When you ride an e-MTB it is still you pedalling; but it is you on your best day, having reached levels of fitness and power you wouldn’t think possible. You aren’t a passenger on an e-MTB, it’s your skill, strength and technique that controls the bike. Power, power, power does not make a great natural riding experience. How the power is delivered makes the difference - intuitive power that is there for you when you push on the pedals.
Pedal-assist mimics the way you ride so it is only there when you need it and in response to rider demand. The motor assistance engages smoothly, in a controlled way, and disappears without you noticing when you stop pedalling or get over 25kmh. You’ll know it is there, because you will feel its support, but you won’t need to think about it.