The Orbea WILD M-LTD – In our huge “Best e-mountainbike of 2023” group test

The WILD M-LTD 2023 is Orbea’s new eMTB for the rough stuff. It comes equipped with a new Bosch Performance Line CX Race motor and two different battery options, with either 625 Wh or 750 Wh capacity. Moreover, Orbea’s MyO configurator allows you to customise the spec and look of your bike. But how does the € 11,299 Wild fare on the Trail?

**Orbea** WILD M-LTD | Bosch Performance Line CX-R/625 Wh | 170/160 mm (f/r)
22.5 kg in size L | € 11,229 | Manufacturer’s website

Alongside their Light-eMTB, the Rise, Orbea are also fielding their brand new eMTB all-rounder, the WILD M-LTD 2023. On paper, the two concepts couldn’t be more different. Unlike the Rise, the WILD employs a powerful motor and big battery, which make it suitable for long, challenging trail expeditions. For the new season, the Basque bike manufacturer revised the WILD from the ground up, placing great emphasis on trail performance. To achieve this, Orbea’s development team integrated the battery permanently into the frame, which allowed them to improve the frame’s stiffness while at the same time reducing its weight. As usual, Orbea’s MyO configurator allows you to customise the finish and spec of your bike down to the smallest detail. For metal-heads, Orbea are also offering an alloy version of the new WILD.

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB of 2023 – 30 models in review

Spoilt for choice – What sets the Orbea WILD M-LTD apart from the competition?

What do James Bond and the Orbea WILD have in common? Not much, you’d think at first. But just like 007, the WILD M-LTD 2023 tends to blend in with the crowd rather than stand out. The square-edged carbon frame looks refreshingly simple, with the top tube seamlessly blending into the seat stays. Particularly striking is the cross brace between the down tube and seat tube, which doubles as the lower shock mount. The understated look is topped off by a metallic, two-tone paint finish that would suit Bond’s Aston Martin rather well. The Bosch Performance Line CX Race motor is seamlessly integrated into the frame and protected by a sturdy skid plate. Overall, the WILD boasts the neatest Bosch motor integration in the entire test field. The CX Race motor is only available with the LTD model, while all other WILD variants rely on a conventional Bosch CX drive. Moreover, Orbea’s MyO configurator gives you a choice of two batteries with either 625 Wh or 750 Wh capacity. Whichever size you pick, the battery is permanently integrated into the frame, meaning that you’ll have to take your Wild upstairs for charging if you live in a flat without a garage or basement. The wireless mini-remote and system controller in the top tube might lack the crazy features of Q’s contraptions, but look great and are easy to operate – and Orbea’s in-house OQUO carbon handlebars add to the tidy overall look. Although the WILD doesn’t rely on a wireless drivetrain, it has the cleanest cockpit in the entire test field, routing the cables through the headset via a specially developed cable guide spacer system.

**Power**
The Bosch Performance Line CX Race motor is seamlessly integrated into the frame and churns out more power than James Bond’s DB5.

**Control centre**
The wireless mini-remote and Bosch System Controller in the top tube are easy to operate and perfectly match the Wild’s look.

**Tidy**
Although the WILD doesn’t rely on a wireless drivetrain, it has the cleanest cockpit in the entire test field

The Basque manufacturer also relies on high-end components for the rest of the spec. Our € 11,229 test bike comes equipped with fancy FOX Factory suspension controlling 170/160 mm travel, at the front and rear. Both the fork and shock offer countless adjustment options and deliver a tremendous performance on the trail. FOX also supply the Transfer Factory dropper post, which can be fully inserted into the frame despite offering a whopping 200 mm of travel. On top of that, the MyO configurator lets you change the dropper travel at no extra charge – awesome! Orbea also let you choose the tires: we picked a proven MAXXIS combo consisting of a 2.5″ ASSEGAI at the front and 2.4” Minion DHR II at the rear, both in the bomb-proof DH casing and soft MaxxGrip rubber compound. Not only does this combination offer the highest possible puncture protection, but also allows you to run lower air pressures for maximum traction. As a result, the WILD is the only bike in this test with tough DH casing. The tires are paired with Orbea’s in-house OQUO Mountain Control 32 Team alloy wheelset. For long days in the saddle, you can select an optional Lezyne light set for an extra € 99 from the configurator.

**Feel free**
The 200 mm FOX Factory Transfer dropper post can be inserted all the way into the frame. Moreover, Orbea let you choose the dropper’s travel in the configurator at no extra charge.

**Thick rubber**
For our test bike, we picked super-tough MAXXIS tires from the configurator, combining a 2.5” ASSEGAI at the front and 2.4” Minion DHR II at the rear, both in the robust DH casing and soft MaxxGrip rubber compound.

Orbea WILD M-LTD

€ 11,229

Specifications

Motor Bosch Performance Line CX-R 85 Nm
Battery Bosch PowerTube 625 Wh
Display Bosch System Controller
Fork FOX 38 Factory FLOAT GRIP2 Kashima 170 mm
Rear Shock FOX FLOAT X2 Factory 160 mm
Seatpost FOX Transfer Factory 200 mm
Brakes Shimano XTR 200/200 mm
Drivetrain Shimano XTR 1x12
Stem OC Mountain Control 45 mm
Handlebar OC Mountain Control Carbon 800 mm
Wheelset OQUO Mountain Control 32 Team 29"
Tires MAXXIS ASSEGAI 3C MaxxGrip DH Casing/MAXXIS Minion DHR II MaxxGrip DH Casing 2.5/2.4

Technical Data

Size S M L XL
Weight 22.5 kg
Perm. total weight 140 kg
Max. payload (rider/equipment) 117 kg
Trailer approval no
Kickstand mount no

Specific Features

choosable battery capacity

Tuning tips: Performance riders should use our spec as a reference | Tourers should pick the big battery and light upgrade

Wild, Wilder, WILD? – What is the Orbea WILD M-LTD capable of on the trail?

