After Bosch introduced the fifth generation of the Performance Line CX in late summer last year, the rest of the drive portfolio is now also undergoing a comprehensive update. The manufacturer from Reutlingen has introduced numerous improvements for urban e-bikes in particular, which should noticeably increase both performance and comfort in everyday use.
More flow for the city — new motors for urban e-bikes
The first highlights are certainly two new drive units, one of which replaces the previous Performance Line motor (without the CX suffix). This was a real recommendation for city bikes, as it combined sufficient power with a pleasantly low noise level. However, with its weight of around 3.2 kilograms and comparatively large dimensions, the drive — like the related Active Line Plus — is no longer quite up to date. The new models should offer a truly contemporary replacement here!
Bosch Performance Line PX with 90 Nm
With the Performance Line PX, Bosch is launching a particularly powerful motor on the market, which, with up to 90 Newton metres of torque, 700 watts of power and a maximum support of up to 400 percent, is designed to provide a powerful but balanced riding experience — on both touring and demanding urban terrain. The weight is around 2.9 kilograms.
Bosch Performance Line with 75 Nm
In addition to the PX variant, there is also a new generation of the regular Performance Line drive unit. It remains the versatile all-rounder in the portfolio and is aimed at riders who prioritise a good balance between performance and comfort in everyday use. The new drive unit offers 75 Newton metres of torque, a maximum output of 600 watts and up to 340 percent support — at a weight of just 2.8 kilograms.
This means that the two new drive units are not only lighter than their 3.4 kg predecessor, but also significantly more compact. This is made possible by an optimised gearbox concept which, in addition to the weight reduction, should also continue to ensure particularly quiet operation. Bosch also promises improved starting behaviour thanks to more precise sensors and software.
New power motors for cargo bikes and fast S-Pedelecs
There is also news for cargo bikes and fast Speed-Pedelecs. The Cargo Line and Performance Line Speed variants based on the Performance Line CX have been updated to the technical status of the fifth generation. In both cases, this means an increased torque of up to 100 Newton metres and a maximum motor output of 750 watts. At the same time, the drives have been slightly slimmed down compared to their predecessors and should not only be more powerful but also quieter thanks to the revised transmission concept — as we have already experienced with the fifth-generation Performance Line CX.
Free torque upgrade for the Performance Line SX
The particularly lightweight Performance Line SX drive unit has also been given a performance boost. The update allows the torque to be increased from 55 to 60 Newton metres, while the maximum assistance level is also increased to 400 percent and the motor output to 600 watts. Users can decide for themselves via the eBike Flow app whether they want to activate these new maximum values. The corresponding software update will be available from autumn 2025.
More partners for eShift and ABS
In addition to the new drive units, Bosch is also expanding its range of electronic gearsticks and braking systems. The eShift functions are being further expanded. New additions include sporty derailleur gears from Shimano and TRP, which for the first time also have an automatic function via eShift. In addition, the manufacturer Classified joins the Bosch partner portfolio.
Progress has also been made with ABS: In future, the eBike ABS and ABS Pro system will also be compatible with brakes from Shimano and other models from Magura and TRP. A new sensor and optimised software should also make the systems even more powerful.
New app features for greater security and convenience
The technical innovations are rounded off by additional features in the eBike Flow app. One new feature is the option to share an eBike with up to five other people. Each user can create an individual profile. The digital theft protection ‘Battery Lock’ will also be available from summer 2025. This will automatically render the battery unusable if it is stolen and inserted into another e-bike. A 3D terrain model in the Ride Screen, which visualises the elevation profile of the route, also provides a better overview. In future, users will also be able to access annual statistics with data on journeys, distance, journey time and altitude metres.
Conclusion
We had already expected some of the updates in our outlook for 2025 — but the fact that Bosch is presenting so many innovations at once is still surprising! The two new Performance Line and Performance Line PX drives in particular are likely to find their way into numerous urban e-bikes — they should combine more than sufficient power with a quiet background noise level. Together with the updates to the power motors for cargo bikes and S-Pedelecs, as well as the further developments in gears, brakes and app functions, this shows just how extensively the smart e-bike system from Bosch has grown.
