Brabus goes electric with urban bikes that cost superbike money

Jet Sanchez
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Brabus swaps V8 muscle for electric bikes.

Brabus swaps V8 muscle for electric bikes.

  • Three Brabus electric bikes offer up to 28kW and 475Nm.
  • Powered by 7.1kWh battery with ~3-hour home charging.
  • Pricing rivals superbikes despite lower performance focus.

Brabus is best known for building V8 monsters with eye-watering power. This time, it’s gone in the opposite direction.

The German tuner has unveiled a trio of electric motorcycles developed with French manufacturer DAB Motors. These are compact, city-focused machines that trade outright speed for style and torque.

On paper, though, the numbers might raise a few eyebrows.

Performance that puts the city first

DAB 1a Brabus
DAB 1a Brabus

All three models: the DAB 1a Brabus, Urban E and Urban E First Edition, are based on the same platform, powered by a 7.1kWh lithium-ion battery driving a rear-mounted motor.

The entry-level 1a Brabus produces around 23kW (31hp), paired with 395Nm of torque. That’s enough for a claimed top speed of 150km/h, with usable performance up to around 120km/h.

Brabus Urban E

Step up to the Urban E and output climbs to roughly 28kW (37hp) and 475Nm, adding more punch while keeping the same urban-friendly focus.

Charging is relatively straightforward, too. Brabus says the battery can go from 20 to 100% in about three hours using a standard household plug.

Style first, details everywhere

Brabus Urban E First Edition
Brabus Urban E First Edition

If performance feels modest, design is where Brabus leans in hard.

The bikes feature exposed carbon fibre across key components, from wheel covers to body panels, alongside Alcantara seats, CNC-machined controls and custom finishes.

Brabus Urban E First Edition

The Urban E adds more visual drama, with carbon air ducts, vertical daytime running lights and multiple riding modes, including Eco, Street, Sport and a curiously named “Nitrous”.

A First Edition variant pushes exclusivity further, offering four colour options, each limited to just 10 units.

The price question

Brabus Urban E First Edition

Here’s where things get interesting.

Pricing starts at €16,590 (around NZ$33,000) for the base model, rising to €20,800 (NZ$41,300) for the Urban E and €32,500 (NZ$64,600) for the First Edition.

That puts the range squarely in premium territory, well into the price bracket of high-performance superbikes with significantly higher outputs.

Different brief, different buyer

Brabus Urban E First Edition

But that comparison only goes so far.

These aren’t designed to chase lap times or headline power figures. Instead, they’re aimed at urban riders who value design, exclusivity and torque-rich electric performance over outright speed.

Still, it’s a bold move.

Brabus has built its reputation on excess: more power, more noise, more everything. These electric bikes flip that formula, offering less power but just as much attitude.

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