Orbea WILD M-LTD – In our huge 2024 e-mountainbike test

The Orbea WILD M-LTD enters the race as the defending champion after securing victory in last year’s eMTB comparison test. In our huge 2024 group test, it takes on the competition with small spec adjustments and Bosch Performance Line CX Race motor, which draws its power from a 625 Wh battery. Can it assert itself against the competition for the second year in a row?

Long time no see! Last year, the Orbea WILD M-LTD secured the coveted Best in Test badge in our big 2023 e-mountainbike group test, asserting itself against 29 of the hottest bikes of the season. However, the former gun manufacturer doesn’t rest on their laurels and enters the race again this year, taking on the competition with their deadliest of weapons thus far: the Orbea WILD, which is designed for the rough stuff. Except for a slightly different spec, it has remained pretty much unchanged from last year. Like its predecessor, it rolls on 29” wheels and generates 170/160 mm of travel (f/r). Our M-LTD test model is the only version in the WILD range to rely on a Bosch Performance Line CX Race motor and 625 Wh battery, while all of the other WILD variants come equipped with a conventional CX motor. Tipping the scales at 22.3 kg, it’s one of the lighter full-fat competitors in the test field. As usual, Orbea’s MyO configurator allows you to customise the spec and look of your WILD down to the smallest detail. In the configuration we tested, the WILD retails at € 12,030. Can the Orbea WILD claim the coveted Best in Test badge for the second year running?

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB of 2024 – 27 of the most exciting models in our comparison test

How would you like yours? What sets the 2024 Orbea WILD M-LTD apart from the competition?

The Orbea WILD looks incredibly fast even when stationary. The slim, angular frame silhouette ensures a discreet, elegant look, with the top tube merging seamlessly into the seat stays. Particularly striking is the cross brace connecting the down tube and seat tube, which doubles as the lower shock mount. The flashy two-tone paint finish adds a touch of freshness – we’re proud to say that we chose the Peppa Pig theme ourselves! However, the possibilities are infinite with Orbea’s MyO configurator, which allows you to choose the finish of your bike and even lets you print your name on the frame. At the same time, the configurator lets you customise the spec of your WILD down to the smallest detail, letting you choose from a great variety of components. For maximum trail performance, we specced our test bike with FOX’s top-tier Factory suspension, which consists of a burly 38 mm fork and matching FLOAT X2 air shock. The big upgrade from last year’s test winner is the electronic SRAM XX Eagle Transmission groupset, which relies on a robust, hangerless rear derailleur that bolts directly to the frame and ensures butter-smooth shifting even under load. The wireless drivetrain also helps create a clean cockpit, leaving just a few cables hanging around Orbea’s in-house OQUO carbon handlebars. These are routed internally and disappear into the frame through the headset, which adds to the overall tidiness of the bike but also makes it harder to service it.

The configurator also lets you choose the travel of Orbea’s in-house OC Mountain Control dropper post at no additional cost. For our test bike, we chose the longest 230 mm variant, which can be inserted all the way into the frame despite its huge travel – awesome! For the wheels, the Basque manufacturer rely on their in-house OQUO Mountain Control MC32 Team alloy wheelset, paired with MAXXIS tires. For top downhill performance, we picked the proven ASSEGAI/Minion DHR II combo in the indestructible DH casing and soft MaxxGrip rubber compound. This combo can be selected from the MyO configurator and strikes the perfect balance between puncture protection and traction – the WILD is the only competitor in this test with such robust tires. Overall, the spec of our test bike is trimmed uncompromisingly towards downhill performance, but the extensive MyO configurator gives you plenty of freedom, allowing you to spec your bike to suit your very own needs and preferences.

To do justice to the WILD’s fast styling, Orbea rely on a powerful Bosch Performance Line CX Race motor, which churns out 85 Nm of torque and 600 watts of peak power. It’s integrated seamlessly into the frame, leaving just the distinctive Bosch logo clearly visible. In the MyO configurator you can choose between a 625 and 750 Wh battery, which are both integrated permanently into the frame, meaning that you’ll have to charge the bike in your house unless you have a garage or basement with a plug. But don’t worry if that’s not the case, because the Orbea WILD also cuts a pretty good figure next to fancy designer furniture with its countless, beautiful frame details. Amongst them is the charging port above the motor, which was designed specifically for this bike and feels reassuringly sturdy. For epic backcountry expeditions, you can expand the battery with the optional 250 Wh range extender (€ 499) which clips onto a rail on the down tube. If you do so, however, you won’t be able to carry a water bottle in the bottle cage. The motor is combined with Bosch’s minimalist System Controller in the top tube and matching Bosch Mini Remote on the handlebars, which perfectly suit the bike’s sporty focus. These are extremely easy to use without overwhelming you with crazy amounts of data. If minimalism is not your thing, you can get a Bosch Kiox 300 display for an additional € 149. If you like touring or simply love to shred deep into the night, you can add on a Lezyne light set (front and rear) in the configurator for an additional € 99.

Tuning tip: Select the lighting system from the MyO configurator

What is the 2024 Orbea WILD M-LTD capable on the trail?

