Porsche present two new e-MTBs with the eBike Sport and Cross – the entry into the e-mobility world of Porsche
With the eBike Sport and Cross models, Porsche is presenting two new e-bikes and creating a new, electrified entry into the fascination of Porsche. Both models are equipped with the new Shimano EP8 motor and high-quality components for the gears, brakes and chassis. Is that enough for Porsche performance?
Back in the fall of last year, we had the chance to take an exclusive first look at the prototype of the new Porsche e-bike. Now the last shells have finally fallen: The prototype has been turned into an e-bike in two versions, the Porsche eBike Sport and Cross. Both were presented together with the second variant of the Porsche Taycan – the Cross Turismo. With both vehicles, Porsche is expanding its range in the field of e-mobility at two very different ends. In the future, the e-bikes will make it possible to drive up in a Porsche where this was previously not possible: with the eBike Sport in the narrow city center and with the eBike Cross on technical, unpaved terrain.
The technical specifications of the Porsche e-bikes
The Porsche e-bikes were developed in collaboration between the design studio F. A. Porsche and the bike specialist ROTWILD, and are built in Dieburg, Hesse. What the Sport and Cross versions have in common is the carbon frame inspired by the line of the Porsche Taycan and the new Shimano EP8 motor, which provides support at speeds of up to 25 km/h. In addition, there is a removable 504 Wh battery for both bikes. Although it is obvious at first glance that the two are siblings, they differ significantly in detail. While the eBike Sport features lower-profile tires, integrated e-bike lighting from Supernova and integrated brake cables, the eBike Cross comes with coarser-profile tires, a dropper post and a more powerful off-road brake system. All details of the equipment can be seen in the table:
| eBike Sport | eBike Cross | |
|---|---|---|
| Gearing | Shimano XT Di2 1×11 | Shimano XT 1×12 |
| Breaks | Magura MCi | Magura MT Trail |
| Chassis front/rear | Magura Boltron Upside-Down/Fox Float DPS | Magura Boltron Upside-Down/Fox Float DPS |
| Tires | Continental Speed King | Continental Cross King |
| Engin | Shimano EP8 | Shimano EP8 |
| Battery | 504 Wh | 504 Wh |
| Extra features | Supernova M99 lights | Crankbrothers dropper post |
| Weight (size M incl. pedals) | 21.2 Kg | 21.7 Kg |
| Price | € 9,990 | € 7,990 |
The Porsche e-bikes will be available in sizes S, M and L from spring 2021. You can get them at Porsche Centers, in the Porsche online store, and from selected bike dealers.
From 911 to e-bike – Where do Porsche bikes come from?
As already mentioned, Porsche relies on strong partners for the development of its own e-bikes. In this case, ADP Engineering GmbH, based in Dieburg near Darmstadt. The German engineering firm is no stranger to the bike industry, as ADP has been developing, producing and marketing the ROTWILD bike brand, among others, since 1996. ADP Engineering is also a development partner for various brands of the Zweirad-Einkaufs-Genossenschaft (ZEG for short), for the automotive industry and for rehabilitation technology providers. The similarity between bike models from ZEG, ROTWILD and Porsche is therefore no coincidence, but a logical consequence. But what exactly does that mean for the customer?
In the past, we have already seen numerous collaborations between Porsche Design’s wide-ranging product portfolio and other brands and manufacturers. Since the development, construction, and not least the sourcing of all the necessary parts cannot be a side project, it seems sensible to us that the design department of the Zuffenhausen-based carmaker relies on strong and experienced partners here. For Porsche, the end result of the cooperation is a finished and competitive product, while the bike world can look forward to another player. Will the frame platform also be offered by ROTWILD and/or a ZEG brand in the future? Most likely! And that’s just as well. While the Porsche bikes are available at a significantly different price point than their siblings under other brand names, it is clear here that the automotive industry has long since discovered the bike world for itself. Porsche is giving the bikes a lot of space here as part of a car launch and is also making it clear for itself as a brand that e-biking has arrived in the premium segment. This opens up new target groups and entices people to go biking who might never have switched over without a Porsche bike. Ultimately, the Porsche bikes are just that: an addition to the bike family, and we can only be happy about that. Whether the bikes will ultimately be able to keep up with the performance of comparable models remains to be seen. From the mere visual positioning, the focus clearly seems to be on the lifestyle sector and not on maximum off-road performance.
The Porsche e-bike and the Taycan Cross Turismo
Together with the Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo, the Porsche e-bikes are to form the perfect electrified lifestyle symbiosis. To this end, Porsche has tailored a bike rack to the rear of the 761-hp Gravel car. This can shoulder up to three of the Porsche e-bikes and, conveniently, should not prevent the tailgate from opening. The Taycan Cross Turismo is scheduled to hit the market a bit after the e-bikes in summer 2021. And let’s be honest: Who would have thought that Porsche would one day present its own bike rack! What a time to be alive!
The equipment of the Porsche e-bikes lives up to the brand’s premium claim in both variants. However, it is a pity that the eBike Cross has to make do with a mechanical gearshift. Details such as the integrated Supernova light on the eBike Sport and the Crankbrothers dropper post on the eBike Cross show that both are not intended to be design objects, but practical sports and lifestyle devices. How do they both ride and harmonize with the Taycan Cross Turismo? We look forward to testing all three soon!
For more information head to porsche.com
Words: Tobias Hörsch & Benjamin Topf Photos: Porsche
