Bosch Announces New Tech Integration and Performance Upgrades

Bosch performance upgrade 2.0 adds more power, smarter boost and trick tracking

Bosch eBike Systems has announced its new Performance Upgrade 2.0, a free over-the-air update aimed squarely at performance eMTB riders using the latest Performance Line CX and CX-R drive units. In a world where e-bike motor manufacturers are amping up the Watts again and again, Bosch has chosen to zig instead of zag – focussing on improving the rider experience for how the mountain biker really rides. 

This new update, available today, focuses less on outright numbers and more on how power is delivered on the trail. Riders can now increase motor output to as much as 120Nm of torque (increased from 100Nm) and up to 600% support (increased from 400%), adjustable through the eBike Flow app depending on manufacturer limits. 

Rather than delivering constant maximum assistance, Bosch’s updated software recognises technical riding situations such as steep climbs, tight switchbacks or awkward step-ups, and delivers short bursts of peak power exactly when needed. 

A key addition is customisable Extended Boost, allowing riders to adjust how long motor assistance continues after pedalling stops. Designed to help clear rocks, roots and ledges where a full pedal stroke isn’t possible, the system can now be fine-tuned per riding mode for a more personalised feel on technical trails.

Bosch has also introduced a Drivetrain Tensioner software function, reducing freewheel lag between pedal input and rear wheel engagement. The result is faster power transfer, improved traction and more precise control when accelerating through demanding terrain.

Perhaps the most playful feature is Trick Check, which automatically detects jumps, wheelies, manuals and stoppies using onboard sensors. The system records duration, height and distance, giving riders instant feedback and tracking personal bests through the Flow app. Do we need this feature? Absolutely not. Will we look at it? Absolutely.

Rounding out the update is a new 12A fast charger, arriving later in 2026, capable of charging compatible batteries up to three times faster than Bosch’s current 4A unit. The 12A charger delivers around 50% charge in roughly an hour for a PowerTube 800 battery.

Available from May 2026 as a free update, Performance Upgrade 2.0 continues Bosch’s push toward a more connected, tuneable eMTB experience, blending increased performance with smarter, situation-specific assistance rather than simply amping the watts.

But it’s not more watts!

That’s right. It’s not more watts. But I for one am not sad about that at all.

After all, what use is endless watts on tight and technical terrain? While big numbers sound good on paper, anyone who has ridden with power knows that the 1500W sported by the Avinox M2S certainly blurs the line between bike and…something else. 1500W is putting out more watts than World Champion road cyclist Tadej Pogacar (once you clock over several seconds of output). There are few instances where this level of power is useful on the trail.

If you think you need that – go for it. But for those of us who want to mountain bike, making a drive unit behave better on the trails will win out against raw watts for me, every time.

Bosch Performance Line CX Stats – Upgrade 2.0

Peak Power: 600→750W
Torque: 100→120Nm
Support Level: 400%→600%
Weight: 2.8kg

Bosch opens the door to Garmin integration with new live data interface

Bosch eBike Systems has taken a significant step toward a more open digital ecosystem, announcing a new Live Data Interface that allows riders to display real-time eBike data directly on compatible third-party devices – starting with Garmin Edge cycling computers.

Until now, riders using Bosch’s smart system were largely limited to Bosch displays or the eBike Flow smartphone app for ride information. The new Live Data Interface changes that by enabling Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connectivity between the bike and external devices, allowing riders to customise how and where they view ride data.

The first partnership arrives with Garmin, meaning compatible Edge units – including the Edge 540, 840, 1040, 550, 850, 1050 and the trail-focused Edge MTB – can now display key metrics on their own headunit.

For riders, that means bringing motor data into the same screen already used for navigation, training and ride recording. Information available through the integration includes speed, cadence, total distance, rider power output, battery charge level and remaining range, along with system information such as the bike’s Lock status.

One of the more interesting implications is training. Bosch’s smart system can calculate rider power directly, so riders can now view power data on a Garmin Edge without installing a separate power meter – potentially opening structured training and performance tracking to a wider range of riders.

Bosch says the goal is to let riders build their own preferred cockpit setup rather than forcing them into a single display ecosystem. The Live Data Interface also lays the groundwork for future integrations with devices such as fitness watches, smart glasses and even connected helmets.

Importantly, Bosch emphasises that riders retain full control over data sharing, choosing which devices connect to their eBike at any time.

The integration is currently available through Garmin’s Public Beta program, signalling a broader shift toward more connected and customisable eBike experiences – something likely to appeal to performance-focused e-bike riders who already rely heavily on GPS head units.