TESTED: 2024 Husqvarna MC6 all-mountain e-bike

Husqvarna have burst onto the Australian mountain bike scene with a range 3 eMTB models to suit our trails and riders. Husqvarna likely needs no introduction as a brand, but their move to e-bikes might not be something you are as aware of. I've had the Husqvarna Mountain Cross 6 (MC6) on test, a 150mm travel, full power all-mountain e-bike. The MC6 was designed to be a bike on which much of the Husqvarna range will evolve, using design ideas and attributes put on display here.

READ: Husqvarna eMTBs – take a closer look.

Australia has received the latest 2024 Husqvarna MC6, and our test bike has their updated geometry and features. Husqvarna also has a longer travel alloy-framed Hard Cross (HC5) with 180/170mm travel, and a shorter travel Light Cross (LC6) with 130/120mm of travel. There's a range of build kits available in each model range.

Photographer: Nick Waygood
Tester: Ryan Walsch
Riding Experience: Enough to be here
Generally Rides: Forbidden Druid V2, Trek cargo e-bike
Height: 178cm
Weight: 74kg
Bike Test Track: Stromlo, Poo Pines, Blue Range, Local Jank

The Husqvarna MC6 has a full carbon fiber frame with Shimano EP801 support system and Fox Factory suspension. With a mixed (or mullet) wheel set it aims to walk the line of agility and stability to meet a broad spectrum of riding needs.

This model sells for $12499, which is a bit pricier than a Specialized Levo Comp alloy, although the MC6 has Fox Factory suspension and a full carbon frame. The Trek Rail 9.8 GX AXS sells for $12499 and is a 160/150mm travel 29er with a carbon frame using the Bosch Smart System. While the Rail has GX AXS, the Select+ RockShox suspension isn't at the same tier of Fox Factory.

Initial Impressions

The Husqvarna MC6 or “Mountain Cross” which we are testing is likely going to be the most appropriate platform for our region, boasting all day ride-ability, refined handling and a design focus on both climbing and descending, the brief was to create an agile and dynamic handling e-bike that reacts exactly how the rider expects, an extension of the body so to speak; big goals here!

The whole line up has seen major updates to the frame layout and construction compared to Husqvarna's first models. This includes changing the shock's orientation running it horizontally and parallel to the top tube by means of a linkage driven yoke rather than the shock tunnel through the seat tube. The previous midway disruption of the seat tube made fitting long dropper posts and getting the best fit for riders somewhat of a challenge. The uninterrupted seat tube is now straight, open all the way to the motor and allows an upright 76.9 degree seat tube angle which is perfect for this style of all mountain e-bike.

Slung underneath the suspension changes is the now rotated and updated Shimano EP801 motor. The counter clockwise rotation has allowed the huge 720Wh battery to be positioned as low down in the bike as possible and also easily accessible and removable via the hinged cover with a two button release system. This secure battery button system plus a no-tools-required swinging cover ensure debris is kept out and the battery kept safe.

The EP801 motor is held securely in place by a carbon C shaped motor holding cradle which can be opened and effectively swings the motor down and out for maintenance, like the engine cradle we would often see on a motorcycle it closes the bottom of the frame increasing its strength where the motor would normally be expected to do so. This feature also leaves the surrounds of the motor open and breezy passively dissipating heat more effectively than when flimsy and poor fitting plastic covers are installed.

Husqvarna have stuck the their “Passive Efficiency Concept” throughout the design process allowing the motor and battery to remain cooler when in use through means of good airflow. The Husqvarna grill style emblem on the head tube is actually a vent and allows a chimney like effect drawing cool air in around the motor past the battery and out the top, another nod to their motorcycle roots and a very effective way to manage heat, as plastic covers over everything do not help on hot days!

Aesthetically the frame looks brilliant, the huge parallel tubes in a statement colorway with a darker sub frame and engine cradle are a visual cue on all Husqvarna’s motorcycles. Looking at the entire range of HC, MC and LC Husqvarna e-bikes you can easily see the design similarities. As a mechanic it is pleasing to see that the hardware and linkage components are very similar and share many parts. From a mechanical and customer service standpoint this is a huge advantage for servicing and repairs that may need to be done in the future.

The setup was too easy, our test rig was built up by the experienced Australian team at Pierer New Mobility (Parent company of KTM, Husqvarna, GasGas MV Augusta, WP suspension and Felt). This meant the wheels were already setup tubeless, suspension dialed for my 74kg weight, and there were even sufficient tokens in the Fox Facxtory 36 forks (4 tokens).

Our test bike was one of the first to land on our shores and subsequently was subject to a few rolling changes before we received it. Husqvarna were open with us about the updates and the process they followed to resolve them. Both running changes being made at the assembly level are around keeping components stead fast and silent under hard riding applications, and we are a big fan of a silent bike. The battery is suspended in the down tube via 2 ribbed elastomers which were a little thin and required packing out and the internal cable management will gain a rubberised wedge to keep the internally routed cables more secure.

