​Bosch Performance Upgrade 2.0: More power for CX and CX-R engines – and much more!

​Conclusion from the BIKE editorial team

Market leader Bosch cannot escape the power arms race and is making its e-MTB motors more powerful. However, the Swabians are still a long way from the sheer power of an Avinox. More crucial are features such as the long-awaited fast charger and connectivity with Garmin. Bosch is also continuing to refine its speciality – riding dynamics and modulation. All in all, a successful and multifaceted update for the current generation of motors. - Florentin Vesenbeckh, test editor at BIKE Magazine

This marks the next chapter in the arms race for more powerful e-bike motors: German specialist Bosch eBike Systems has announced a comprehensive update for its Performance motors. The focus is on the two e-MTB drives, the Performance CX and CX-R. The Performance Upgrade 2.0 is designed to give sporty e-mountain bikers more control and power in technically challenging situations and will be made available free of charge via the eBike Flow app. It is due to be available to everyone from 4 May.

A case of déjà vu? Almost! Almost exactly a year ago, also just in time for the Bike Festival in Riva del Garda, came the first power update for the Bosch motor. At that time, the maximum torque was increased to 100 Nm and the peak power to 750 watts. Last year, the Bosch update was preceded by the launch of the super-powerful Avinox M1. And this year, too, the topic of power was right at the top of the news pages: the Avinox M2S broke new ground in terms of performance with 1,500 watts and 150 Nm.

120 Nm & 600 per cent support in crucial situations

The key new feature of the Bosch 2.0 update is the ability to increase both the torque and the maximum assistance level. The motors affected Performance Line CX and the Performance Line CX-R can now be configured to deliver up to 120 Nm of torque – whilst still using the previous standard setting of 85 Nm as a baseline. This means that the extra torque must be actively enabled via the app. This is also because Bosch considers such massive power to be useful only for a small number of riders and in specific situations.

The maximum assistance can also be increased to up to 600 per cent. Previously, the maximum was 400 per cent. However, this 600 per cent only applies up to a speed of 15 km/h and in specific riding modes such as Race, Turbo, eMTB+, Cargo and Auto. The 750-watt peak power output of the Performance CX and CX-R remains unchanged.

Intelligent dosing rather than a crude constant load

What is interesting is the technical implementation of the increased torque: the 120 Newton metres are not available at all times, but are only provided by the driving software when the situation requires it. The system recognises challenging driving situations – such as steep sections covered in roots, steps or ramps – and activates the additional power only at those moments when the driver really needs it.

To this end, the software analyses the rider’s own effort and input data in detail. Riders who apply more pedal force at short notice receive the corresponding power boost. This follows a similar logic to the power control system of the Bosch Performance SX light motor. The 120 Nm algorithm responds primarily to peaks in the rider’s torque, rather than to high cadences.

In constant cruise mode, the system delivers a maximum of 100 Nm, meaning the assistance is reduced back to an efficient level. This is designed to prevent unnecessary power output from draining the battery too quickly. It is also intended to protect the drivetrain. According to the developers’ analysis, the torque peaks at which the 120 Nm is delivered only occur in situations where the driver is not changing gear.

All the latest Bosch news at a glance

• Performance Upgrade 2.0: up to 120 Nm and 600 per cent assistance – from 4 May 2026
• Customisable Extended Boost – from 4 May 2026
• ​Open interface and Garmin compatibility – timing depends on Garmin and other manufacturers
• ​Drivetrain tensioner for more direct power transmission – from mid-2026
• 12-amp fast charger – from the end of 2026
• Trick-Check Wheelie Feature – available now

Extended Boost: Superpower now adjustable

​Bosch continues to offer an outstanding feature in the form of Extended Boost. This situation-dependent overrun control remains the benchmark and makes the Performance CX a master of uphill riding: the basic principle is that the software automatically recognises how the rider is cycling and adjusts the motor’s overrun accordingly.

Powerful and dynamic following a strong pedal stroke, or imperceptibly gentle during normal pedalling. With the latest software update, this Extended Boost can now be customised. This allows sporty riders to tailor their setup entirely to their own preferences.

Direct power transmission thanks to the drivetrain tensioner

Another new feature is what Bosch calls the “Drivetrain Tensioner”. This software adjustment is designed to ensure an even more direct response and maximum control in technical riding situations. To achieve this, the freewheel between the motor and the rear wheel is, so to speak, pre-tensioned whilst coasting. This reduces pedal play to a minimum and eliminates the delay that is otherwise typical when pedalling.

This is intended to ensure that traction is established sooner and that the driver’s inputs are translated into forward motion even more directly and precisely. Bosch promises benefits and even greater control, particularly on challenging stretches of road.

Furthermore, the function is designed to protect the freewheel and thus extend its service life. This makes particular sense when combined with the increased torque. However, this feature is not expected to be available until the middle of the year via an update.

Trick Check: Automatic Skill Tracking

Another new feature is ‘Trick Check’, which will be available on selected Bosch displays (Kiox 300, 400C, 500, and Purion 200 and 400). The system automatically recognises and measures various tricks and trail skills whilst you’re riding. Manuals, wheelies, jumps and stoppies are recognised, measured and displayed directly on the screen. After your ride, you can view all the information again in the app.

12A Charger: Fast charging thanks to GaN technology

Alongside the software update, Bosch has announced a new charger – although customers will have to wait a little longer for it. The 12A Charger is said to charge up to three times faster than previous models – thanks to what is known as GaN (gallium nitride) technology. This modern semiconductor technology generates significantly less waste heat than conventional semiconductors, enabling more efficient thermal management. Despite its high performance, the charger remains compact and fits easily into a rucksack, weighing less than one kilogram.

The 12A Charger is compatible with all Bosch batteries in the ‘smart system’ and is expected to be available from the end of 2026. A price has not yet been announced.

Open interfaces

Another highlight that many e-bike riders have been waiting for: Bosch will in future offer an open interface for data exchange with third-party manufacturers. In the Bosch world, this is known as the Live Data Interface. This will enable bike computers such as those from Garmin to access data from the Bosch system in future. This means that a wide range of information can also be displayed on external bike computers, smartwatches or smart glasses. Of course, this requires the relevant implementation in the providers’ software. The feature is set to be available for the first Garmin devices very soon.

Availability and restrictions

There is one important limitation to the Bosch software update: the maximum torque and assistance settings may be restricted by the respective bicycle manufacturer. Whether, and to what extent, the full 120 Nm or 600 per cent assistance is available therefore depends on authorisation from the bicycle manufacturer.

When it comes to timing, Bosch is taking a phased approach. The first software update is due to be available from 4 May and can be installed free of charge via the eBike Flow app. It is available exclusively for the Performance Line CX and Performance Line CX-R – other Bosch motor ranges are not included.