Bosch Unveils CX-R Race Motor, Adds OTA Power Boost to Gen 5 CX Motors
May 07, 2025
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Bosch is rolling out major upgrades: a new Performance Line CX-R motor with Race-specific tuning and hardware, and a free over-the-air update for existing Gen 5 CX motor users that boosts power output.
Bosch eBike Systems made a plethora of announcements including new products headlined by the Performance Line CX-R race motor with premium construction materials, and new riding modes that will take advantage of a 400% boost to rider’s efforts with 750W of power and 100Nm of torque.
Bosch also showed off the Kiox 400C top tube display (which is an upgrade option available for many existing CX Gen 5 owners), and announced a forthcoming OTA update in July for current Perfomance Line CX riders that will increase the current 600W and 85Nm of torque to the same top levels of the Race motor, but will not have the new riding modes.
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Bosch Performance Line CX-R Motor
The new CX-R motor builds on the existing CX with performance-focused enhancements, including a titanium crank spindle and ceramic bearings. These changes reduce weight slightly (reported 2.7 kg vs. the CX’s 2.8 kg) and lower internal friction.
New to the CX-R are two exclusive power modes:
- Race Mode, which provides a more aggressive power ramp-up with “lag-free acceleration” and consistent output up to the 20 mph limit.
- eMTB+ Mode, a more powerful version of Bosch’s adaptive eMTB mode, uses onboard sensors to enhance traction and minimize rear wheel slippage.
The motor also features overrun support up to two meters, assisting riders in clearing tricky technical sections near the top of climbs.
Gen 5 CX Motor OTA Update (Coming July)
Existing Gen 5 CX motors will receive a free firmware update in July, boosting peak output from 600W to 750W and torque from 85Nm to 100Nm. These improvements bring Gen 5 performance in line with the new CX-R motor but will not include the new Race or eMTB+ modes.
Riders can fine-tune performance in the Bosch Flow app, choosing to prioritize power or preserve range. Bosch notes that increased power may result in shorter range under heavy usage.
New Kiox 400C Display
Bosch also previewed its new Kiox 400C, a full-color display integrated into the bike’s top tube. It provides key ride data such as cadence, heart rate, elevation, speed, range, and more. The display auto-adjusts brightness up to 1000 nits and includes a USB-C charging port. It will be available as an optional upgrade for Gen 5 bikes with the standard LED top tube display.
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Electric Bike Report’s Take
Bosch had long hinted that Gen 5 motors were capable of more, and both announcements—the CX-R motor and the OTA update—are welcome news.
The CX-R’s refined construction and exclusive modes may appeal to competitive riders or those who want more punch on technical climbs. eMTB+ looks particularly promising for trail versatility, though Race mode will likely attract its own fan base among power-hungry riders.
The Gen 5 update comes just in time to keep Bosch competitive with Specialized’s new 111Nm Turbo Levo and DJI’s recent 120Nm, 1000W lightweight motor system. Brands like Trek and Santa Cruz using Bosch’s Gen 5 CX motors will benefit from the upgrade, helping them stay in step with the growing arms race in e-MTB power.
It’s encouraging to see Bosch offer these improvements for free to existing users while maintaining tuning flexibility through the Flow app. This move supports both performance riders and those prioritizing battery life, without forcing a hardware upgrade.
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