SUV e-bikes 2023: Four current models with over 1.000 Wh battery capacity in the test

Test / SUV e-bikes 2023: The number of available SUV e-bikes is increasing every month. Due to the versatility of the bicycle category, the interpretation of the manufacturers is also different. We have chosen four current models, each of which has its own focus - they all have their long ranges in common, thanks to a battery capacity of over 1.000 Wh.

SUV e-bikes are a comparatively new bike category, but one that is enjoying great popularity. The models are available in many different concepts and are advertised by the manufacturers as the perfect all-rounders for touring riders and commuters. Although the "SUV" designation indicates an off-road orientation, most models place an emphasis on comfort and versatility.

How sporty an SUV e-bike should be or not depends on the individual needs of the rider. In principle, however, there is no fixed definition of what constitutes an SUV e-bike - which makes it all the more difficult to get an overview of the market. That's why we chose four current SUV e-bikes 2023 and put them through their paces in practice and on the test bench.

SUV e-bikes 2023: test candidates

For our test, we chose four current SUV e-bikes. As different as they are in terms of their orientation, they have in common their large battery capacities, some ex works, some with an optional range extender.

Flyer Goroc X 6.70

Technical key data

Drive: Panasonic GX Ultimate Pro FIT
Battery pack: 750Wh (+540Wh range extender)
Suspension travel: 140 mm
wheel size: 29 inch

Weight (size XL without pedals): 30,7 kg (33,8 kg with range extender)
Price (as tested): 6.999 euros (+ 748 euros for range extender)

The Flyer Goroc X was officially presented just over a year ago and expands the Flyer range of e-bikes with the new Panasonic GX Ultimate Pro FIT motor, which is already extremely exciting on paper with a maximum torque of 95 Nm. On the Goroc X it is combined with a 750 Wh battery in the down tube of the aluminum frame (frame size S: 625 Wh), which can be easily removed to the side. The highlight, however, is the optional range extender with an additional 540 Wh, giving the bike a total capacity of an impressive 1.290 Wh.

Otherwise, the MTB genes of the Goroc X can be seen and read from the key data: 140 mm spring travel should offer enough reserves for off-road tours, the rest of the equipment with Shimano XT Linkglide derailleur gears and powerful 4-piston brakes is appropriate for the area of ​​application.

Giant Stormguard E+1

Technical key data

Drive: Giant SyncDrive Pro2
Battery pack: 800Wh (+250Wh range extender)
Suspension travel: 100 mm
wheel size: 27,5 inch

Weight (size L without pedals): 31,5 kg (33,4 kg with range extender)
Price (as tested): 7.999 euros

With the Giant Stormguard, the bicycle giant from Taiwan presented its first "real" SUV e-bike not too long ago. Although the range already included fully equipped e-MTBs, such as the Stance E+ EX, the Stormguard E+ is Giant's first e-bike that was designed from the ground up as an SUV. It has 100 mm of spring travel at the front and rear, and it also relies on the so-called Stable Link rear triangle, which is supposed to score particularly well in terms of comfort. The rear luggage rack, which is not attached to the rear triangle as usual, but to the main frame, is also exciting. It is virtually "decoupled" from vibrations from the rear wheel.

Propulsion is provided by the in-house SyncDrive Pro2 drive, which Giant provides with an 800 Wh battery in the down tube. If that is not enough, you can mount the range extender included with the bike with an additional 250 Wh.

Kettler Quadriga Duo CX12 FS SUV

Technical key data

Drive: Bosch Performance CX Gen 4
Battery pack: 2x 625Wh
Suspension travel: 150 mm
wheel size: 27,5 inch

Weight (size XL without pedals): 32,4 kg
Price (as tested): 7.599 euros

With the Quadriga Duo series, Kettler has had exciting e-bikes in its range for some time, which store two 625 Wh batteries from Bosch in their massive down tube. In 2023, however, a double battery still means: No smart system - instead, the "old" 4th generation Bosch CX motor is used here, which offers the same performance as its smart twin model, but without the latest displays and connectivity -Features must make do.

Otherwise, the Kettler definitely shows its sporty side with 150 mm spring travel and a geometry that could also be used on an MTB - no wonder, the Quadriga Duo CX12 FS is also available as an E-MTB without mudguards. The equipment is pleasing, especially the numerous Shimano XT components including the current 12-speed groupset.

Riese & Müller Superdelite GT rohloff

Technical key data

Drive: Bosch Performance CX Gen 4
Battery pack: 500Wh + 625Wh
Suspension travel: 140 mm (GX variant)
wheel size: 27,5 inch

Weight (size L without pedals): 33,6 kg
Price (as tested): 10.098 euros
Price (base price): 9.349 euros

With the Riese & Müller Superdelite GT, we also have one of the pioneers in the SUV segment in our range. Long before SUV e-bikes were en vogue, the manufacturer from Darmstadt already had comfortable, full-suspension everyday and touring bikes in its range. The Superdelite GT rohloff is the noble long-distance runner: With two power tubes, 500 Wh in the top tube and 625 Wh in the down tube, the bike offers great ranges, but like the Kettler (still?) it is based on the old Bosch CX motor.

