Orbea Wild 2023: New Race E-MTB with Bosch system

Product news / E-MTB: The new Orbea Wild 2023 retains its sporty, racy basic characteristics, but gets numerous technical upgrades - including the Smart System and partly CX-R motor - and many improvements in detail. The Spaniards go their own way when it comes to battery integration. This is firmly integrated into the down tube of the new Wild.

Orbea took a relatively long time to present a successor to the Wild, which was last updated in the 2020 model year. However, the wait was probably worth it for many e-mountain bikers, because the Orbea Wild 2023 shows on the one hand how far the technology has developed in this time and also how much experience the Spaniards have gained since then. Also in the EWS-E, where Orbea athlete Flo Espiñeira won the title on the "old" wild.

More rigidity with less weight

In addition to technical upgrades, one property of the new Orbea Wild was right at the top of the specification: frame rigidity. That makes sense in several ways. Due to their higher weight, significantly greater forces act on E-MTBs while riding than on their non-motorized counterparts. If there is a lack of rigidity, a spongy and rather imprecise driving behavior sets in; A no-go, especially for race E-MTBs like the Orbea Wild, which also has to be used in the EWS. The previous Orbea Wild was around 40% less stiff than the analogue enduro in the range, the Rallon. With the new frame, the Spaniards have now even been able to surpass it and promise 50% more rigidity compared to its predecessor - while also being lighter: the bare carbon frame of the Orbea Wild 2023 weighs just around 2.700g, almost a whole kilogram less than the predecessor.

Bosch system with built-in battery

However, even the development team at Orbea cannot do magic - accordingly, a painful compromise was necessary for this impressive ratio of stiffness to weight. The battery of the Bosch system is permanently installed here and cannot be easily removed for charging. According to Orbea, a flap to remove the energy storage would have reduced the rigidity by around 70%. In view of these figures, this is an understandable step; nevertheless, it should be a KO criterion for some e-mountain bikers. With the battery itself, you get either 750 Wh or 625 Wh, depending on the model. In both cases, you could place it quite low in the down tube, which ensures balanced weight distribution and a low center of gravity.

Apart from the battery, you get full Bosch power with the drive system: Smart System with Bosch Performance CX or with CX Race in the top model. Both deliver a maximum torque of 85 Nm, with the race version feeling significantly more powerful – as we found out for ourselves in our test. The system is operated via the new Mini Remote on the handlebars and the system controller in the top tube, just as it should be for a sporty E-MTB.

Apart from the drive system, the frame has some exciting features and detailed solutions: The seat tube runs straight and has no openings on the inside. This gives you a high insertion depth for seat posts, which in turn makes it possible to ride long dropper posts - relatively independent of the frame size or height. The rear end itself has also been refined; compared to its predecessor, it is now significantly more progressive, but still provides 160 mm of travel. At the front you have the choice between 160 or 170 mm travel.

Orbea Wild 2023: Geometry

The geometry of the Orbea Wild 2023 has become significantly more modern. All models and sizes are now based on 29 inch wheels and have grown significantly, especially in length and reach. 480mm in frame size L is not an extreme value, but it offers a good balance for different areas of application. The slacker steering angle should ensure smoother running, while the steep seat tube angle helps on climbing passages. Interesting: The chainstays are relatively short at 448 mm.

Models, equipment and prices

Orbea offers a total of seven equipment variants for the new Wild 2023. Three of these come with an aluminum frame, with prices ranging between 5.699 euros and 6.999 euros. You have to make a few compromises with the components, especially with the two cheaper equipment variants. The aluminum top model comes with powerful brakes and a Fox 38 Performance fork at the front. When it comes to the carbon versions, many e-mountain bikers will probably have their mouths watering, especially with the top models M-Team and M-LTD. The Orbea Wild M-LTD also comes with the recently introduced Bosch CX Race motor - together with a Fox Factory chassis and Shimano XTR components, almost 12.000 euros are due here. The weight is impressive: Orbea specifies a real 20,9 kg with the "small" 625 Wh battery.

As usual from the Spaniards, buyers are offered numerous customization options via the MyO program. This ranges from a few components such as the suspension fork or tires to the frame color (for the carbon models). So you can click together a really individually tailored and designed E-MTB right from the factory.

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