The new Brose motor was a long time coming. Presented for the first time at Eurobike 2023, we only received our first test bike with the new Drive3 Peak in spring 2025. After the takeover by Yamaha the Qore drive system will now receive a significant performance update at the end of the year.
Both motor variants of the system - the Drive3 Peak and the Drive3 Power - benefit from a significant increase in performance values, which is reflected in higher maximum power, increased torque and higher support factors. The update is not only available for new productions, but is also offered as a free over-the-air update for models that have already been delivered. Specialist dealers or end customers can choose to install the update themselves. All engines produced after the launch date will come with the new performance data ex works.
Drive3 Peak: Up to 800 watts and 105 Nm
The more powerful version of the Qore system, the Drive3 Peak, has a maximum output of 800 watts thanks to the update. This is Yamaha/Brose's response to the arms race of electric motors on the market. Bosch now offers 750 watts, DIJ even 1000 watts at the peak. The maximum torque increases to 105 Nm with the Drive3 Peak. The maximum support factor is increased to 600 per cent. Surprising: Yamaha raises the peak power above the 750 watt limit proposed by the UCI beyond that. The Drive3 Peak would therefore be excluded from official events and races, and probably also from fun competitions such as the Bosch eBike Challenge.
Extensive driving profiles for various applications
Following the update, the Drive3 Peak offers five different support levels or riding profiles that are tailored to different purposes. In addition to the classic Eco, Tour and Sport modes, a Boost mode is also available for particularly powerful assistance. As a special feature, the Drive3 Peak also has a special Punch mode, which was designed for an extra kick on very steep passages and is intended to show its strengths particularly in E-MTB use. As an alternative to Sport mode, the so-called One Mode can also be selected, which is intended to serve as a universal mode for all riding situations. The support is automatically adapted to the respective riding situation.
Drive3 Power with customised power profile
The slightly weaker motor variant of the Qore system, the Drive3 Power, also benefits from the performance update. The maximum power here increases to 700 watts, while the maximum torque is increased to 90 Nm. The maximum support factor after the update is 410 per cent. Compared to the Drive3 Peak, the Drive3 Power does without the additional Punch Mode and offers a total of four support levels or riding profiles with Eco, Tour, Sport (or One Mode) and Boost.
A special feature of the Drive3 Power is that the maximum torque can be set to lower values by the manufacturer in the production tool. This is intended to ensure compatibility with various hub gears and enable the widest possible range of applications. This customisation option could be particularly advantageous for city bikes and trekking bikes, which are often equipped with hub gears.
Problem: model diversity
The difficulty with the new Qore system remains the variety of models. So far, only two relatively small and new brands, Waldbike and Campus, are offering e-bikes with the Qore system. The bikes will be presented at the Bike&Co dealer fair, among other events. The market launch of the bikes is planned for the end of 2025. It is not yet known whether other models with the Qore system and Drive3 Peak or Power will follow.
Performance update at a glance
Drive3 Peak
- Maximum power: 800 W
- Maximum torque: 105 Nm
- Maximum support factor: 600 %
- Support levels/riding profiles: Eco, Tour, Sport or One Mode, Boost, Punch Mode
Drive3 Power
- Maximum power: 700 W
- Maximum torque: 90 Nm
- Maximum support factor: 410 %
- Support levels/riding profiles: Eco, Tour, Sport or One Mode, Boost
BIKE summary of the Qore performance update
The new Drive3 Peak made a good impression in our first test. Even before its market launch, however, its performance lagged behind the stronger competition from Bosch and DJI. Following the takeover, Yamaha is now addressing this issue and increasing the power to 800 watts and 105 Newton metres at the peak. We are curious to see how well the relatively compact motor can handle the higher power in terms of derating and hope for a greater variety of models on the market. After all, the best motor is of little use if there are no suitable bikes to buy. - Adrian Kaether, Editor Test & Technology
Adrian Kaether
Editor
