British automaker McLaren, renowned for its supercars that have captivated the motorsports world, has now ventured into the EV market with the launch of two formidable electric mountain bikes. The McLaren Extreme and Sport models are touted as the most powerful street-legal e-bikes currently available.
In-House Manufacturing
Unlike the common practice of automakers partnering with bike manufacturers for branded two-wheelers, McLaren produced these e-bikes entirely in-house. The same team behind the design of the hybrid Artura crafted these bikes. The new e-bikes embody McLaren’s philosophy of speed and durability, featuring a carbon fiber frame with orange accents.
Specifications and Performance
The McLaren Extreme and Sport mountain e-bikes, while not as robust as some other electric mountain bikes, are powered by a custom-tuned mid-drive motor. This motor boasts a normal power output of 600W and a peak power of 825W, delivering up to 119Nm of torque, making it the most powerful motor on the market. The e-bikes offer five different ride modes.
The top models have a maximum speed of approximately 34 km/h (20 mph), a respectable performance for electric mountain bikes. Though the Extreme and Sport models share many similarities, they also have distinct differences. The Extreme model features a full suspension system, making it ideal for off-road adventures, whereas the Sport version is more versatile with a streamlined design. Both models are suitable for urban roads and trails and come with handlebar-mounted displays featuring graphics reminiscent of supercars.
Pricing & Availability
Both models come equipped with Pirelli all-terrain tires and are now available for purchase. The McLaren Extreme and Sport eMTBs are priced starting at $10,950 and $7,950, respectively. McLaren has indicated that these models are available in limited quantities, though exact production numbers have not been disclosed.