For our test, Riese & Müller provided us with the absolute top version of the bike. In addition to the expensive (but grandiose!) Rohloff E14 shifting hub, the bike also comes with numerous optional extras, which you can also configure yourself on the Riese & Müller website. These include, for example, the Nyon display or the in-house RX chip, which allows the bike to be located via GPS and, if desired, records the routes. As additional equipment, the bike was given the so-called GX kit, which, in addition to more heavily profiled tires, also contains other chassis elements from Suntour and increases the suspension travel from 100 to 140 mm.

On the test bench: How do the drives perform under laboratory conditions?

All four test bikes and their drives had to prove themselves again in our laboratory tests on the test bench. In addition to various performance measurements, given the generous battery capacity, efficiency and range were also high on the agenda.

Performance: Clear winner

In order to determine the maximum power of the respective drives, we put a whopping 250 W input power on the crank and select the gear ratio in which the drive delivers the most power. Of course, we switch all motors to their highest support level for this purpose. The result speaks for itself: The Panasonic GX Ultimate Pro FIT in the Flyer Goroc X is by far the most powerful motor in our test field. With a total output of almost 900 W, it is also one of the most powerful mid-mounted motors on the market. The Bosch CX in the Kettler and in the Riese & Müller is also slightly ahead of the Giant SyncDrive Pro2 drive, although the gap here is significantly smaller.

Since the maximum power is informative to illustrate the potential of the respective drives, only very few e-bikers are likely to actually need this power in everyday life. That's why our power measurement at a comfortable 100 W input power is always all the more exciting. Here, too, we switch all drives to their highest support level for better comparability. The result is similar to the maximum power, but the differences between the three drive systems are even clearer. The Flyer Goroc X with the Panasonic motor delivers almost twice as much power to the ground as the other two systems - intense! The gap between SyncDrive Pro2 and Bosch CX shrinks to a minimum here, even if the Bosch motor is still a bit ahead.

This measurement shows the different tuning of the drives - while the Panasonic delivers a large part of its power with very little pedal force, Giant and Bosch behave differently and hold back larger reserves. Which behavior you prefer is a matter of taste - and with the drives from Panasonic and Giant it can also be adjusted a bit via the respective apps.

Efficiency and range: Bosch the efficiency king

In order to measure energy efficiency, all of our drives have to prove themselves in two scenarios. Scenario 1 measures consumption on the flat with a 0% incline, an input power of 100 W and the highest support level. In the second scenario, an incline of 10% is simulated, and the input power increases to 130 W in order to better depict a ride on a mountain. We show our measurements in Wh/km – i.e. how much energy does the drive draw from the battery per kilometer driven.

The results show that the high performance of the Panasonic GX Ultimate Pro comes at a price. Both on the flat, but especially on the mountain, the drive is by far the most energy-hungry. Despite its high performance, the Bosch CX is surprisingly efficient in both scenarios and should therefore ensure long ranges. The SyncDrive Pro2 from Giant shows two faces; While it works just as efficiently on the mountain as the competitor from Bosch, it consumes almost as much energy on the flat as the much more powerful Panasonic drive.

These results can also be used to calculate (theoretical) ranges for the different battery capacities and configurations of our test bikes. The Kettler Quadriga Duo, with its combination of efficient Bosch drive and two large batteries in the down tube, achieves top values ​​both on the flat and on the mountain. Not far behind is the Riese & Müller, while the Flyer has to pay tribute to the energy-hungry Panasonic motor - despite the largest battery capacity (with the range extender installed). Despite having the lowest capacity in the test field, the Giant does an impressive job. In view of the large integrated battery with 800 Wh, you can do without the range extender for most journeys.

Weight and payload: significant differences

None of the bikes in the test is a real lightweight, all break the 30 kg mark, sometimes clearly. In view of the orientation and equipment, most buyers should be able to cope with that. However, one should not completely ignore the fact that a high bike weight always has a negative effect on the possible payload, i.e. how much weight you are officially allowed to pack on the bike. For this purpose, each bike has a so-called permissible total weight, which includes the bike itself. The difference between the two results in the payload - and in our test field there are quite large differences here.

Even with the permissible total weight, the Flyer Goroc X with its 140 kg and the Kettler Quadriga Duo CX with 160 kg are a whopping 20 kg apart. Giant specifies an upper limit of 1 kg for the Stormguard E+156, Riese & Müller for the Superdelite GT 150 kg. In terms of payload, this means that you have the greatest leeway here on the Kettler and you can pack more than 120 kg on the bike, i.e. rider and luggage. Larger and/or heavier drivers have to keep an eye on the weight, especially with the Flyer, here the limit is already 106 or 109 kg and the Riese & Müller also has too large reserves.

