E-Performance: With the Bosch Performance Line 2020, the all-rounder enters a new generation. Bosch itself speaks of the most versatile drive in the new portfolio – our practical test also shows that you could be right. With the Speed version, S-Pedelec fans will also get their money's worth.
As a link between the more "comfortable" Active and Active Plus motors and the top CX motor, the Bosch Performance drive has always been a little caught between the two chairs and in its 25km/h version has been seen on fewer and fewer e-bikes in recent years . This was particularly due to the new Active Line Plus motor, which Bosch presented two years ago and which, with its decoupled gearbox and its surprisingly strong support performance, was installed on many bikes where performance was previously at home. Those who wanted it really sporty, on the other hand, made the jump to the much more powerful CX motor. However, this is likely to change from the 2020 model year.
| Bosch Performance Cruise 2.0 | Bosch Performance Cruise 2020 | |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 250W | 250W |
| max. Drehmoment | 63Nm | 65Nm |
| maximum support | 275% | 300% |
| Weight | about 3,7kg | about 3,4kg |
Bosch Performance Line 2020 Cruise - Strong overall package
The new Bosch Performance Cruise Motor - as the 25km/h variant is called - is based on the well-known Active Line Plus both visually and technically, but it brings more power and can even outperform its direct predecessor. With a maximum support capacity of 300%, it is on a par with the previous CX motor, the torque could be increased slightly to 65Nm compared to the previous model. Perhaps the greatest innovation is not to be found in the bare technical data, but in the structure of the drive unit itself: at speeds over 25km/h or when the engine is deactivated, the transmission is decoupled; in practice this means that the drive no longer offers any additional internal resistance. In these cases, the e-bike can then be moved like a conventional bicycle. The E-MTB mode, with which the support performance is dynamically regulated depending on the pedal pressure, is also part of the game. In this way, the Performance Line 2020 will also be a valid option for inexpensive E-MTBs.
Bosch Performance Line 2020 Speed - Small, light, powerful
The Performance Speed, i.e. the S-Pedelec variant of the drive, is still extremely popular today and is of course also getting an update. However, the new Performance Speed 2020 is based on the new CX motor and also brings its compact dimensions and low weight of 2,9 kg. It puts a maximum of 75Nm of torque on the road and should therefore provide enough power for high speeds even on long, tough climbs. The level of support is increased, the higher the speed: In this way, 40 km/h or more can be reached on the flat without having to pedal too much. The predecessor slowly ran out of breath at over 35km/h.
Bosch Performance Line 2020 – First driving impressions
At the Bosch Press Camp we were able to test drive the Bosch Performance Line 2020 in its 25km/h Cruise variant. We took a seat on an extremely fun e-gravel bike and were already enthusiastic about the presentation of the new performance drive from the first few meters. The motor pushes on as quiet as a whisper - much more powerful than, for example, the well-known Active Line Plus. In the blind test and on moderate inclines, we would only have limited confidence in directly feeling the difference to the current CX motor.
So two thumbs up for the new Bosch Performance Line 2020. In practice, it was perhaps the biggest surprise for us among the new Bosch products for the coming season and should become a very attractive option for sporty trekking bikes or cheaper e-mountain bikes.
Bosch E-Bike News 2020: All new products at a glance:
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