Bosch e-bikes: Upgrade to 120 Nm for Performance Line CX and Cargo Line

The race for ever stronger drives for e-bikes is progressing. After DJI introduced its new Avinox system with even more power, market leader Bosch is now following suit and is giving its mountain and cargo bikes more power and support with an update.

Bosch will not quite match DJI and its 150 Newtonmeters, but it is getting closer. A software update gives Bosch motors a higher maximum torque of 120 Nm. The base value remains 85 Nm; users can individually adjust anything above that in Bosch's eBike Flow app for the riding modes. However, full power also means higher wear, not only on the motor but also on the chain, sprockets, and other parts of the drivetrain. The update is available for motors in the Performance Line CX (BDU38), Performance Line CX-R (BDU38), and Cargo Line (BDU38) series.

Not only does the torque increase, but Bosch also significantly increases the boost to the rider's muscle power. The e-bike drive can now assist the legs by up to 600 percent; previously it was limited to 400 percent. This means Bosch still lags DJI's Avinox motor in this metric, which increases muscle power by a maximum of eight times, but it is a significant step forward. This update is also available for the CX, CX-R, and Cargo Line motors of the BDU38 series. The BDU37 generation can also support with 600 percent in the future, but without the increase in maximum torque.

Bosch e-bike boss Claus Fleischer, who in the past was a vehement opponent of the race for ever more power in license-free pedelecs, says: “We want every update to feel noticeably better on the trail – not just on paper.” A possible stronger regulation of e-bikes, which is becoming more likely with ever new performance records, continues to hang like a sword of Damocles over the industry.

Direct drive and longer boost

To ensure that the increased power can be accessed as directly as possible, the update also introduces the Drivetrain Tensioner. This closes the freewheel between the motor and the rear wheel, thereby reducing pedal slack to a minimum so that the motor can provide its support with as little delay as possible. Mountain bikers also get the Extended Boost feature, which is intended to help, especially on technical sections, when full pedal revolutions are not possible. The bike will then accelerate for up to two meters of distance without pedaling; from mid-2026, this boost will be adjustable separately for each riding mode using a slider in the app.

(sht)