Although its name brings to mind an untameable predator, the Wild makes you feel at ease from the get-go. The riding position is nicely integrated and the weight evenly distributed between the front and rear, which makes the WILD incredibly easy to ride, even for beginners. The Orbea rewards active riders with soul-soothing flickability and delivers tons of fun on flowing trails, where it’s just as nimble as its Light-eMTB opponents. Just like the Yeti 160E, it doesn’t feel as sluggish as many of its full-fat eMTB peers. On technical, blocked trails, the WILD M-LTD 2023 is the most confidence-inspiring candidate in the entire test field, also due to its high front end and the excellent suspension, which delivers just as excellent performance as the Yeti 160E. All of this allows you to launch into wild, 007-like high speed chases through nasty rock gardens, where you can count on the excellent rear suspension with its endless reserves. When carving through corners, the efficient suspension and soft tires generate insane amounts of traction, allowing you to overtake your mates on the cheekiest inside lines. In a nutshell, the Orbea WILD unites supposed opposites, combining composure and agility like no other bike in this test.

**Unstoppable**
Although the powerful Race mode delivers tons of thrust, it still ensures decent traction. Moreover, the direct response and long overrun of the motor push the WILD easily over steps and ledges.

**Shortcut**
The suspension generates tons of traction, allowing you to carve through corners on the inside line.

The WILD isn’t just for rowdy trail sessions – it’s also an excellent companion for cruising down the trail in relaxed fashion. On long transfers between trails, it places you in an upright, yet slightly hand-heavy pedalling position. Riding uphill, the Orbea sticks to the chosen line with clinical precision and the front wheel always remains planted on the ground. The responsive yet comfortable rear suspension generates excellent traction on technical climbs, making the Orbea more comfortable than the Pivot Shuttle LT. Even in the most powerful Race mode, traction is top notch! With its direct response and long overrun, the motor allows you to clear bigger steps and ledges without effort, while the agile handling and smaller 625 Wh battery, make it easy to carve through corners and spontaneously change your line.

The Orbea WILD M-LTD inspires huge amounts of confidence, encouraging you to just be yourself!

Size	S	M	L	XL
Top tube	573 mm	595 mm	622 mm	649 mm
Seat tube	415 mm	415 mm	435 mm	460 mm
Head tube	110 mm	120 mm	130 mm	140 mm
Head angle	64.0°	64.0°	64.0°	64.0°
Seat angle	77.5°	77.5°	77.5°	77.5°
Chainstays	448 mm	448 mm	448 mm	448 mm
BB Drop	25 mm	25 mm	25 mm	25 mm
Wheelbase	1,223 mm	1,247 mm	1,277 mm	1,306 mm
Reach	435 mm	455 mm	480 mm	505 mm
Stack	621 mm	630 mm	639 mm	648 mm

**Helmet** Oakley DRT5 | **Glasses** Oakley Sutro | **Hip Pack** Canyon Hip Bag | **Jacket** Monserat 2A vest
**Jersey** YT Tech Jersey | **Pants** Monserat TP01 | **Shoes** Specialized 2FO Cliplite

Who should take a closer look at the Orbea WILD and who should look elsewhere?

Unlike 007, you don’t need a licence to rip with the Orbea WILD M-LTD 2023, because it’s suited for both beginners and experienced riders. If you’re looking for a bike that delivers a mind-boggling trail performance, both up and downhill, the WILD might be exactly what you’re looking for. Orbea’s eMTB all-rounder is also an excellent option for tourers, who will benefit from the powerful motor and comfortable suspension. Eccentric individualists can customise the spec and finish using the MyO configurator or, alternatively, just enjoy the clean look of the Wild in the default configuration.

The Orbea WILD M-LTD is a thoroughbred climbing monster, with its sensitive rear suspension generating tons of traction, even on loose surfaces.

Riding Characteristics

DESIGN

unbalanced
coherent

USER FRIENDLINESS

cumbersome
clever

VALUE FOR MONEY

flop
top

TREKKING & COMMUTING SUITABILITY

low
high

HANDLING

demanding
intuitive

FUN FACTOR

boring
lively

Intended Use

Gravel roads

Technical climbs

Flowtrail descents

Technical descents

Conclusions about the Orbea WILD

With its good-natured, intuitive handling, the Orbea WILD M-LTD 2023 is the most confidence-inspiring bike in the entire test field, which makes it a great option for both beginners and seasoned riders. In a nutshell, the WILD successfully unites supposed opposites, combining composure and agility like no other bike in this test while at the same time convincing with good touring qualities thanks to the powerful motor and comfortable suspension. The MyO configurator allows for countless customisation options, both in terms of look and spec, allowing you to easily click your way to your dream bike. As a result, the WILD suits the widest range of riders and applications and therefore secures a well-deserved victory in our “eMTB of 2023″ group test!

Tops

Super predictable handling
Huge range of applications
MyO configurator allows for countless customisation options
Inspires huge amounts of confidence

Flops

Battery is permanently integrated into the frame

You can find out more about at orbea.com

The test field