Luggage rack: classic or decoupled?

Of course, the luggage on an SUV e-bike has to be stowed on the bike somehow; In most cases, the rear luggage rack is probably the most important, so it is not surprising that all four test bikes come with it from the factory. On closer inspection, however, there are two different approaches here. While the carriers on the Kettler Quadriga Duo and the Flyer Goroc X are traditionally attached directly to the rear frame, Giant and Riese & Müller use a “decoupled” luggage rack on their bikes that is attached to the main frame. How come? This has tangible advantages when riding: Impacts from the rear wheel are not passed on directly to the wearer. In addition, the payload does not affect the suspension behavior of the rear triangle.

On the other hand, mounting on the main frame also seems to come with limitations in maximum capacity. While the classic rear racks on the Flyer and the Kettler can be loaded with a full 25 kg, Riese & Müller specify a maximum of 20 kg on the Superdelite, and the Stormguard E+1 even has a limit of 15 kg.

The Riese & Müller Superdelite is also the only bike in the test that offers the option of a front carrier and can also be ordered ex works. With a maximum of 5 kg, it is not intended for large loads, but should be very practical in combination with a bag in everyday life, for example, or thanks to the integrated fabric bottle holder for long-distance touring.

Equipment: No slip-ups, but big differences

Given the high-priced orientation of all four test bikes, it's also not too surprising that there aren't any serious glitches when it comes to specs. The biggest differences are undoubtedly the built-in circuits, as these also have a significant impact on the respective driving behavior. While the Kettler Quadriga Duo CX12 and the Flyer Goroc X rely on classic derailleur gears, the Stormguard E+1 and Superdelite GT drivers have rohloff gear hubs in conjunction with a maintenance-free Gates carbon belt. A separate article could be written about the advantages and disadvantages of the different circuit types, so we'll keep it short here. Hub gears can usually claim a much lower maintenance operation and a comfortable shifting behavior (e.g. changing gears while stationary). Derailleur gears score with faster gear changes, lower weight and usually a larger range. Normally because the Rohloff E14 in the Riese & Müller steps out of line here and with a whopping 526% even trumps the bandwidth of the 12-speed XT circuit on the Kettler.

There are also differences in the chassis components installed, i.e. the suspension forks and dampers. However, to anticipate the practical impression at this point - the differences between the individual forks are marginal in view of the area of ​​application as a sporty touring bike. It may be that, for example, the Fox AWL fork in the Flyer Goroc X shows a slightly better performance than the Suntour Zeron35 in the Kettler, but in the everyday use of these bikes this was hardly noticeable to us. The same applies to the shock absorbers, we would rather attribute the noticeable differences in the rear structures to the different constructions (e.g. 4-joint on the Kettler, single-joint on the Riese & Müller). In any case, all components can be adjusted by air, and they all come with adjustable rebound stages.

Otherwise, it can be summed up that all manufacturers have done their homework. The braking power of all wheels was more than sufficient, the tires used corresponded to the area of ​​application. It's also nice that all e-bikes in the test are fitted with a dropper post ex works.

The Riese & Müller Superdelite GT rohloff offers the highest quality overall package. Bright lighting system with brake light, Nyon display, Fizik saddle, Magura brake system and last but not least the Rohloff E14 - there really is nothing to complain about here. The Kettler Quadriga Duo CX12 FS SUV impresses with complete Shimano XT equipment, from the gears to the brakes to the hubs - nice! We particularly like the built-in Shimano XT Linkglide groupset on the Flyer, which has a slightly smaller range than the 12-speed counterpart on the Kettler (510% vs. 454%), but on the other hand scores with better durability and better shifting behavior under load. What we liked most about the Giant was the cockpit design and it played a key role in the fact that it was the most comfortable bike in the test group for us.

Practical impressions: Four bikes, four faces

Of course, all four test bikes had to hold their own in practice. The sometimes very different interpretation of the "SUV E-Bike" concept was also evident: while the Kettler and the Flyer have sporty MTB roots, the Giant Stormguard E+1 is a real touring bike, what not only reflected in the spring deflection, but also in the handling itself. The Riese & Müller creates a very good balance between excellent touring suitability but with a sporty touch.

In practice: Kettler Quadriga Duo CX12 FS SUV

Despite its massive down tube with double battery, the Kettler Quadriga Duo is clearly the sportiest bike in the test. This is already shown by the quite stretched seating position, which is a clear reference to the bike's mountain bike roots, but can at least be relaxed a little thanks to the adjustable stem. The chassis with a generous 150 mm also underlines the off-road capability of the bike, the well-functioning rear end does the rest. The Quadriga Duo is also the bike in the test that we would most likely put up with for a short excursion on (easy) trails - although you're always better served there with a real (E-)MTB. Surprisingly, the very wide down tube doesn't bother you at all while riding.

