BIKE’s verdict on the engine showdown
Maxon and Mahle have different priorities. Mahle offers power and features in abundance. When it comes to the combination of weight, performance and range, Maxon sets a new benchmark. - Adrian Kaether, Test & Technology Editor
There’s certainly a lot going on there! I have to admit, that I’m honestly surprised by the new Maxon. My expectations were modest to begin with. Every now and then, a new motor comes onto the market with the bold promise of high performance and low weight. So far, these contenders have rarely managed to truly impress – the DJI Avinox being the notable exception.
But this one here could well turn out to be a winner too. At the top end, the AIR S delivers a powerful boost and shows no other notable weaknesses. And it’s not the only underdog in the e-bike world that can back up its big promises with surprisingly genuine qualities. The second engine to which this applies is the Mahle M40. It offers even more power than the Maxon and also stands out thanks to its comprehensive electronics package.
A bit of variety in the motor market? It’s nice to see that something like this is still possible in an era dominated by the rivalry between Bosch and Avinox.
Lightweight e-bikes at last?
I know things used to be different. Back then, a wide variety of motors was the key selling point for e-MTBs. Drivetrains ranging from Shimano to Brose, Yamaha and Bosch gave many bikes their own unique character. But since DJI Avinox made its debut at Eurobike 2024, the leisurely pace in the e-MTB world has come to an end. What added value can a motor manufacturer even offer in this arms race?
Maxon and Mahle, at any rate, are not focusing solely on power, but also on keeping the weight as low as possible. Maxon, in particular, is able to deliver on this promise. Weighing in at 2004 grams, it remains lighter than the ‘Light’ motors from Bosch and Fazua. At the same time, with 90 Newton-metres and 620 watts, it’s said to deliver as much oomph as has been standard for years in classic high-performance motors. And it does so without any real issues with overheating or range. Hats off!
Mahle M40: More powerful than the Bosch CX
The Mahle M40 is aimed at fans of more traditional e-bikes who want plenty of power. With up to 850 watts and 105 Newton metres, it noticeably outperforms the Bosch CX on uphill sections, even with all the power updates included. At 2.64 kilos, however, it is no lighter than the Avinox M2S, which is considerably more powerful.
Mahle and Maxon at a glance
| Mahle | Maxon | |
| Outstanding performance | 850 watts | 620 watts |
| Max. torque | 105 Nm | 90 Nm |
| Weight (BIKE measurement) | 2.64 kg | 2.0 kg |
| Rechargeable batteries | 534 Wh (2.5 kg), 800 Wh (3.75 kg) | 400 Wh (1.8 kg), 600 Wh (2.8 kg) |
| Range Extender | - | 250 Wh (1.6 kg – summer 2026) |
| Charger | 4 amperes (900 grams) | 2 A (200 g), 6 A (700 g) |
The crux of the matter: choosing a bike
It’s already clear that Mahle and Maxon have different priorities. One is the lightweight minimalist, which nevertheless aims to offer enough power for almost any situation. The other is slightly heavier, but wants to compete with the big names – Bosch and Avinox – when it comes to power.
And Mahle has even more to offer when it comes to features: from traction control to hill-hold, the M40 offers more electronic aids than any other e-bike motor. Unfortunately, what both motors have in common so far is the limited range of bikes available. The Maxon is available from exciting boutique brands such as Instinctiv, Transalpes and Thömus – provided you have the budget for it.
The Mahle M40 is almost exclusively found on open-mould bikes such as our test bike from Kristall, which each manufacturer can then brand to their own specifications. In both cases, therefore, a well-known manufacturer is needed to help these engines – with all their qualities – achieve a truly widespread breakthrough. We’ll reveal why this would certainly be worthwhile in our detailed test articles on the two motors:
Adrian Kaether
Editor
