KTM X-Bow Arrow: a 330 hp buggy with Dakar roots

KTM X-Bow is heading for the dunes. On 10 November 2026, the Austrian brand, known until now for its road and track sports cars, unveiled the Arrow, its first off-road vehicle. It is a buggy with two seats side by side, developed with Dakar drivers.

Its engine comes from Audi, its launch edition targets up to 330 hp and each wheel has around 60 cm of suspension travel. All the figures that follow are KTM X-Bow's own, taken from its 10 November press release and its technical data sheet.

What is the KTM X-Bow Arrow?

In the off-road world, this type of vehicle is called a side-by-side, because the driver and passenger sit next to each other, as in the buggies that race the Dakar.

The engine is a 2.0 turbo four-cylinder supplied by Audi, from the EA888 family also found in the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Audi S3. It drives through a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, with a low range for difficult sections, and powers two or four wheels, as you choose.

The tubular chassis is made of chromoly steel, which is light and very strong. It was designed with KTM Components, which has worked for decades on the frames of KTM's racing motorcycles, winners of the Dakar. Each wheel is guided by double wishbones and a damper developed with KW Reiger, and ground clearance reaches 43 cm.

To leave the tarmac right now, you can drive an off-road AMG V8 with Turismo.

What does the Black Limited Edition offer?

The Arrow arrives first as a limited series, the Black Limited Edition, with 500 numbered units worldwide. It is the best-equipped version, and KTM is targeting up to 330 hp. The standard Arrow, with its 280 hp, will follow.

The Black Limited Edition gets 35-inch tyres on beadlock wheels, which stop the tyre from coming off the rim when you drive deflated in sand. It also adds a front winch able to pull 2,041 kg, electrically adjustable dampers, carbon bodywork and a hydraulic handbrake, as on rally cars. It weighs around 1,100 kg empty, according to KTM.

A buggy with air conditioning?

Yes, on the Black Limited Edition. Its cabin is fully enclosed, with a windscreen and windows, which is still rare on this type of vehicle, and air conditioning is standard. Both versions have Sabelt bucket seats with harnesses, a 10-inch central screen, a display behind the steering wheel, a rear-view camera and GPS.

Who is behind the Arrow?

The project comes from Guillaume de Mévius, a Belgian driver who finished second in the 2024 Dakar. He now owns KTM X-Bow, which is no longer part of the KTM motorcycle maker. His rally-raid team, founded in 2018 and now called KTM X-Bow Lab Team, served as a test bed throughout development.

Dutch driver Puck Klaassen, 23, a Dakar stage winner, also contributed to its development as a development driver.

When does it arrive and at what price?

Reservations open on 17 November 2026, through KTM X-Bow dealers and on the brand's website. First deliveries are planned for late 2027.

In the United States, KTM X-Bow lists the Arrow from $59,800 and the Black Limited Edition from $98,600, before local taxes. No European price is known yet. The Arrow is primarily designed for off-road use, but KTM says it can be registered for the road in some countries, depending on local rules.

Our view

KTM X-Bow knows how to build light, lively cars, and the Arrow applies the recipe to sand. With around one tonne, at least 280 hp and 60 cm of suspension travel, it has plenty to play with in the dunes. Its European price and the countries where it can be driven on the road remain to be seen. If you prefer off-roading with five seats, a boot and a V8, read our guide to the G63 on subscription, a formula where insurance and servicing are included in the monthly payment.

FAQ: KTM X-Bow Arrow

In short

• KTM X-Bow unveiled the Arrow on 10 November 2026, its first off-road buggy, with two seats side by side.
• Its 2.0 turbo Audi engine produces 280 hp, with up to 330 hp targeted for the Black Limited Edition of 500 units.
• It was developed with Belgian driver Guillaume de Mévius, second in the 2024 Dakar and owner of the brand.
• Reservations on 17 November 2026, first deliveries in late 2027, starting price of $59,800 in the United States.