BMW Exploro Bikes: Italian Know-How Meets German Calculation

What do Audi, Mercedes, Peugeot, Rover, Jeep, Polestar and Porsche have in common? Well, all car manufacturers currently have ebikes in their programmes or plan to introduce them in the next year or two. In terms of quality, project ambition and regional target markets, the respective offerings differ, sometimes considerably. Nevertheless, several car brands are continuing their attempts to attract customers worldwide by alternative means. BMW is also following suit. Together with a traditional Italian manufacturer, the Munich-based company recently presented three different ebikes.

BMW sends you out to explore. Though in an environmentally friendly way on two wheels. In future, you can discover the world with a total of six different BMW Exploro Bikes. Two of them are designed for fast riding on the road, two are more suitable for everyday trips in the city and two are gravel bikes. There is one with and one without electric assistance of each variant.

The motor stutters a little

For fans of the brand with the three capital letters, this may be enough to make them prick up their ears. All others may need further arguments why they should buy just these bicycles. In fact, there are other arguments. And the most powerful one is provided by the cooperation partner of this project. It is none other than the bicycle manufacturer 3T.

Where it says BMW Exploro Bikes electric on the tin, 3T Exploro RaceMax Boost is inside. The company from near Milan already impressed the industry with this model series when it was launched in 2021. 3T won numerous internationally recognised awards for the e-gravel bike, the e-road bike and the e-city bike.

So, the tasks seem to be clearly assigned. BMW ensures as much attention as possible with its name, while 3T brings not only the know-how but also the actual bike. In fact, one can’t quite shake the impression that BMW is pursuing the project somewhat half-heartedly. For example, the press release sent out by the company lacks comprehensive specifications on the bikes. On the German website, the search word “Exploro” currently yields zero hits. In the BMW Lifestyle Shop, where the ebikes should actually be available for purchase, there are only two gravel bikes without e-drives. However, these date back to 2020, when BMW already made a joint venture with 3T. Unfortunately, we don’t know whether the situation is different at the selected BMW dealers who wanted to have an Exploro bike in their showrooms.

New bikes look quite familiar

The picture is completely different at 3T. On their website you will immediately find what you are looking for. In doing so, you automatically stumble across the actual series models. Depending on the model, they differ only marginally from the BMW Exploro bikes. Sometimes only different saddles, handlebars and tyres are fitted. Basically, there is a series model for every special edition model, which may even cost less.

The basis is right

Of course, this doesn’t change the fact that BMW bikes are very high-quality ebikes. The frame alone stands out from the crowd of other manufacturers. It is made of dry carbon filament, which is wound around a hollow body to give it its shape. During the winding process, types of fibres with different material properties can be woven in with manageable effort, so that strength and design can be handled very variably.

In addition to the production, the design of the frame also meets the highest standards. 3T is known for its penchant for aerodynamics. Many details ensure that the air flow of the tyres is optimally guided along the bike. The down tube widens in the area of the water bottle so that there is no unwanted turbulence. In the interest of maximum propulsion, the fork has no side mounts for bottle cages or other accessories. It goes without saying that all cables run internally.

Light and fast is the maxim

If the frame tries to gain you even minimal advantages, the shifting system must not be inferior to this. Therefore, the decision in favour of the Rival XPLR from Sram seems only logical. With this group, you can change between the twelve gears electronically. The Rival logo is also found on the hydraulic disc brake with its 160 millimetre brake discs.

For the drive, BMW and 3T rely on the X20 from Mahle. Among other things, its low total weight of just over three kilograms was probably the decisive factor. Presumably, both partners were keen to present ebikes that offer an outstanding riding experience even without electric assistance. And the nominal torque of 23 Newton metres of the rear wheel hub motor also fits in extremely well.

Model range with targeted differences

The battery is one of the components that ensure that the BMW Exploro bikes are not distinguished from one another solely by their paintwork. The BMW Exploro Road electric, for example, has the small battery with around 250 watt hours. It is the only model with 28-inch wheels and lightweight carbon rims. It also features a stylish aerodynamic seat post.

Both the BMW Exploro Gravel electric and the BMW Exploro Urban electric offer you a lot more range thanks to the 350 watt hour battery. On the other hand, only aluminium is used for the wheelsets. The wheels measure only 27.5 inches, so that a little more tyre width can be gained. With its flat handlebars, the BMW Exploro Urban electric immediately stands out from the trio. However, there is not much more in the way of urban equipment. After all, the frame of all BMW Exploro bikes has mudguard mounts. SKS builds them especially for the 3T. However, the tyre tread must not have any protruding studs.

BMW Exploro Gravel electric at a glance

• Frame: Exploro Ultra Boost, carbon
• Motor: Mahle X20
• Battery: iX350
• Control unit: iWoc One
• Drivetrain: Sram Rival AXS XPLR
• Brakes: Sram Rival AXS, 160 mm
• Maximum permitted total weight: n.a.
• Price: 7,999 Euro

BMW Exploro Road electric at a glance

• Frame: : Exploro RaceMax Boost, Carbon
• Motor: Mahle X20
• Battery: iX250
• Control unit: iWoc One
• Drivetrain: Sram Rival AXS XPLR
• Brakes: Sram Rival AXS, 160 mm
• Maximum permitted total weight: n.a.
• Price: 8,999 Euro

BMW Exploro Urban electric at a glance

• Frame: Exploro Ultra Boost, carbon
• Motor: Mahle X20
• Battery: iX350
• Control unit: iWoc One
• Drivetrain: Sram Rival AXS XPLR
• Brakes: Sram Rival AXS, 160 mm
• Maximum permitted total weight: n.a.
• Price: 7,999 Euro

 

Pictures: BMW AG; 3T Cycling Srl.