The German motor manufacturer has unveiled the latest generation of the Bosch Performance Line CX motor. While at first glance, not much has changed on the paper, the new motor is filled with technical innovations that make a noticeable difference. We’ve put the 2025 Bosch CX Motor through the wringer to tell you why Bosch will soon be whisper quiet!
Since the launch of the first Bosch Performance Line CX motor in 2015, Bosch have continuously worked on improving the drive’s performance, integration, and riding modes. The 4th generation Performance Line CX quickly set a benchmark in the e-mountain bike scene and solidified its position as the industry leader in several of our big E-MOUNTAINBIKE comparison tests. For years, Bosch has topped our E-MOUNTAINBIKE reader survey, known as the world’s leading manufacturer of e-bike motors.
Bosch consistently focus on a closed system, optimizing the ecosystem consisting of the motor, battery, and control unit to ensure seamless integration. The latest overhaul of the CX drive unit was in 2022. With the fifth generation of their motor, Bosch focus on fine-tuning, particularly improving responsiveness, sensitivity, and noise levels. What new features does the Bosch Performance Line CX motor have, and how does it perform in detail? Find out in our test.
The 2025 Bosch Performance Line CX in detail – What’s new with the Bosch e-Bike motor?
In this article, we’ll summarize the top 5 innovations of the new Bosch Performance Line CX motor, which make it not only smarter and quieter but also more powerful. Here are the highlights!
1. Less weight, better integration
At first glance, the 5th generation of theBosch Performance Line CX looks almost identical to its predecessor, but the real improvements are in the details, primarily in the mounting points. Bosch reduced the number of mounting points from four to two. As a result, the motor is not only 100 grams lighter, at around 2.8 kg, but also easier to integrate into frames. This design upgrade will likely please bike manufacturers, as it gives them more flexibility with frame designs. Fewer mounting points also mean easier and faster motor replacement during service – a clear advantage for both workshops and riders alike. This adjustment brings the CX motor in line with its smaller sibling, the Performance Line SX, which also features just two mounting points. Thanks to the identical mounts, both the CX and SX motors can be installed in the same frames.
2. Quieter ride
If you look at the tech spec, the core technical specifications remain unchanged, meaning that the latest generation of the Bosch Performance Line CX motor’s still delivers 85 Nm of torque, 600 watts peak power, providing up to 340% assistance. Though it may seem like little has changed, the improvements lie in the details: one of the most significant innovations concerns the drivetrain. Bosch have decoupled the external drivetrain (chain, chainring, cassette) from the internal drivetrain (freewheel, gearbox, motor). This measure aims to address the mechanical noises of its predecessor, significantly lowering the noise levels and therefore ensuring a more pleasant riding experience.
3. Smarter than before
The motor’s software has been optimized too. Bosch have reinterpreted the sensor signals collected from inertial sensors, cadence sensors, and speed sensors. The inertial sensor measures acceleration and rotation in six dimensions, detecting incline and tilt angles as well as vibrations. The motor uses this data to fine-tune support to the specific riding situation, making the motor smarter and more responsive to what’s happening on the trail, dynamically delivering the right level of support.
4. New features, improved functions
Bosch also added new features to the new motor and improved the existing ones, which is mainly due to the newly interpreted sensors. The integrated walk assist, which can be activated by holding the minus button, has been optimized too. The motor now adjusts its speed to match the rider’s walking pace instead of pushing continuously at the same speed. The previously available hill hold function, which activates when releasing the minus button during walk assist, prevents the eMTB from rolling backward. While the hill hold function is active, you can use the + and – buttons to either turn off the function or extend it by another 10 seconds.
Hill start is a new feature that is designed to facilitate uphill starts Here, the motor responds more directly to pedal input, preventing the rear wheel from spinning out of control. When you put your foot on the pedal and apply some pressure, the motor immediately starts providing assistance, helping you start on steep sections without having to rely solely on your own power for the first second.
5. Stay cool!
No more overheating! Bosch also improved thermal management. The motor now generates less heat, meaning that it won’t go into derating mode (reduced power output to avoid overheating) as quickly. This will be especially noticeable on long climbs – full power without forced breaks. While we never experienced serious overheating issues with the previous generation of the Bosch Performance Line CX motor, this improvement ensures that the drive delivers its maximum power more consistently, even under the harshest conditions.
The sportive ecosystem of the Bosch Performance Line CX – different battery capacities, new display, and connectivity.
The new Bosch batteries: PowerTube 600 and PowerTube 800
Bosch also introduced two new batteries, the PowerTube 600 and PowerTube 800, which differ in capacity and weight. The PowerTube 600 provides 600 Wh, while the PowerTube 800 offers the highest energy density in Bosch’s portfolio at 800 Wh. The weight difference is around 900 grams, with the smaller PowerTube 600 weighing approximately 3 kg and the PowerTube 800 around 3.9 kg. Both batteries and the motor are part of Bosch’s Smart System, enabling seamless integration and improved connectivity between the components.
