Quick Facts:
- Why it matters: The KTM X-Bow Arrow swaps the usual CVT belt for a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
- Announced: Nov. 10, 2026.
- Starting price: $59,800 for the Arrow and $98,600 for the Black Limited Edition, both preliminary.
- Power: 280 horsepower standard, with up to 330 targeted for the Black Limited Edition.
- Drivetrain: Audi 2.0-liter turbo four, seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and low range.
- Suspension: Double wishbones at all four wheels, targeting 23.6 inches of travel.
- Deliveries: First customer deliveries are planned for late 2027.
5 min read
In This Article
KTM X-Bow Arrow Overview
The KTM X-Bow Arrow is the first side-by-side from the Austrian sports-car maker. Instead of the belt-driven CVT common in sport side-by-sides, it uses a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Dirt Wheels summarizes the technical sheet behind these details. The engine is an Audi turbo four, and the chassis is chromoly steel.
Two versions are planned. The standard Arrow makes 280 horsepower and starts at $59,800. In contrast, the Black Limited Edition targets up to 330 horsepower and starts at $98,600. KTM X-BOW caps it at 500 numbered vehicles worldwide. Reservations open Nov. 17, 2026, through KTM X-BOW dealers and ktm-xbow.com, and first deliveries are planned for late 2027.
However, these numbers are preliminary, and final US pricing is subject to change.
Recovery planning starts early, because only the Black Limited Edition includes a winch. Size your gear to the standard Arrow’s estimated dry weight of 2,202 pounds. The MAXTRAX MKII Safety Orange Vehicle Recovery Board gives the tires something to bite in sand and mud. For pulls, the Bubba Rope Sidewinder Xtreme Model 176653GR is a 5/8-inch by 20-foot kinetic rope. Its 14,000-pound breaking strength is roughly six times the weight of either version. Factor 55 Extreme Duty 3/8″ x 10″ Soft Shackle has a 43,500-pound minimum breaking strength. Its rating sits well above the Arrow’s weight, which leaves a wide safety margin.
Recovery gear for a side-by-side
Bubba Rope Sidewinder Xtreme Model 176653GR Off-Road Power Stretch …
Key Facts at a Glance
| Item | Arrow | Black Limited Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $59,800 | $98,600 |
| Power | 280 hp | Targets up to 330 hp |
| Tires | 32×10-15 Maxxis RAZR XT | 35×10-15 Maxxis RAZR XT, beadlock wheels |
| Estimated dry weight | 2,202 lb | 2,425 lb |
| Rear differential | Spool, per Dirt Wheels | Limited-slip, selectable locking |
| Shocks | Three-way, manually adjustable | Electrically adjustable |
| Cabin | Enclosure not listed as standard | Fully enclosed, standard air conditioning |
| Winch | Not listed | 4,500 lb, removable |
| Production | Not announced | 500 numbered vehicles |
Dirt Wheels lists these figures as preliminary, and KTM X-BOW says more details follow before launch.
Audi Engine, Dual-Clutch Gearbox and Low Range
Both versions use an Audi 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder from the EA888 EVO4 family. It pairs with a Volkswagen DQ381 seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and a low-range system. Therefore, the Arrow shifts through seven fixed ratios instead of a belt. Low range adds gearing reduction for slow terrain.
KTM X-BOW has not published gear ratios, the low-range reduction, torque or boost pressure. As a result, the crawl ratio is unknown, which matters most on technical climbs. Also, the 330-horsepower figure remains a development target, while 280 horsepower is the announced output of the standard Arrow.
Drive selection includes two- and four-wheel drive. Electronic power steering is listed on both versions, and Dirt Wheels lists a locking front differential on both. At the rear, Dirt Wheels lists a spool for the standard Arrow, which ties both wheels together. Other outlets report limited-slip differentials front and rear across the range. The Black Limited Edition uses a limited-slip rear with selectable locking and a hydraulic fly-off handbrake. For the differences among the types, read locking differentials explained. Drive modes also differ, with three on the standard Arrow and four on the Black Limited Edition.
Chassis, Suspension and Tires
A welded tubular chromoly steel chassis with double-wishbone suspension at all four wheels sits under both versions. KTM X-BOW targets more than 600 millimeters, or 23.6 inches, of wheel travel, with shocks developed alongside KW Reiger.
The standard Arrow rides on 32-inch Maxxis RAZR XT tires and manually adjustable three-way dampers. Conversely, the Black Limited Edition moves to 35-inch tires on beadlock wheels, electrically adjustable dampers and active anti-roll bars. Dirt Wheels lists widths of 76.8 inches for the standard Arrow and 78.7 inches for the Black Limited Edition. So check trail width limits where you ride.
