Husqvarna e-bikes land in Australia

Husqvarna shouldn't be a new name to anyone, but they may well be when considering a new e-bike. Husqvarna have developed a thorough range of eMTBs and e-bikes over the past few years and the 2024 models have just landed in Australia. There are three off-road models available on our shores, from the big travel Hard Cross, to the all-mountain Mountain Cross and the shorter travel Light Cross. 

Husqvarna Mountain Cross

This range delivers a 150mm travel, carbon framed all-mountain eMTB. With a mixed (mullet) wheel setup and full-power Shimano eMTB system we expect this range to suit the majority of Australian riders looking for a new eMTB. They come in small through to extra large, although the small sizes are 27.5" for both wheels.

The frame design turns the Shimano motor counter clockwise, letting the battery sit down lower in the frame to improve handling. With ports at the head tube and room around the battery and motor, Husqvarna aim to reduce the operating temperature of both to improve performance.

The range is lead by the $12499 MC6, which we have with Ryan Walsch for review. It has a Shimano EP801 system with 600W peak power, 85Nm of torque and a 720Wh battery. Fox provide a Factory 36 and Float X shock, and SRAM deliver an X01 Eagle group set. Magura MT5 brakes do the stopping and Newmen wheels are shod with Schwalbe Nobbby Nic tyres.

On our large test bike the MC6 has a reach of 475mm, a head angle of 65.5 degrees and a seat angle of 76.9 degrees. Chain stays are 445mm which works in hand with the 27.5" rear wheel to provide a very centred ride. The geoemetry isn't wildly long and slack, but a great modern layout that maintains agility for keeping the bike alive on the flatter trails and when climbing with the support of the Shimano EP801 system.

'The MC6 is just so smooth – it is all so dialled with a premium feeling', Ryan told us after his first rides. 'It is difficult to pinpoint one thing, but the bike rides quietly in a way that illustrates the design work put into the bike. All the finishing kit just works.'

Ryan is notoriously hard on tyres, and he has flatted the EVO casing Schwalbe tyres already – but is grateful that even so no damage has come to the Newmen rims. 'The handling is very balanced, and I think this 150mm platform should be what most riders should look at. It pedals really well and I'm having a great time testing it.'

Husqvarna also have the MC5, which uses the same frame and Shimano EP 801 system and 720Wh battery. Selling for $10999 the bike insread uses Fox Performance suspension, SRAM G2 brakes and a SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain.

There is also the MC3, which uses a Shimano EP6 system with a 500W peak power and a 630Wh battery. SRAM deliver a GX Eagle drivetrain and G2 brakes, while RockShox also provide suspension via a Yari RC and Deluxe Select+. The big change is a move to an alloy frame, and pricing is $7999.

Husqvarna Hard Cross

For those who want their eMTBs as big as possible, Husqvarna deliver with the Hard Cross (HC) range. The 180/170mm travel bikes use a mullet (mixed) wheel size. It's slacker than the MC series with more travel and a burlier build. The bikes come in a size range from small to extra large, and all used mixed wheel sizes.

The head angle is 64.5 degrees, with a seat angle a bit over 77 degrees depending on the size. Reach on a large is 480mm, with a 445mm chain stay across all sizes.

The $11999 HC5 leads the charge with an alloy frame, Shimano EP801 system and SRAM X01 Eagle drive train. Fox Factory cover suspension with a 38 fork and X2 shock, and Magura keep things in check with MT7 brakes.

For $9999 the HC4 has the same frame and Shimano EP801 setup, although the suspension is Fox Performance, and SRAM provide a GX Eagle group set with G2 RSC brakes.

For $8999 the HC3 still has the same 170mm alloy frame, with a Shimano EP600 system and 630Wh battery, along with a SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain and G2 R brakes.

Husqvarna Light Cross

At the other end of the spectrum is a shorter travel e-mtb – but not a mid-power bike. The Light Cross (LC) is a platform built around a 130/120mm travel mix. It's still a mullet (mixed wheel size) platform and is designed to be a bike better suited for more mellow trails so you can have more fun on the trails.

The LC range come in 4 sizes from small to XL, and the small size uses 27.5" wheels front and back. They're more agile with a 66.5 degree head angle, with stability delivered by a longer reach – 488mm in large. This is more akin to what you would find on a very modern 120mm XC bike. The seat angle is a hair over 78 degrees to really deliver a centred position for balanced handling. Chain stays remain 445mm across all sizes.

The LC5 leads the range with a carbon frame, selling for $7999. With the Shimano EP801 system and 720Wh battery, it's not skimping on support. This system gives you a 600W peak power with a full 85Nm of torque. RockShox handle suspension with a 35 Gold fork and Deluxe Select+ shock, while a GX Eagle drivetrain and G2 R brakes from SRAM do the go and whoa.

The LC3 sells for $6499 and moves to an all alloy frame, EP600 system and 630Wh battery and SRAM SX Eagle with Shimano MT410 brakes. Suspension duties are covered by RockShox with a Gold RL fork at 120mm, and a Deluxe Select rear shock.

Our take 

Based on having the MC6 on hand, first impressions are great! This model is very nicelt finished, and we like how the frame design has been developed to provide cooling for the battery and motor. This enhances performance while also making sure the life of both elements is optimised.

The LC range is an interesting one, as it's a type of bike that many riders on eMTBs probably need – but often the allure of going for a longer travel, burlier bike is there as you have support, so why not? We're sure this one is going to need to be in some demo fleets to get people to ride and see what they think.

The HC range should prove popular – although the MC range will suit many, the appeal of a 38 fork and a few centimetres more travel is going to have huge appeal for many.

Keep your eyes out for Ryan's review of the MC6, and head to the Husqvarna website for more details.