Bosch has officially announced a major performance update for the latest Performance Line CX Gen 5 motor, bringing a significant boost in power delivery and ride feel for compatible eMTBs. The update, arriving via the Bosch eBike Flow app from 4th May 2026, introduces higher torque, increased rider support, and improved responsiveness without changing the motor’s peak power output.
This marks one of the biggest software-driven upgrades Bosch has delivered to date. Rather than redesigning the hardware, Bosch has focused on refining how the motor responds on the trail, improving acceleration, climbing performance, and overall ride character through a new software calibration.
What’s New in the 2026 Bosch CX Update?
The headline change is the increase in maximum torque from the Gen 5 CX motor (CX & CX R), now rising to 120Nm. Alongside this, Bosch has increased rider assistance to 600% support, meaning the motor can now amplify rider input by up to six times.
Despite the added torque and support, peak power remains at 750W, allowing Bosch to retain the smooth and controlled ride feel the CX system is known for while extending how long maximum power can be sustained under load.
Key Updates
- Increased torque to 120Nm
- Increased rider support to 600%
- Longer sustained maximum motor output at higher speeds
- Faster and more direct response to pedal input
750W peak power retained
- Available through the Bosch eBike Flow app from 4th May 2026
What Does 120Nm Mean on the Trail?
The move to 120Nm places the Bosch CX Gen 5 among the higher torque eMTB systems currently available. In practical riding terms, this should translate to stronger acceleration out of corners, easier technical climbing, and improved momentum on steep gradients.
Bosch is also extending the duration of maximum motor assistance at higher speeds and under sustained load. That means riders should notice less drop-off when pushing hard uphill or accelerating repeatedly through technical terrain.
Importantly, Bosch appears to have focused not just on outright numbers, but on how the power is delivered. The updated calibration promises a more immediate connection between rider input and motor response, giving the bike a sharper, more natural feel through the pedals.
Improved Power Delivery & Responsiveness
We know that power is useless without control. That’s why Bosch maintains the smooth, progressive and perfectly controllable power delivery that has made its motors the benchmark. A software optimisation allows the motor to pre-tension the drivetrain and prevents the motor and rear wheel from freewheeling in technical riding situations.
This reduces the free travel on the pedal and also the delay when pedalling, allowing the motor to convert your power directly into precise propulsion. With more direct traction when pedalling, your drive unit reacts immediately and gives you full control – as if the bike were glued to your feet. All that extra power remains usable, precise and easy to control on any terrain.
What Bikes Will Benefit?
The update will apply to compatible bikes running the latest Bosch Performance Line CX Gen 5 system, including both the CX & CX R, meaning riders across a wide range of eMTB brands will be able to take advantage of the new performance characteristics.
As more manufacturers continue to adopt the latest Bosch platform across trail, enduro, all-mountain and hardtail eBike categories, the update is expected to have a noticeable impact across the wider eMTB market heading into 2026.
Because the upgrade is software-based, existing owners of compatible bikes will be able to access the increased performance without requiring new hardware.
What Bikes Do We Offer Available With The New Bosch 2.0 Update?
Gravity-Focused Powerhouses
Big travel. Heavy-duty components. Aggressive geometry. EMTBs built for descending.
(First number is the fork travel - second is frame travel).
The Mondraker Level is built for the rowdiest trails, a true long-travel enduro machine designed to handle the most demanding terrain. With 180mm of front travel paired to a heavy-duty rear suspension layout, it’s engineered to stay composed through technical alpine descents, big hits and relentless rough sections.A stable, long-wheelbase chassis keeps it planted at speed, while burly components and reinforced wheelsets ensure it thrives under repeated, gravity-focused abuse.
The Santa Cruz Bullit is engineered for one thing: getting you to the top of the most aggressive lines so you can enjoy the way back down.
With a downhill-inspired chassis and 170mm of travel, the Bullit is designed to thrive in steep, technical terrain. Its composed suspension platform and burly build give it the confidence to handle big hits, fast lines and demanding conditions with ease.
The Cube Stereo Hybrid ONE77 is built around a heavy-duty suspension package designed for aggressive riding. With 170mm of travel paired to Fox 38 forks and Float X2 rear suspension on higher-spec models, the ONE77 is designed to stay composed through rough terrain, big impacts and sustained downhill abuse.
The Orbea Wild combines a progressive long-travel suspension setup with aggressive enduro-ready components built for demanding terrain. With 170mm travel and high-performance Fox suspension options across the range, the Wild is designed to maintain stability and traction through fast, technical trails.
The Norco Range is a gravity-focused enduro machine built to prioritise descending performance above all else. With a long-travel suspension platform in the 170/160mm range, it’s designed to stay composed through big hits, rough terrain and sustained downhill punishment.
A progressive suspension layout paired with aggressive geometry gives the Range exceptional stability at speed, while its stiff, burly chassis and heavy-duty components ensure it thrives under hard, high-impact riding. Built to charge steep lines and hold its nerve in the roughest conditions, the Range is made for riders who want maximum confidence on the descent.
