Audi e-tron on two wheels

When Audi unveiled the striking activesphere concept at the start of the year, many focused on the mountain bikes featured in the vehicle’s ‘active back’ and wondered if they were just props to reinforce the vehicle’s rugged, sporty image? Wearing the distinctive red, black and silver Audi e-tron livery of the brand’s RS Q e-tron Dakar race cars, the bikes were certainly the perfect accompaniment for the activesphere concept and generated plenty of interest with Audi customers who embrace an active lifestyle. And loved the idea of adding a two-wheeled e-tron to their own garage.

Well, the Audi e-mountain bikes are indeed the real thing and Audi Australia has confirmed that the dual-suspension e-mountain bike (e-mtb) will be made available to customers in Australia.

“The decision to bring the Audi e-mtb to Australia was driven by the tremendous interest from our customers,” says Jerome Figuiere, Aftersales Director at Audi Australia.

“A large number of Audi owners are keen riders, and the high-specification e-mtb developed by Audi struck a chord with them.”

“The e-mtb is perfectly in keeping with the brand’s high-production values in every respect and represents the perfect addition to the active Australian lifestyle, whether that be for recreation or personal mobility,” Mr Figuiere said.

Developed by Audi in partnership with celebrated Italian manufacturer Fantic, the dual-suspension e-mtb features alloy construction and a lightweight but powerful BROSE S-MAG electric motor to assist the rider in any terrain. 

Powered by a 36 volt, 720Wh lithium-ion battery, the 250W pedal assist motor generates up to 90Nm of torque for pedal assist up to 25km/h which is in keeping with Australian regulations. The Brose drive system is housed low down in the frame for optimal weight distribution with the battery in the down tube, while a colour display mounted on the handlebars shows the level of assistance selected as well as monitoring the state of the battery charge.

There are four levels of assistance – ECO, TOUR, SPORT and BOOST – which vary the assistance provided by the electric motor from a noticeable motor assistance for maximum range efficiency to full power for steep climbs or maintaining maximum speed.

To put the Audi e-mtb in automotive terms, it operates along similar lines to a plug-in hybrid vehicle in that the electric motor works in tandem with the rider’s own efforts through the pedals, rather than operating as a sole drive source. Depending on the level of assistance selected, the motor works by augmenting the rider’s efforts to suit the type of riding and terrain.    

For those conversant with mountain bikes, the level of specification is impressive as you would expect from anything wearing an Audi badge. It features Mavic E-Deemax rims measuring 29-inch on the front and 27.5-inch rear which further accentuate the aggressive frame geometry, while 180mm of suspension travel from its front Öhlins forks and a robust T205 X 65 rear damper are perfectly in keeping with the bike’s enduro design. 

It uses a SRAM GX E-MTB shifter, a SRAM GX Eagle 12 speed derailleur and a Sunrise cassette, while stopping duties come courtesy of IN.CA.S disc brakes front and rear measuring 220mm and 200mm respectively.

Items like a dropper post operated from a lever on the FSA handlebars allow you to raise or lower the seat height while on the move, allowing you to switch between the optimal seating position for climbing, downhill or touring while on the move.

Indeed every aspect of the Audi e-mtb has been carefully considered for maximum performance in all conditions with an emphasis on the highest quality components and materials. The result is a serious e-mtb that will satisfy the most demanding of riders with its outstanding performance and impress with its high standard of finish and equipment. 

Available in limited numbers, the Audi e-mtb is priced at $15,990. Register your interest in the very latest, two wheeled e-tron.