McLaren launches 161Nm torque eMTB range 

Yes, that McLaren. Of Formula 1 fame, purchased by footballers. The makers of supercars have turned their attention to ebikes. There is a long history of car manufacturers doing bikes badly, but you might hope that someone as high end as McLaren could get it right. In all honesty, it’s hard to tell at this point – the PR doesn’t include any geometry, or information on which motor and battery system McLaren is using. We have asked. We have also asked the obvious ‘How Much?’ question. In the meantime, you can explore the PR for yourselves.

And yes. That’s a lot of torque. And yes, that is a cockpit. And we like the counting of ‘off’ as a 5th power mode.

From hypercars to hyperbikes: McLaren launches debut electric mountain bike range 

• Debut McLaren e-bike range embodies the defining qualities of McLaren’s iconic supercars to deliver McLaren design DNA and performance 
• McLaren’s first hyperbikes, the “Extreme 600 and Sport 600”, vie for title of the world’s most potent e-bikes with up to 600W and 161Nm of torque*
• Designed by McLaren supercar designers with hand-laid carbon-fibre frames and 5 power settings: Off, Eco, Trail, Sport, and Race
• 600W and 250W versions of both Extreme and Sport versions will be available in limited numbers*

*600W versions will only be available to purchase in the United States

Renowned for game-changing supercars and hypercars such as the McLaren P1^TM, luxury supercar maker McLaren Automotive is ushering in the era of the electric hyperbikes with its debut range of electric bikes unveiled today. 

Taking inspiration from the company’s award-winning supercars, the new limited-edition four-bike range extends McLaren’s extreme performance-focused design and technology into the electric two-wheeled world for the first time. 

Designed by the same teams responsible for supercars like the electrified lightweight McLaren Artura hybrid supercar, the first-ever McLaren e-bikes embrace signature McLaren attributes such as carbon-fibre construction and next-generation electrification to deliver an authentically McLaren high-performance experience. 

The e-bikes’ powerful motor enhances their high power-to-weight ratio, a pivotal attribute mirrored in the development of every McLaren supercar. Designed with torque figures that surpass the standard of other premium e-bikes, the McLaren e-bikes have been engineered for class-leading performance.

Further reinforcing the link to supercars, the McLaren design team devised an innovative digital display whose graphics mimic those of the cars’ driver displays. Ensuring maximum rider engagement and user-friendliness, telemetry information including speed, battery life and range is shown on a full colour integrated LCD panel on the handlebars.

Four distinct models – Extreme 600, Extreme 250, Sport 600, and Sport 250 – each offer the ultimate two-wheel ride, whether on city streets, off-road tracks, or mountain trails. 

The flagship McLaren 600 versions vie for the title of the world’s most powerful street-legal electric mountain bike with its Race mode delivering up to 852W of peak power and a top speed of 20mph/32kph.

Two electric mountain bike models are available in limited numbers: a 29” hardtail version, and a full-suspension version with 29” front wheel, 27.5” rear wheel, 145mm of rear travel, and 160mm of fork travel.

In total, four models complete the range, each with seamless power transmitted to the rear wheel via a 12-speed drivetrain, SRAM electronic XX Eagle AXS on Extreme models, and SRAM mechanical GX Eagle on Sport models. 

McLaren Sport 

The ideal, all-purpose mountain bike that is just as at home off the beaten track as on aggressive single track, with integrated componentry and minimalist frame design for pure McLaren style. 

As with McLaren cars, there is a choice of power modes, selectable via the digital display on the integrated cockpit: 

• Off – No motor assist
• Eco – Energy conservation for long rider
• Trail – A set-it-and-forget-it balance of power and efficiency
• Sport – Extra power output for when the trail demands more
• Race – Max power and max torque

McLaren Extreme  

The Extreme is a full-suspension electric mountain bike designed for maximum off-road performance, control, and comfort. All five power modes are as per the McLaren Sport. The Sport and Extreme models are both shod with Pirelli tyres.

Availability of McLaren e-bikes is limited. Customers can secure one by visiting www.mclarenbikes.com. 

Now that the website is live, we can bring you a bit more information…

There’s still no mention of precisely what the motor system is, so we don’t know if it’s a McLaren’s own or a rebadged existing motor. You do get a two year guarantee though, so there’s that as reassurance. The full suspension Extreme 250 costs just £9,600 – not super ebike prices by any stretch. The hardtail Sport 250 is £7,200.

There’s still no word on geometry, but the aesthetic is very Tron – 1000 hours worth of effort has gone into it. And that’s a lot of torque – although not as much as the 161Nm cited in the press release. EMTB hill climb drag racing, anyone?

Who wants one then? The cheapest McLaren you’ll buy?