The special feature of these batteries is that they’re the same length and only differ in thickness. This allows bike manufacturers to use both versions in the same frame without having to change the overall frame design. all they have to do is adapt the battery cover to the respective battery. Both batteries can be used for dual-battery setups, meaning they can be paired with an additional battery or the 250 Wh PowerMore range extender. This ensures maximum flexibility, allowing riders to increase the bike’s range.
The new silver Bosch PowerTube batteries replace the previous black version, which has a practical reason beyond aesthetics. Bosch are reducing material usage by not adding the final paint layer, saving weight – a nod to the “Silver Arrow” nickname – and improving the batteries’ recyclability. Also new: Bosch are using higher-capacity 2170 cells in their new batteries instead of the 1865 cells previously used. These larger cells offer higher energy density and efficiency, resulting in longer ranges and shorter charging times.
The new Bosch Purion 400 display
Another new feature is the Bosch Purion 400 display, a compact 1.6-inch color display that is connected to the system with a cable. Thanks to the minimalist design, the display fits nicely into the cockpit. Depending on the bike’s design and cockpit setup, the display can be mounted directly on the stem or as a spacer if the mount is available. Otherwise, it sits securely, attached to the side of the stem by a clamp just behind the handlebars.
Additionally, the Purion 400 is compatible with the Bosch LED Remote and System Controller. However, the Purion 400 display lacks basic navigation and the e-Bike Lock function, which remain exclusive to the Kiox 300 and 500 displays, as well as the Bosch Nyon display.
Additional features and the new Bosch ABS Pro
Routes can be planned via the well-organized eBike Flow app, which remains part of the motor system in the new Bosch Performance Line CX. Here, all riding modes can be customised based on maximum torque, dynamics, support strength, and speed. The Bosch Performance Line CX is still compatible with Bosch ABS and the new Bosch ABS Pro. We’ve also tested the new Bosch ABS Pro on our local trails and during two weeks in the Alps. You can read our full test here!
Silent revolution – The new Bosch Performance Line CX motor on the trail
Riding uphill, the new Bosch Performance Line CX assists you with four support modes (Eco, Tour+, eMTB, and Turbo), depending on the bike manufacturer. The motor feels familiar from the get go,because its riding characteristics haven’t changed much compared to its predecessor.
The Eco mode is primarily used for saving battery power. Tour+ and eMTB are dynamic riding modes that automatically adjust the power based on the rider’s input and terrain. Tour+ is the less aggressive alternative to the more powerful eMTB mode and is ideal for smooth rides on varied terrain. The more powerful eMTB mode, on the other hand, provides a more sensitive response to pedal force. When the climb gets steeper and more technical, the difference in response, particularly in eMTB mode with Extended Boost, becomes apparent. Gentle pedal strokes are supported with subtle assistance, while harder pressure on the pedals results in noticeable, yet well-controlled assistance.
Thanks to Extended Boost – meaning longer override – the motor provides extra help when negotiating obstacles and rough terrain. Turbo mode, however, delivers maximum assistance support of 340%, enabling quick progress on steep climbs, albeit at the cost of battery life and the risk of rear-wheel spin on loose surfaces. The eMTB mode, by contrast, offers better power modulation, providing more control on technical climbs.
What immediately stands out – or rather, what doesn’t – is the significantly quieter background noise, even in Turbo mode when riding at high cadence in low gears. Bosch have reduced the noise level significantly, ensuring the motor remains pleasantly quiet even at maximum support.
The Bosch Performance Line CX motor used to be the absolute leader in terms of cadence range and provided reliable support even in less-than-optimal gears. However, other manufacturers have caught up, offering motors that perform even more consistently in such situations. While the CX still performs very well, you’ll notice that on steep climbs it can struggle to maintain momentum with full power when riding in a heavy gear. In a gear that’s too light, the motor spins up quickly, leading to frequent shifting, which disrupts flow, especially on technical trails. This doesn’t mean that the CX got worse, but that the competition has made significant advances. New motors can adapt more flexibly to different cadences and provide stable support even in suboptimal gears. But more on that in our comprehensive motor test.
Riding downhill, the Bosch Performance Line CX showcases one of its biggest innovations: reduced noise levels. Bosch has made significant progress here by decoupling the external drivetrain (chain, chainring, cassette) from the internal drivetrain (freewheel, gearbox, motor). This has greatly reduced the mechanical noises that previously caused disturbances during descents. Top marks for this improvement!
How does the new Bosch Performance Line CX compare to its predecessor?
The new Bosch Performance Line CX motor brings several important changes compared to the previous model. One of the most noticeable innovations are the fewer mounting points, which have been reduced from four to just two, making the motor lighter and simplifying integration into various frame designs. Another improvement is the enhanced sensor system: the motor now interprets data like cadence, speed, and incline even more accurately, resulting in more dynamic support.