Cabin, Winch and Cargo
Both versions get Sabelt premium seating, a driver display and a 10-inch center screen. Listed features include GPS, group-ride connectivity, a rearview camera and two USB-C ports. In addition, the Black Limited Edition lists a fully enclosed cabin, standard air conditioning and six roof-mounted LEDs. Dirt Wheels does not list an enclosure for the standard Arrow, while MotorBiscuit and Motocross Action describe a fully enclosed cabin. Confirm cab details before you reserve.
Each version carries a 55-liter fuel tank, about 14.5 gallons. Rack capacity is 220 pounds, and storage totals at least 100 liters. However, only the Black Limited Edition includes a removable 4,500-pound winch. Owners adding one to the standard Arrow should read our guide on whether cheap winches are worth it, which explains why rated pull drops as rope builds up on the drum.
KTM X-Bow Arrow vs. Polaris and Kawasaki
Two sport side-by-sides give the Arrow its closest comparison. Polaris lists 275 horsepower for the 2027 RZR Pro R Boost, starting at $49,999. Meanwhile, Kawasaki lists 250 horsepower for the 2027 Teryx H2, with a base price of $32,899. Compared with the Polaris, the standard Arrow adds 5 horsepower for about $9,800 more. Against the Teryx H2, it adds 30 horsepower for about $26,900 more. The Black Limited Edition costs nearly twice as much as the Polaris and targets 330 horsepower.
Polaris also builds the Polaris RZR Pro R Factory Boost, rated at up to 400 horsepower, but it starts at $200,000 and targets racing. As a result, it belongs in a separate comparison.
What This Means for You
Nothing ships soon. Reservations open Nov. 17, and first deliveries are planned for late 2027. So riders who want a premium machine this season should look at current Polaris and Kawasaki models instead.
On price and power, the standard Arrow asks $59,800 for 280 horsepower, while the Polaris asks $49,999 for 275 and the Teryx H2 asks $32,899 for 250. The Black Limited Edition asks $98,600 for a 330-horsepower target, not a confirmed output.
Treat every number as preliminary. The 330-horsepower figure and the 23.6 inches of travel are targets, and final US pricing is subject to change. Further, KTM X-BOW says more specifications, package details and pricing will follow.
The announcement coverage does not address street-legal status, state OHV registration, torque or service intervals. Because these details are missing, ask a dealer about each one before you reserve, especially when riding public land.
Either tire size calls for a way to air down on the trail and air back up afterward. The VIAIR 400P – 40045 Portable Air Compressor is rated for tires up to 35 inches, which covers the Black Limited Edition’s rubber. Its listing rates the duty cycle at 33 percent at 100 PSI, so give it rest breaks during long fills. Check the rating against your own tires first.
VIAIR 400P - 40045 Portable Air Compressor | Automatic 12V compressor delivers 150 PSI and 2.30 CFM for trucks, SUVs, Jeeps, RVs, and tires up to 35 inches.
Automatic 12V compressor rated for tires up to 35 inches, with a 150 PSI maximum and 2.30 CFM free flow.
Final Thoughts
The Arrow suits buyers who want sports-car gearing in a welded chromoly chassis with double wishbones at all four wheels. Its headline feature is the seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox with low range, paired with a 23.6-inch travel target. For riders tired of the CVT belt, it is a promising idea. The Black Limited Edition adds air conditioning and a winch for the buyer who wants the full package.
Price and timing are the trade-offs. The standard Arrow costs about $9,800 more than the Polaris RZR Pro R Boost, and you wait until late 2027. Dirt Wheels says it still wants to learn how the Arrow feels from the driver’s seat, so durability, cooling and ownership support remain open questions.
If you are shopping now, a current Polaris or Kawasaki model is the safer buy. Still, if skipping the CVT belt is what drew you here, the wait is worth planning around. Watch the Nov. 17 reservation details, then hold your decision until full specifications and a first drive arrive.
FAQ
How much does the KTM X-Bow Arrow cost?
Starting prices are $59,800 for the standard Arrow and $98,600 for the Black Limited Edition. Both figures are preliminary, so final US pricing is subject to change.
When do KTM X-Bow Arrow reservations open?
Reservations open Nov. 17, 2026, through KTM X-BOW dealers and ktm-xbow.com. First customer deliveries are planned for late 2027.
How much horsepower does the KTM X-Bow Arrow make?
The standard version makes 280 horsepower. By comparison, the Black Limited Edition targets up to 330 horsepower, a figure still under development.
What engine and transmission does the KTM X-Bow Arrow use?
Both versions use an Audi 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with a Volkswagen DQ381 seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and low range. Dirt Wheels reports the engine as the EA888 EVO4 family.
Does the KTM X-Bow Arrow come with a winch?
Only the Black Limited Edition includes a winch, a removable 4,500-pound unit. The standard Arrow does not list one.