The WILD M-LTD is super intuitive to ride and makes you feel at ease from the get-go, regardless of whether you’re a newbie or seasoned trail warrior. Orbea’s trail weapon integrates you deep within its frame, with the high front end providing you with an extra boost of confidence. Handling is intuitive and predictable, encouraging you to plough through nasty rock gardens and commit to hairy high lines – and it forgives the odd riding mistake when you push yourself a little too far. The Orbea shows its WILD side with more experienced riders. In other words, if you know what you’re doing, it allows you to generate crazy amounts of speed by pumping through rollers and berms, while at the same time always feeling composed and providing tons of reserves, no matter how rowdy you get. Despite its smooth character, it’s always agile and nimble, allowing you to spontaneously change your line – only the Canyon Strive:ON CFR is slightly more direct. The suspension still delivers the best performance in the entire test field this year, alongside the Canyon Strive:ON and Pivot Shuttle AM. Combined with the beefy tires, this provides insane amounts of traction and encourages you to commit to the hairiest lines.

Going uphill, the Orbea places you in an upright pedalling position, and proves to be more comfortable than the Canyon Strive:ON, even after a long day in the saddle. On level ground, the high front end puts hardly any pressure on your hands and the front wheel always remains planted on the ground, tracking reliably in all situations. The WILD also negotiates technical climbs without breaking a sweat, eagerly making its way to the trailhead alongside the Strive:ON, the other climbing expert in this test. In combination with the tire’s soft rubber compound, the rear suspension generates huge amounts of traction, allowing you to tackle even the steepest of climbs – the Bosch Performance Line CX Race motor is partly responsible for this. Bosch’s Race drive proved to be one of the most powerful motors in this test, with its forceful shuttle feeling on long fire road climbs, and its long overrun, which helps the rear wheel get over the last few centimetres of an obstacle while allowing you to keep the cranks horizontal. When you get to the top of the hill, you can shut off the motor using Bosch’s eBike Lock function, so you can go inside and relax with a well-deserved cup of coffee.

The Orbea WILD M-LTD handles anything you throw at it and tackles any kind of trail without batting an eyelid.

Who should take a closer look at the 2024 Orbea WILD M-LTD and who should look elsewhere?

An eMTB with near-endless possibilities! The Orbea WILD is a versatile eMTB allrounder that is still unrivalled in its segment. Whether you’re a laid-back flow trail enthusiast, keen backcountry explorer or rowdy shredder, the Orbea is an excellent companion, delivering a tremendous performance both up and downhill. It’s suitable for both beginners and seasoned trail veterans, impressing above all with top riding fun and a strong feeling of safety. The comfortable riding position and powerful motor also make it a perfect match for tourers. The extensive MyO configurator is the proverbial icing on the cake, allowing you to customise both the look and spec of your WILD down to the smallest detail.

Our conclusions about the Orbea WILD M-LTD 2024

The Orbea WILD is ahead of its time and simply makes the rest of the test field look dated. It impresses above all with its first-class suspension, confidence-inspiring handling and versatility, which makes it an excellent choice for a wide spectrum of riders, regardless of their skillset. The Orbea tackles every situation with great confidence and stoic composure, no matter how challenging the conditions and terrain, both up and downhill. To top it all off, Orbea allow you to customise the finish and spec using their comprehensive online configurator. In our 2024 e-mountainbike group test, the WILD covers the widest range of applications in the entire test field to comfortably defend the title, securing the coveted Best in Test award for the second year running: the Orbea WILD is the best e-mountainbike of 2024!

Tops

• Huge range of applications
• Super intuitive handling
• Confidence inspiring
• MyO configurator allows for countless customisation options

Flops

• Permanently integrated battery

For more information, visit orbea.com

The test field

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB of 2024 – 27 of the most exciting models in our comparison test

All bikes in test: BULLS VUCA EVO AM 2 (Click for review) | BULLS SONIC EVO AM SX-I (Click for review) | Canyon Strive:ON CFR LTD (Click for review) | Canyon Torque:ON CF Roczen (Click for review) | CENTURION No Pogo SL R8000i (Click for review) | CUBE AMS Hybrid ONE44 (Click for review) | FLYER Uproc X 8.70 (Click for review) | FOCUS SAM² 6.9 (Click for review) | GASGAS ECC 6 (Click for review) | GIANT Trance X Advanced E+ Elite 0 (Click for review) | KTM Macina Scarp SX Prime (Click for review) | Lapierre Overvolt GLP3 (Click for review) | Merida eOne-Sixty 10K (Click for review) | Mondraker Neat RR SL (Click for review) | Moustache Samedi 29 Game 11 FOX (Click for review) | Orbea WILD M-LTD | Pivot Shuttle AM Team (Click for review) | Propain Ekano 2 CF (Click for review) | RADON RENDER 10.0 HD (Click for review) | ROTWILD R.X 1000 Ultra (Click for review) | Santa Cruz Heckler SL XX AXS RSV (Click for review) | SCOR 4060 ST (Click for review) | SCOTT Voltage eRide 900 Tuned (Click for review) | SIMPLON Rapcon Pmax Pinion (Click for review) | Specialized Turbo Levo SL Expert (Click for review) | Specialized Turbo Levo Pro (Click for review) | Spherik E-SMT XX AXS (Click for review)

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Words: Mike Hunger Photos: Peter Walker