Bosch announced that its new "Performance Line SX" electric motorcycle motors set a new standard for power to weight in its lineup.

The new motors, intended for electric gravel bikes, electric hybrid bikes, and lightweight electric mountain bikes, have a system weight of about 4 kg, 2 kg for the mid-mounted motor, and also feature new riding modes and compact battery options.

According to Bosch, the Performance Line SX motor with 250 watts of continuous power delivers a maximum torque of 55 Nm and can generate a peak power of 600 watts, allowing it to climb steep grades. It is also designed to deliver power at high cadences.

Bosch reduced the weight of the motor by using a magnesium alloy housing. It also reduced the Q-factor to 160 mm, which is claimed to be a new standard in motor noise output.

When speeds exceed the 25 km/h limit, Bosch says the new motor offers 50 percent less drag than previous electric bicycle motors, which it claims is barely noticeable.

There is a new sprint mode that allows the user to reach top speed quickly.

Along with the new motor, Bosch also introduced a mini remote drop bar control unit. This mounts on the left side of the stem of a standard width 31.8mm handlebar and is smaller and less obtrusive than Bosch's previous control units.

The new Performance Line SX motor is paired with a new 400 Wh battery. The battery, which makes up the other half of the system's 4 kg weight, is the lightest in the Bosch lineup. According to Bosch, its high energy density allows it to be integrated into the downtube of a bicycle frame.

If you need more range Connect Bosch's new PowerMore 250 range extender and, as the name implies, you get an additional 250 Wh of battery capacity. 1.6 kg water bottle-sized package, but unlike many range extenders, it does not actually fit in a bottle It does not fit in a cage and requires a special mount.

The new motor system will be available on electric bikes this fall.

Bosch also released an update to its Smart System, a modular product line that links new motors and batteries to controllers and displays. Smart Systems integration has been extended to Active Line and Active Line Plus motors, offering a more connected solution for more leisurely urban and trekking use.

There are also new controller options. According to Bosch, the latest Purion 200 controller is not only more compact, but also has a higher resolution color display. In addition, an ambient light sensor allows readings to be taken even when light conditions change.

If more data is needed, a second Bosch display unit or smartphone can be connected to the Purion 200 to display routes and navigation without having to devote part of the large display screen to showing battery level or assist level.

Also new is the Kiox 500, a large 2.8-inch display unit. According to Bosch, it is about 40% larger than the existing Kiox 300, making it quicker and easier to read. It also displays an audible cue if the driver goes off route. Bosch promises that future upgrades will allow the Kiox 300 and 500 to be customized and the data fields to be rearranged.

The smart system will also allow automatic shifting on hub-gear e-bikes equipped with Rohloff, 3x3, and Enviolo gear hubs.

Another new product is Bosch's premium subscription service, Flow+, which includes a bike alarm for bicycles equipped with the Connect module, and Bosch promises additional features in the future. Flow+ subscriptions are priced monthly at 4.99 euros or an annual subscription of 39.99 euros, with the first 12 months free.

Bosch has also added new external frame batteries with capacities of 400 Wh and 500 Wh and rear rack mount batteries. The rack-mounted battery, designed for use with hybrid electric bikes in urban areas, has enhanced anti-theft features and is thinner than Bosch's previous batteries. The battery can also be doubled up for higher capacity for cargo bikes or long rides.

Finally, there is a new 2A charger that is lighter and smaller than Bosch's current 4A charger, making it easier to carry.

Despite all these shiny new products, it is fair to say that Bosch is in a good position in the electric mountain bike and urban e-bike segments, but still trailing in the lightweight electric bike and electric gravel bike markets. [For example, the Mahle X20 rear hub motor weighs 1.4 kg and the 300 Wh battery weighs 1.8 kg, for a total system weight of 3.2 kg, putting out 250 W/55 Nm, the same as the Bosch Performance Line SX motor. MAHLE's motor is a popular option, installed in the Scott Addict eRide and other models. [Another compact motor option found on lightweight electric bikes such as the Trek Domane+ SLR and BMC Roadmachine AMP X is TQ's mid-mount HPR50. With a motor weight of 1.85 kg and almost the same battery weight, the system weighs 3.7 kg. ultra-compact and putting out 250 W/50 Nm, the TQ also features a very compact satellite shifter-style assist level control that can be integrated with a cycling computer.

Brands such as MAHLE and Specialized have also been offering bottle cage range extenders that truly fit in the bottle cage for years.

It will be interesting to see which brands choose the new Bosch Performance Line SX motors for their new electric gravel and electric road bikes in the fall.