Before founding his now iconic car company, an 18-year-old Ferdinand Porsche was working his first job and attending university (albeit one he wasn’t actually enrolled in). It quickly became clear that he needed a means of commuting from home to work to uni, ultimately leading Ferdinand to create what’s widely considered to be the world’s first-ever ebike all the way back in 1894. And while it’s main focus is now obviously cars, Porsche still carries on this tradition via the production of new cutting-edge ebike models — the latest of which to break cover are the Porsche eBike Cross Performance and eBike Cross Performance EXC.
In order to deliver a pair of cutting-edge ebikes, Porsche has partnered with ROTWILD — an elite German electric mountain bike company based in Dieburg just outside of Stuttgart. Both models are constructed around an advanced carbon fiber frame that was designed by Porsche and created with help from ROTWILD. On top of a 100-mm spring deflection, this weight-optimized carbon chassis also comes paired with a Fox 34 Float Factory suspension fork and a Fox Float DPS Factory air damper out back.
Both the eBike Cross Performance and even more high-end eBike Cross Performance EXC draw visual inspiration from the sleek flyline of the Porsche 911 and Porsche Taycan. Powering the bike is a state-of-the-art Shimano EP801 motor that draws from a 630-Wh Shimano battery and puts down 63ft-lbs of torque. Shimano also supplied the bikes’ XT Di2 12-speed rear derailleurs. Braking duties are handled by a top-of-the-line Magura MT7 disc brake setup with four piston calipers fore and aft. Equipped with carbon fiber handlebars, the ebikes also boast Highline 3 telescopic seat posts from Crankbrothers, which also supplied the two new models’ Synthesis Enduro carbon wheels.
Porsche’s newest ebikes are available now for preorder, with pricing set at $14,250 for the eBike Cross Performance and $15,350 for the eBike Cross Performance EXC. Offered in three frame sizes and six different color options, both models are manufactured on a built-to-order basis (which requires a 12-week build/delivery time).
