For the 2020 model season, Bosch introduced the current Performance Line CX engine, which at the time still had no Smart connection. This then came into the showrooms as a facelift for the 2022 model year, but left the hardware untouched.
Caught: This is what the CX Gen 5 looks like!
We have discovered the first bikes with Bosch's new fifth-generation Performance Line CX motor at Eurobike 2024 – more or less well camouflaged, but at least:
Moritz Schwertner
We are sure: under these pieces of adhesive is the new fifth generation CX!
What we can deduce from the design: It has become a bit narrower and not quite as long as its predecessor.
Moritz Schwertner
Behind this motor protection is Bosch's new CX Performance Line Gen 5!
Bosch CX Gen 5: What will change?
If you sort through the rumors and the whispers that have been going around the e-bike scene for a while, it seems likely that the motor will be one thing above all: more powerful. Considering the competition, we think 90 Nm of torque is realistic. Currently, both the CX motor with and without a smart connection has 85 Nm. The maximum output of the already high 600 watts is likely to remain untouched, as will the 250 watt continuous output as a legal requirement.
More important would be the noise level of the drive, which many have criticized, and we would like to see a significant reduction in this area. And the weight? The fourth CX generation weighs 2.9 kilograms, while the race engine with magnesium housing weighs 2.75 kilograms. It's hard to imagine that this will change much – we assume that the fifth edition of the CX will not be significantly lighter.
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Biggest innovation: 800 Wh battery?
Will the fifth generation also come with the 800 Wh battery that was introduced in early 2024? So far, it has only been available for frame mounting as a so-called “PowerPack”, and as a “PowerTube” it currently tops out at 750 Wh. We suspect that this will change with the new CX generation.
Available from fall 2024?
The bicycle industry is pretty tight-lipped about availability – we assume that new bikes with the new CX motor will not be in stores until autumn this year at the earliest.
Bosch CX Gen 5: The BikeX assessment
Let’s summarize how we imagine the new Bosch CX mid-engine:
- 90 Nm torque (+5 Nm)
- 600 watts peak power (unchanged)
- 250 watts continuous power (legal requirement)
- quieter than its predecessor
- generally smaller dimensions than predecessor
- new 800 Wh battery as top model
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Strengths and weaknesses of the Bosch CX motor Gen 4
very good power development, finely controllable
Wide range of displays from the large Nyon to the rudimentary system controller
high noise level, especially at high speed
only Bosch batteries can be used
difficult handling of the charging plugs, must be positioned accurately to plug them in
partly incomprehensible functionality of the individual support modes
This is what the BikeX editorial team wants for the 5th generation
Integration with third-party manufacturers
Editor Moritz Schwertner would like to see better integration of the Bosch motors with third-party devices and software, especially Garmin, to improve the user experience through seamless connectivity. This would make it easy to use advanced features such as syncing ride data and using advanced navigation and fitness features.
Editor Katharina Binzenhöfer would like the 5th generation of Bosch engines to be quieter. A lower noise level would make her after-work walk in nature much more pleasant.