The Bosch Performance CX motor shows its qualities even without the Smart System and pleases with its good-natured but powerful characteristics. The support performance is more than sufficient even for steep climbs, especially in connection with the 12-speed derailleur from Shimano. Even if the humming of the motor, which is now typical of Bosch, can always be heard even in the low support levels.

The background noise of the bike is somewhat annoying, especially off-road. Constant rattling spoiled the fun from time to time. After a thorough inspection, the side stand was found to be the cause: the spring is too weak, which means that it makes a clearly audible rattling noise even with minor vibrations.

In practice: Flyer Goroc X 6.70

The Flyer Goroc X 6.70 is similarly sporty to the Kettler, but with a slightly different focus. The seating position is less stretched thanks to the significantly higher front end, but the firm rear end would also look good on an e-mountain bike – but in terms of comfort with smaller bumps, it has to admit defeat to the competition in the test field.

However, the Flyer plays its greatest trump card when the Panasonic motor can show its qualities. We're inclined to say that apart from slightly inferior efficiency and minor connectivity issues, there's hardly a better motor for this category of bike. When it comes to power, nobody can beat it and even steep climbs are no problem at all, with less noise than the Bosch CX or Giant SyncDrive Pro2 offer. Especially in comparison to the competition from southern Germany, you have to choose your gear carefully with the Panasonic; with difficult gears and a low cadence, it cannot even begin to exploit its potential.

In practice: Giant Stormguard E+1

Let's come to the comfort king of our test field: When you sit on the Stormguard E+1, it feels like you're slipping into a warm, perfectly fitting glove. Everything is in the right place, you sit comfortably but not too upright and it's just a pleasure to drive. On the one hand, this is due to a great cockpit design, which at first glance seems a bit overloaded, but has all the buttons, levers and controls in the right place. The good grips and the pleasantly curved handlebars do the rest.

The stepless, automatically shifting Enviolo hub also contributes to the comfortable riding experience - but at the same time, in connection with the SyncDrive Pro2 drive, it is also the biggest weak point on an otherwise excellent e-bike. Due to its relatively low range of 380% (compared to the other test bikes), it lacks a slight gear ratio for steep climbs; unfavorable that the SyncDrive Pro2, like many other drives, cannot develop its full performance, especially in heavy gears. As a result, the Stormguard E+1 quickly runs out of breath in really steep places and your own thighs are challenged.

We were positively surprised by the chassis, especially the rear triangle: the supported single-joint with “only” 100 mm feels like a lot more reserve and performs better in terms of comfort than many other rear triangles in the test with more spring travel. Chapeau!

In practice: Riese & Müller Superdelite GT rohloff

As perhaps the best all-rounder in the test, the Riese & Müller Superdelite GT rohloff finds an almost perfect balance between sportiness and suitability for touring and everyday use. The seating position is more upright, but overall a touch sportier than the Giant. The ergonomics are similarly successful and the Superdelite is also a "sit on and feel good" bike.

In practical use, the bike can fully convince with its consistently high-quality but sensibly put together components. Of course, the Rohloff E14 hub stands out as a highlight, which is particularly appealing due to its huge range. The shifting behavior takes some getting used to at first, as the motor briefly deactivates the support when changing gears. This is to prevent excessive loads from acting on the gear inside the hub. What initially feels like "hiccups" is almost forgotten after a few kilometers - especially in view of the other advantages of the hub.

But apart from the Rohloff, the expensive bike is a lot of fun. The qualities of the CX motor are well known and in combination with the great Nyon display, it makes the Superdelite GT a carefree tourer for almost any terrain. We were surprised that the comparatively high center of gravity is hardly noticeable due to the 500 Wh battery in the top tube, even on easy terrain. However, the rather simple single-pivot rear end has a very idiosyncratic characteristic and, despite the generous spring travel reserves – in our configuration – has to admit defeat to the Giant in terms of comfort.

Conclusion SUV e-bikes 2023: test ride a must!

Our test showed how diverse SUV e-bikes can be in 2023. Touring e-mountain bikes meet off-road everyday bikes. What they all have in common is their enormous versatility, which is undoubtedly the recipe for success for this type of e-bike and will remain so. The enormous ranges of our test candidates are paid for by the sometimes very high bike weight; this is not relevant for every driver, but should definitely be considered before making a purchase decision. In any case, we can only recommend everyone to sit and ride at the local dealer before making the quite considerable investment in a modern SUV e-bike. Especially in view of the sometimes large differences within this bike category.