Balanced Enduro Machines
Long travel. Balanced geometry. EMTBs optimised for both climbing and descending.
The Santa Cruz Vala brings a refined, long-travel enduro platform designed for aggressive trail riding and all-day mountain missions. With a suspension setup tuned for traction and control through technical terrain, the Vala is built to absorb repeated impacts while maintaining composure at speed. Its chassis design prioritises balance and predictability, giving riders confidence on steep descents and fast, loose terrain alike.
The Trek Rail is built for big mountain days and aggressive trail riding. With long-travel suspension around the 160mm class at the front and a robust rear setup designed to handle sustained impacts, the Rail is engineered to stay planted through rough descents and high-speed chatter. Burly frame construction and e-bike specific components make it a confident, capable platform when the terrain gets steep and technical.
The Transition Regulator is a progressive all-rounder - designed to blend playful handling with serious descending capability. Featuring a balanced long-travel suspension setup with modern geometry, the Regulator is built to maintain traction and control through technical climbs and fast, demanding descents. Its sturdy frame and enduro-focused components give it the composure needed for rough, aggressive trail riding without losing its lively feel.
The Whyte Kado is a modern enduro-focused e-MTB built around stability, control and confidence on technical terrain. With a long-travel suspension platform in the 160mm class, it’s designed to absorb repeated hits while maintaining traction through rocky climbs and fast, rough descents. A stiff chassis and purposeful geometry give the Kado a planted feel at speed, making it well suited to aggressive trail riding and big mountain terrain.
The Mondraker Crafty is designed to stay composed through fast, technical descents while maintaining traction on steep, demanding climbs. Mondraker’s signature forward geometry and stiff chassis give it a stable, planted feel at speed, making it a strong choice for big mountain riding and rough, high-impact terrain.
The Norco Sight is a highly capable enduro bike designed to deliver a balanced blend of climbing efficiency and confident descending performance. It’s built to handle everything from fast-flowing singletrack to steep, technical terrain without feeling overbuilt or sluggish.
Its progressive suspension kinematics keep traction high and control consistent when the trail gets rough, while modern trail geometry ensures a stable yet responsive ride feel. A well-balanced chassis and thoughtful spec options make the Sight a versatile choice for riders who want one bike to cover a wide range of trail conditions with confidence.
Versatile All-Mountain Trail Machines
Moderate travel. Balanced geometry. EMTBs optimised for all-round trail performance.
The Mondraker Scree is a versatile e-MTB designed to bridge the gap between first-time e-bike riders and those upgrading from traditional trail bikes. Built around a confidence-inspiring platform, it delivers a natural, intuitive ride feel with the added support of electric assistance.
Featuring 29” wheels and a balanced 130mm rear / 150mm front suspension setup, the Scree is tuned for all-round trail capability—efficient on climbs, stable at speed, and composed when the terrain turns rough. Its progressive geometry and accessible handling make it an ideal choice for riders looking to explore more terrain with confidence and control.
The Whyte E-Lyte Evo is a lighter, more agile platform, designed to blend natural trail feel with supportive suspension performance. With 150 / 142mm of travel, it’s tuned to stay efficient on climbs while still offering composure and control when the trail points downhill. Its balanced geometry and refined suspension kinematics make it a confident choice for technical, flowing singletrack and long alpine-style rides.
Available Through the Bosch eBike Flow App
The new Performance Upgrade 2.0 is fully retrofittable and will be available through the Bosch eBike Flow app from 4th May 2026.
Once installed, riders will gain access to the updated torque, support levels and revised motor response characteristics directly through the Bosch Smart System ecosystem.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Bosch CX Gen 5 update looks set to be a major step forward for Bosch-powered eMTBs. By increasing torque to 120Nm, boosting rider support to 600%, and improving pedal response while keeping the system’s controlled ride characteristics intact, Bosch is clearly pushing the CX platform further into high-performance territory.
For riders, the result should be a bike that feels stronger under load, more responsive through technical terrain, and more capable on demanding climbs - all without changing the core character that has made the Bosch CX system one of the most popular eMTB platforms on the market.
With the update arriving via the Bosch eBike Flow app in early May, it won’t be long before riders can experience the changes for themselves.
Compare all Bosch eMTB motors in our complete guide
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FAQs: Bosch Performance Line CX Gen 5 (120Nm) Update
Basics
What is the Bosch CX Gen 5 120Nm update?
When is the Bosch 120Nm update available?
Is this a hardware upgrade or software update?
Performance
What does 120Nm torque mean on the trail?
Does the update make the bike faster?
Is peak power increased beyond 750W?
How does the update improve motor responsiveness?
Compatibility
Which bikes are compatible with the Bosch CX Gen 5 update?
Do I need to buy a new bike to get 120Nm?
Is the update available worldwide?
Technical
Does higher torque affect battery life?
Can I customise the power modes after the update?
Is the Bosch CX Gen 5 still smooth and controllable?
How does this compare to other eMTB motors in 2026?
Updated - 01/05/2026
Posted by Paul Hoyle on 1st May 2026
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