It really comes down to several things working together to make an overall higher performing bike. Confidence and capability are provided by more than suspension travel alone. Think about it like a recipe and each new ingredient we add, improves capability, regardless of travel.
First, the new 3rd generation Living Link suspension system hugs the ground more efficiently and provides a softer feeling off the top, so when you're smashing through rock gardens or landing big sends, the suspension can track more effectively and place you back on the trail with a softer touch-down that keeps you planted on your intended line.
Next, a ton of development went into optimizing the ride feel and compliance of the new frame structure. Not only is it much stronger than the Mayhem 150, but it's also more compliant where it matters. This creates a smoother ride that allows tires to bite into corners instead of chattering across them.
Finally, we achieved the perfect blend of geometry numbers to deliver an effortless riding experience. It's slack enough for confidence on sustained steep lines, but not so slack that it becomes unwieldy on big alpine epics. It's long enough to feel stable at speed, but not so long that it needs to be ridden at race pace to come alive. When the bike to body connection is solid and you know you're in control of the bike, tricky terrain feels easier to take on.