e-MV Agusta's Limited Edition Cortina Makes Promises but Its Price Will Have You Sweating

Most folks aren't aware of the fact that MV Agusta is also in the e-mobility business and has been, for a few years now, cranking out EVs under e-MV Agusta. Well, to show the world that they're still a force to be reckoned with no matter the industry, they've just unveiled a limited-run machine, the Cortina Edizione Limitata, an e-bike that, believe it or not, fetches at least €3,800 ($4,100 at current exchange rates). Let's see what's in store here and whether or not we should hop on this offer.

Now, like any other bicycle on the market, the Cortina is built around a backbone or frame. In this case, good old aluminum is the material used to craft what we see. Personally, I'd expect carbon fiber for this price, but not all is lost. Some carbon fiber is found on the Cortina in the shape of the front fork.

A few neat frame traits riders can look forward to are the way the top tube slants downward, offering massive clearance and lining up with the seat stay for a neat visual design, and all the little cargo mounts scattered on the down tube, seat tube, and seat stay. This means this baby is ready for long cargo-hauling rides.

Best of all, with all the components we see, an integrated battery pack in the down tube, motor, wheels, and everything else, the Cortina tips the scales at only 15.3 kg (33 lbs), most likely for the medium-sized two-wheeler. That's pretty good, considering the average e-bike comes in with a weight of around 30 kg (66 lbs), so half the norm but double the price.

But I can't sit here and say that I like everything I see; I don't. As I explored the Cortina and most other bikes from e-MV Agusta, I noticed some rather disappointing aspects. One is the non-tapered head tube, which most likely isn't butted either. The second is the rather rudimentary tube shapes we see. I'm just not a big fan of the style, is all.

Frame and all aside, this is an e-bike, and with that in mind, let's explore the electronic setup this puppy has to offer. Overall, Mahle is the crew supplying the driving force behind your electric experience, a brand I myself have tested.

Hidden in the down tube, Agusta hides the battery pack belonging to the Mahle X35 system. In short, 250 Wh of electric power will feed an X35+ drive unit that can crank out 40 Nm (29.5 lb-ft) of torque, which isn't quite a whole lot, not when China is cranking out similar rear-mounted hub motors with 750 W and up to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft) or more.

But not all is lost, as this setup is designed this way for a reason. One aspect of this drive system is the fact that it's a beautiful bridge between classic and electric cycling. In short, you'll still feel like you're riding a bike, but with an extra push when you really need it, a push, which, in test settings, can be there for up to 75 km (47 mi).

While these numbers are rarely duplicated in the real world, the presence of a geared drivetrain on the Cortina is sure to help you optimize range. On the Corina, Agusta adds a 10x1-speed Shimano gearing with an 11-42T cassette and a 38T chainring. The Deore derailleur is also activated with an SL-M4100-R shifter. Braking is handled by Magura MT4 disc brakes clamping down on 160 mm (6.3 in) rotors.

Another important design feature of the Cortina is its wheels. Overall, Agusta designed this bike around 700x40c tires. This means 40 mm of cross-section to help reduce bumps and add grip to your ride. Looking to take this baby on some pebble-ridden routes? The standard Pirelli Cinturato Gravel H tires are what you want. If they're not, change them out for whatever you like; tires tend to be rather accessible components.

But does all this justify the price? Well, it depends on who you ask, but be sure to take note of aspects of the Cortina, such as a CNC-milled stem, aluminum seat post, custom handlebar, and Ritchey leather grips and seat. I'm starting to understand why Agusta is asking this much for their limited-edition Cortina.

Still, people like me don't buy bikes to keep them hanging up on their walls, so if I were to get myself a Cortina, you can bet that by the end of the year, it won't matter that this thing is a special edition or not; I'll destroy it. How?

Well, let's start with those gravel tires. Already, I know where I'm going to be enjoying this bike, and those routes aren't the most forgiving. I have the possibility of cargo racks. Again, I'll be riding long and hard, exposing this bike to all that the world has to offer. Oh, I have a little bit of electric push to help me reach even further than ever before. Perfect! I just don't have nearly $4,000 lying around for something like this, a problem that Agusta is sure to feel. Dear e-MV Agusta, if you're reading this, let it rain with Black Friday deals!