We were surprised that PNM were forthcoming to what was performed to our test bike before we received it and an indicator that they (PNM) are serious about entering the Australian market running and providing motorcycle industry level support here.

The MC6 Build kit we have on test is Husqvarna’s premium spec and is equipped with Fox Factory suspension, Magura MT5 4 piston brakes and 203mm rotors front and rear along with SRAM X01 Eagle 12 speed (single click shifter) paired to a GX Eagle cassette. I was surprised to see that the suspension is 150mm/150mm both front and rear while both the HC 180mm/170mm and LC 130mm/120mm models sport a 10mm longer front end.

Another surprise is to see Schwalbe Nobby Nic Trail tyres with a thin Evolution casing, premium tyres no doubt but thinner and faster rolling than the capabilities of the MC6 suggest it will require.

On The Trail

Our size Large test bike was bang on in terms of a modern large fitting frame, it is based around a 475mm reach, a 65.5 degree headtube angle and a 50mm stem and a slightly lengthened 445mm rear centre to keep the rider's mass centred perfectly. A nice steep 76.9 degree virtual seat tube angle (73 degree actual) is what is required to keep the rider pushing downward and applying even pressure to both front and rear wheels – support and efficient pedalling were a big focus for the design team.

The additional weight on the front wheel does increase steering precision and grip, however I would recommend a more aggressive tyre tread pattern with a more supportive casing as it was not up the task of navigating loose and rowdy conditions with confidence. The Schwalbe Nobby Nic’s did roll and brake very well, The incredibly strong Newman Evolution SL EG Mullet wheel set took a few good hits and are still straight as an arrow. I am impressed that Husqvarna have specced a 150kg combined rider and E-Bike rated wheel set on their their trail e-bike offering. But I think the wheels would work best with a set of meatier rubber if your riding style requires it.

While I have no firm details on the kinematics of the MC6’s suspension, under load it remains active yet supportive – not sagging down into its travel when stomping on the pedals thus increasing efficiency. This would be why I could consistently get over 2000m of climbing on a single charge of the whopping Core S3+ 720Wh battery.

The seating position is comfortable, Husqvarna’s in house saddle is also excellent and sports an integrated handle under the rear, helping manage the bike when transporting or negotiating a dismounted feature. I did hit or graze the bash guard a few times when climbing technical features. The guard comprises of a high impact plastic hinge for the battery access, and despite the noises there is little to see from the hits. It slid over the rocks with ease. Still, this is certainly something to be aware of now the motor has been rotated and the battery sits lower and further forward than some other bikes I have reviewed.

Descending on the MC6 is familiar and simple, I really like how low down the weight feels on the MC6, planted and easy to control. The Magura MT5 brakes were another pleasant surprise, with heaps of consistent power even when riding long descents on hot days. The Mullet setup is perfect for e-bikes which are notorious for being harder to change direction and I am not surprised that a motorcycle brand would this – motorcycles have had mixed wheel sizes for decades.

I clocked up some serious climbing and descending onboard the MC6 and have come to the conclusion that it excels at both – neither favouring one or the other discipline. Husqvarna have built what they set out to do, create an intuitive and balanced riding experience. It climbs incredibly well due to its powerful and quiet Shimano EP801 motor and efficient kinematic and descends confidently thanks to its central riding position and premium suspension components and hardware.

Our Take

Husqvarna have hit the ground running in Australia and the MC6 is a great all-rounder for riders who want to do a bit of everything and spend bigger days on the bike with its huge battery and brilliant trail feel across a broad range of disciplines. With such a simple and easy to get used to trail feel, I really think the 150mm MC6 could descend even better with some meatier and thicker casing tyres and even an extra 10mm of travel on the front. Would this take away from everything we love about it? I don’t think so.

I'm excited to see more of the Husqvarna range hit our shores, my initial impressions of quality, homogenised spare parts offerings and exceptional customer support make for what could be a bit of an industry shake up bringing a more professional approach and better support and customer service for riders.

Husqvarna Mountain Cross 6 parts spec

$12499
Weight 24kgs inc pedals
husqvarna-bicycles.com

Available Sizes S, M, L (tested), XL
Frame Material Carbon fiber
Fork Fox Factory Float 36 eMTB, GRIP2, 150mm
Shock Fox Factory Float X, 150mm

Motor Shimano EP801, 85Nm, 600W Peak

Battery 720Wh

Shifter SRAM X01 Eagle, 12sp
Derailleur SRAM X01 Eagle, 12sp
Crank Shimano FC-EM900, 165mm
Chain SRAM X01 Eagle, 12sp
Cassette SRAM X01 Eagle, 10-50t, 12sp

Wheel set Newmen Evolution SL, 29/27.5”
Tyres Schwalbe Nobby Nic 2.4/2.6” Evolution
Brakes Magura MT5 4-piston, 203/203mm

Stem Husqvarna 35, 0 degree
Handlebars Husqvarna riser, 780mm
Seatpost Husqvarna Pro, 31.6mm, 175mm drop
Saddle Husqvarna MTB