfectly suitable for long days in the saddle. Even on steep climbs, the front wheel remains planted on the ground, implementing steering inputs precisely and directly. Especially on loose terrain, the rear suspension and soft rear tire generate plenty of traction, allowing you to tackle steep and rugged climbs with ease. The powerful Bosch Performance Line CX motor delivers a shuttle-like experience on fire roads and impresses with precise modulation in technical sections.
When gravity takes over, the Orbea WILD makes you feel at ease from the get go, whether you’re a beginner or experienced rider. The high front and central riding position inspire huge amounts of confidence, encouraging you to skip the blue trail and head straight for the red or black lines. The WILD is reassuringly composed, inviting you to plough straight through rough rock gardens, while the intuitive handling also forgives the occasional riding mistakes. Experienced riders, in particular, can generate lots of speed on technical trails with an active riding style. Despite the high level of composure, the WILD responds quickly and precisely to steering input, and doesn’t require to actively weight the front wheel in flat corners.
The suspension works a treat and generates plenty of traction on loose terrain, especially when combined with soft tires. On flowing trails, it’s extremely efficient for a bike in this travel class, which allows you to build speed by pumping through rollers or berms. We rode the WILD in both the 29“ and the mullet version with a 29” front wheel and 27.5” rear wheel. If you want a playful bike, choose the mullet configuration, while those who prefer a smoother ride should opt for the 29” version.
Additionally, the bike is completely silent on descents: no rattling cables or chain slap, and the new Bosch Performance Line CX motor no longer makes the distinctive rattling noise of its predecessor.
Who should take a closer look at the new 2025 Orbea WILD?
The Orbea WILD is an all-round eMTB that delivers a strong performance both up and downhill. It’s the perfect match for shredders, flow trail riders, summit seekers, and riders of all skill levels. Touring riders will also appreciate the powerful motor and comfortable pedalling position. Plus, individualists can build their dream bike exactly to their specifications using the extensive configurator.
Conclusions about the new 2025 Orbea WILD
The new Orbea WILD may not be revolutionary, but it features meaningful improvements in the details. The focus is even more on maximum trail performance, with intuitive handling that appeals to both beginners and advanced riders alike. It also shines uphill with a comfortable riding position and a powerful motor. The equipment is spot on and, alongside the colour, can be customised to individual preferences via the extensive configurator. The WILD impresses with its versatility and well-rounded overall package.
Tops
- Wide range of applications
- Intuitive handling
- Suitable for both beginners and advanced riders
- MyO configurator allows for countless customisation options
Flops
- Battery can’t be removed for external charging
For more information visit orbea.com
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Words: Mike Hunger Photos: Rupert Fowler