Bosch Performance CX in laboratory and practical tests: Will Bosch remain the top dog among e-bike motors?
Florentin Vesenbeckh
· 18.05.2024
The Bosch Performance CX is probably the best-selling e-MTB motor on the market. It impresses with its reliability, balanced power delivery and long range. However, this classic motor is not only popular with the mainstream. If you're after really technical uphills, the CX is also the perfect choice. Because its modulation is still leading the market.
Like the motor in its latest expansion stage and the "Smartsystem" in direct comparison with the competition, and what strengths and weaknesses it has, we found out in our detailed laboratory and practical test.
The Bosch also owes its long range to its high-energy battery. The Powertube 750 is long and heavy (4.3 kilos), but also propels Bosch bikes for an above-average amount of time. In our standardised range tests, the system regularly outperforms other drives with 700 - 800 watt hours. However, bikes with a CX drive are almost never among the lightweights. One exception is the Pivot Shuttle AM with permanently integrated battery.
The facts about the Bosch Performance CX
- Weight: 2.9 kilos
- Battery sizes: 400 Wh (2.1 kg), 500 Wh (3 kg), 625 Wh (3.6 kg) or 750 Wh (4.3 kg)
- Optional: Range extender with 250 Wh (1.6 kg)
- Four driving modes: Eco, Tour+, EMTB, Turbo (optionally selectable via app: Tour, Sport, Auto)
- Performance data (max.) from the laboratory: 78 Newton metres, 557 watts
- System updates possible via the app
- No communication with Garmin and Co.
A special version of the Performance CX is the Performance CX Race. This limited version is slightly lighter and also features the special Race mode, which delivers its maximum power significantly earlier and has an extremely long trail that effectively lifts the bike and biker over obstacles. All the details about the Bosch Performance CX Race can be found here in the link to our test.
The pushing aid of the Bosch Performance CX stands out
The powerful push assist of the Bosch Performance CX is also absolutely top. It is easy to activate and works very reliably. You don't have to fumble around for long in difficult places to get the push support from the motor. The smart "Hill hold" feature is unique. If you release the button on a steep section, the CX prevents you from rolling back for ten seconds. Simple, but super helpful, both on the basement stairs and off-road. The thrust is pleasantly powerful.
The character of the Bosch Performance CX
The CX responds very directly and yet smoothly to the rider's pedalling impulse. When pedalling hard, it accelerates dynamically without becoming impetuous. However, the thrust is quite striking and gives the rider a powerful, "e-bike-like" impression. The expression "natural riding feel" does not come to the lips of testers. The Bosch can show its strength on demanding climbs, where it pushes in a well-dosed manner, but is also on hand with rapid acceleration when necessary. On top of this, the particularly progressive E-MTB mode comes with Extended Boost. This situationally extended overrun pushes the bike and biker a little further than usual after an accentuated start when the crank is already stationary. This feature effectively helps over steps or root passages.
The Performance CX is less brilliant when it comes to noise. The motor noise is always present and roughly on a par with a Shimano EP801. However, the tonality is significantly higher-frequency, which has already earned the Bosch drive the nickname "dentist's drill". If you are looking for a motor that is as discreet as possible, you will have to make concessions here. Unfortunately, this also applies downhill, where the CX rattles when rolling over roots. Depending on the bike model, this can be more or less annoying. Here too, the background noise is comparable to that of the Shimano competition.
The power development of the Bosch Performance CX
The Performance CX responds dynamically to the pedalling impulse. Full thrust is only available with dedicated power input. If you pedal at a leisurely pace and want to get up the mountain quickly with little leg power, you could be disappointed. This is due to the comparatively low maximum assistance level of 340 per cent that Bosch allows its CX motor to provide in order to create a dynamic riding experience. The maximum torque of 78 Newton metres is on a par with Shimano, while the maximum power is slightly higher at 557 watts (EMTB test bench values). Praiseworthy: The power does not drop even at very high cadences and is available over a very wide speed range.
Display & Remote
Bosch now offers a good selection for the Smartsystem. The Kiox 300 and 500 displays, with their large screen and even navigation view, are among the most information-laden displays on the market. They are easy to read and clearly laid out. The only drawbacks are the appearance and the bulky, sometimes exposed mounting.
The LED remote or mini-remote can be used to conveniently scroll through the display views, but the many buttons can be overwhelming. The LED display provides information about the battery level in increments of 10, and the selected support level is also clearly displayed. This means that the LED remote can also be used standalone without a display.
If you prefer a clean cockpit and can do without a lot of infotainment, you will want to opt for the combination of the slim LED display system controller in the top tube and the compact mini remote on the handlebars. The modern and slim push button works wirelessly - something that is hard to find anywhere else on the market. The buttons react very sensitively, which can sometimes lead to accidental gear changes off-road.
In between: The Purion 200 is a combination of a small screen and remote located directly on the handlebar. This unit is currently only rarely installed on e-mountainbikes.
The batteries for Bosch Performance CX
The motor works exclusively with Bosch's own batteries, which are always the integrated Powertubes on E-MTBs. The heavy 750 (4.3 kg) is standard. The shorter 625 battery (3.6 kg), for example, can be installed to save weight and is often used in the cheaper series bikes. Batteries with only 500 watt hours still exist, but they are the absolute exception. All batteries fit equally well in some bikes, for other models there is an adapter solution. There is an optional range extender (250 Wh) in the frame triangle. Third-party batteries are not available from the industry leader.
App & Connectivity
The Swabians are just as cagey about this as they are about the batteries. Non-branded products cannot be linked to the smart system, and a connection with a Garmin-style bike computer, for example, is not possible. Instead, Bosch continues to expand its own portfolio. Various displays, a dedicated smartphone mount and the app make the system versatile. Updates of all system components are possible via the Flow app, and the support levels can also be customised to individual requirements. A navigation function is also included.
A special additional feature is the optional Connect module, which is already installed ex works on some Bosch bikes. This GPS tracker protects the bike against theft, makes it possible to locate the bike and, if desired, sounds an alarm if the bike is moved unintentionally. This service is free of charge for one year from activation, after which it currently costs 40 euros per year. The new Bosch e-MTBs from Canyon have the module on board as standard.
EMTB Evaluation of the Bosch Performance CX
Strengths
- Dynamic thrust and top modulation
- Powerful range
- Super push aid
- Wide availability, top reliability
Weaknesses
- Heavy overall system
- Rattles downhill
- Does not communicate with Garmin and Co.
Conclusion on the Bosch Performance CX
The Performance CX from Bosch is the favourite for uphill flow and difficult climbs. Its modulation and response behaviour are still the benchmark. The range of the heavy 750 battery is also extremely good. Overall, however, the Bosch system is unfortunately heavy and the background noise could also be more pleasant. - Florentin Vesenbeckh, Deputy Editor-in-Chief EMTB Magazine
Bikes with the Bosch Performance CX
The selection of bikes with Bosch's Performance CX is huge - there is no chance of an all-encompassing list. Popular mountain bike brands that rely on the Swabian motor include Centurion, Cube, Cannondale, Canyon, Bulls, Flyer, Focus, Haibike, Moustache, Scott, Stevens and Trek. The links provide detailed tests of some of the bikes:
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