The new thermal management system prevents the motor from overheating quickly during long climbs, ensuring consistent full power. Additionally, the new Hill Start feature makes it easier to set off on a gradient, and Hill Hold and walk assist have been revised – walk assist now automatically adjusts to the walking speed. Another improvement is the lower noise level. By decoupling the drivetrain, mechanical noises, especially on descents, have been significantly reduced, making for a much quieter riding experience overall.
E-Mountainbikes with Bosch Performance Line CX: the most interesting models
With a new Bosch motor usually come lots of exciting new eMTBs, and this time is no different. We’ve already tested several different eMTBs that rely on the new 2025 Bosch Performance Line CX motor. We’ve put them to the test in a variety of epic spots, from the majestic Dolomites in Italy to the Vosges and Pyrenees in France, all the way to Santa Cruz in California. Here’s an overview and the links to the individual test reports:
BULLS SONIC EN-R Team
100% E-MTB race performance – that’s how BULLS are marketing the new SONIC EN-R Team. It relies on a mullet wheel setup – 29″ at the front,27.5″ at the rear – and generates 170/160 mm of travel. BULLS also packed in more features alongside the new Bosch Performance Line CX motor.
Click here to find out what those features are!
FOCUS JAM² 6.0
24.3 kg in size L | € 7,999 | Manufacturer’s website
The new FOCUS JAM² aims to improve on many fronts over its predecessor. It comes equipped with a brand new Bosch Performance Line CX motor and generates 160/150 mm (f/r) of travel. Moreover, it allows for a variable battery system. But how does the new FOCUS JAM² with an aluminum frame and an appealing price of €7,999 perform on the trails?
Read the full review to find out!
GHOST E-RIOT LTD
24.1 kg in size L | € 10,000 | Manufacturer’s website
The new GHOST E-RIOT stands out with a sporty, sleek look and is marketed by the German brand as a “bike for the extreme.” The key specs – 170/160 mm suspension travel, the new Bosch CX motor, and 800 Wh battery capacity – are promising. But can the E-RIOT live up to its promise on the trail?
Haibike ALLTRAIL Low 10.5 ABS
(f/r) | 26.2 kg in size L | € 6,299 | Manufacturer’s website
A step-through trail eMTB? That’s right! Haibike want to combine all the advantages of a step-through frame with trail performance with their AllTrail Low, which generates 140/130 mm of travel and comes equipped with the new Bosch Performance Line CX motor. We’ve tested whether this concept works.
Click here for the first test of the AllTrail!
2025 Moustache Game 160.9
24.88 kg in size M | 8,999 € | manufacturer’s-website
With the new Game, French e-bike manufacturer Moustache aims to offer the perfect bike for all types of riders. It combines a fully redesigned alloy frame and Bosch’s 5th generation Performance Line CX motor, providing powerful assistance in all sorts of riding scenarios. Despite the high-end spec, the price remains surprisingly reasonable.
Could this be the secret to success? Find it out here!
Orbea WILD M-LTD
22,1kg in size M | Manufacturer’s-Website
Wild, wilder, WILD! For the 2025 season, Orbea redesigned their eMTB for the rough stuff from the ground up, and claim that it’s more powerful than ever. The latest generation of the Wild has 170 mm of travel front and rear and comes equipped with Bosch’s brand-new Performance Line CX motor, which can be paired with either a 600 Wh or 750 Wh battery. As usual, Orbea’s online configurator allows for countless customisation options.
But what’s the new Orbea WILD capable of? Find it out here!
Santa Cruz Vala
21.5 kg in size LA | € 11,499 | Manufacturer’s website
Santa Cruz go Bosch! With the Santa Cruz Vala, the Californian bike manufacturer unveils its first eMTB with a Bosch motor. It comes equipped with a brand new Bosch Performance Line CX motor, 600 Wh battery, relying on a mullet wheel setup and 160/150 mm of travel to deliver Santa Cruz’s renowned ride qualities. With its fresh look and new rear suspension concept, the Vala brings a breeze of fresh air into Santa Cruz’s e-bike portfolio.
But how does it fare on the trail? Find it out!
Alongside the AllTrail, Haibike also introduced their new AllMtn and ADVENTR models. Check out our news article for a brief overview.
Trek launched two new eMTBs with the new Bosch Performance Line CX motor too. You can find more news about them here!
Conclusions about the 2025 New Bosch Performance Line CX Motor
Bosch have optimized many key aspects of the CX motor: the improved sensor technology, better responsiveness, and decoupled drivetrain make the new Bosch motor smarter, quieter, and more intuitive to ride. In eMTB mode, it responds particularly sensitively, adjusting the support seamlessly for a natural riding experience. With the reduced noise level, it finally feels as though the years of construction noise with jackhammers have ended – and you can now enjoy peace and quiet in your own home. 😉
Tops
- Quiet on descents
- Powerful support
- Sensitive response in eMTB mode
- High level of connectivity
Flops
- none
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Words: Benedikt Schmidt Photos: Benedikt Schmidt, Manfred Schmitt
