Audi introduces a limited edition electric mountain bike

(TestMiles) – Audi, a brand you may know for its high-performance cars and penchant for slapping the “e” in front of everything electric, has taken a rather exciting (and somewhat unexpected) detour into the rugged world of mountain biking. This is not just any bike; it’s a limited-edition enduro-style electric mountain bike (eMTB), inspired by none other than the Dakar-winning Audi RS Q e-tron racecar. Yes, the same desert-conquering beast that guzzles down endless miles of sand dunes is now somehow distilled into a two-wheeler. Let’s dive in.

A Mountain Bike with Audi DNA

You might be scratching your head, wondering, “Why does Audi need to make a mountain bike?” Well, because it can. And at $9,795—before taxes, of course—this is a luxury toy that only a select few will be pedaling. Available for deliveries by summer 2024, the bike is built to conquer the roughest terrains while ensuring you look undeniably cool doing it. But as with all things Audi, it’s not just about form, it’s about function—well, as much function as you can cram into an e-bike that’s effectively half the cost of a used A4.

This bike is no joke. With a 720-Wh, 36-volt lithium-ion battery, you can expect anywhere from 12 to 90 miles of range, depending on how vigorously you plan on pretending you’re in the Tour de France (or leisurely pedaling through the neighborhood Starbucks). And for those moments when you’re feeling like a Dakar racer yourself, the Brose S-MAG 250-watt motor offers 90 Nm of torque, giving you that extra oomph to tackle hills you’d otherwise curse at.

Speed and Suspension—Because Who Doesn’t Need Full Suspension on a Bike?

Let’s not forget Audi’s penchant for making sure you experience smooth rides, whether on four wheels or two. This eMTB comes with a full-suspension design that’s equipped with Öhlins TTX22m.2 rear shock and RXF38 m.2 fork, which, in layman’s terms, means that even if you decide to jump off a cliff (mountain biking style), you’ll land with grace—though I wouldn’t test that theory too hard.

With four levels of electrical assistance—Eco, Tour, Sport, and Boost—you can go from an easy cruise to pretending you’re leading the peloton. The top speed of 20 mph with electrical assistance will ensure you’re not left in the dust by your friends on traditional bikes (at least, not by much).

And because Audi loves its mixed setups, this eMTB rocks a 29-inch front wheel and a 27.5-inch rear wheel, adding versatility for tackling rougher terrain. The SRAM GX Eagle 1×12 drivetrain paired with the F.I.R.S.T. braking system ensures you’ve got the gear range and stopping power to go as wild as you dare. Or, you know, ride to the pub and back.

Branded Accessories Because Why Not?

Of course, what’s an Audi experience without a few branded extras? Along with the bike, you can opt for a full range of Audi-branded gear, including riding gloves, jerseys, and even water bottles. They’ve also thrown in bike racks—because if you’re shelling out nearly ten grand for a bike, you might as well accessorize.

Audi has even included a digital display on the handlebars, because nothing says “cutting-edge” like knowing your battery status, assist level, and speed as you plow through mud and dirt.

Audi’s Electrified Future

While this may seem like an indulgent side project, Audi is making it clear that their electrification goals go beyond the automotive sector. Committed to having 30% of its U.S. lineup electrified by 2025 and achieving net CO2 neutrality by 2050, the brand is firmly planting its flag in the green future. In fact, 2023 saw Audi sell a record-breaking 228,550 vehicles in the U.S., with significant sales in both their fully electric models and the high-performance Audi Sport division. And now, they’re adding an e-bike to the mix—because, why not?

Final Thoughts—For Those Who Can Afford It

So, should you buy the Audi eMTB? Well, if you’ve ever wanted to drop nearly $10,000 on a bike to keep pace with your EV fleet, this is the one for you. It’s fast, it’s stylish, and it’s everything you didn’t know you needed from a luxury carmaker turned e-bike innovator. Will it revolutionize the biking world? Probably not. But will it make you the envy of the local trail? Absolutely.

And let’s be honest—if Audi’s goal was to make an exciting, if somewhat over-the-top, splash in the biking world, mission accomplished.

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