I have owned several and if you are going to do more than just flat or rolling terrain go with a mid drive. My newest bike is a m2 s ht ultra it is by far my favorite used it in mt hunt put 75 miles on it and was very impressed.
I just snagged a M2S ultra. It’s pretty impressive. A bit more than your range but agree that mid drive may be worth the other $1k. It goes faster than I’m comfortable on a bike and it doesn’t matter if it’s uphill or downhill. Appears it will hit spec numbers for range too.
I was out the door at $3250. Comparable spec “hunting” bikes from quietkat or bakcou cost about $2k more. I feel like it was a good “value”.
I will say 4.5” tires are obnoxious, but just my opinion.
Check out Senada E Bikes. I bought one because I didnt want to pay the 4-5k. I think they are $1500. I got the Saber 1000W. Used it a few times this season so far. I like it, never ridden anything different so don't have much to compare to, but gets me from point a-b.
I have a Rad that has treated me well so far. I use it out west, with that said the mid-drives are surely better however with an upgraded 35?amp controller this thing will pull most hills throttle only.
I can’t see paying over 3-4k for an ebike when they’re classified as a motorized vehicle on most public land. If I’m into paying that much I’d just buy a dirt bike and do what I could to make it as quiet as possible - it’s not like there’s a place you can go with an ebike that you can’t with a dirt bike anymore.