Product news / E-MTB: As part of our major engine check for the 2022 season, we're taking a look at the Panasonic GX Ultimate Pro today. In addition to the technical data, we also have laboratory values from the test bench for the performance and range of the E-MTB drive.
E-MTB motors and drives 2022 in check
For the start of the 2022 season, we take a detailed look at the common E-MTB motors: from the top dogs Bosch, Shimano and Brose to newcomers and challengers such as the Sachs RS or the Panasonic GX Ultimate Pro. We took each of the drives to the test laboratory and looked at the performance, range and energy efficiency under comparable conditions. In addition to the battery and controls, we also take a close look at the apps, which are now part of the standard repertoire of almost all drives.
Bosch Performance CX Gen4 | Shimano EP8 | Brose Drive S Mag | Giant SyncDrive Pro2 | Specialized 2.2 | Sachs RS | Panasonic GX Ultimate Pro | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
maximum torque | 85 Nm | 85 Nm | 90 Nm | 85 Nm | 90 Nm | 112 Nm | 95 Nm |
weight engine | 2,9 kg | 2,6 kg | 2,9 kg | 2,75 kg | 2,9 kg | 3,5 kg | 2,95 kg |
Batteries | 400Wh / 500Wh / 625Wh / 750Wh | 504Wh / 630Wh | 630 Wh | 625Wh / 750Wh | 500Wh / 700Wh | - | - |
Batteries (third party) | - | up to 900 Wh | up to 925 Wh | - | - | up to 725 Wh | 630Wh / 750Wh |
launch | 2020 | 2020 | 2018 | 2021 | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 |
E-MTB motors and drives 2022 on test: Sachs RS
Product news / E-MTB: As part of our major engine check for the 2022 season, we're taking a look at the Sachs RS mid-engine today. In addition to the technical data, we also have laboratory values from the test bench for the performance and range of the E-MTB drive. E-MTB motors and drives 2022 in check For the start of the 2022 season, we are throwing a […]
E-MTB motors and drives 2022 on test: Brose Drive S Mag
Product news / E-MTB: As part of our major engine check for the 2022 season, we are taking a look at the Brose Drive S Mag today. In addition to the technical data, we also have laboratory values from the test bench for the performance and range of the E-MTB drive. E-MTB motors and drives 2022 checked For the start of the 2022 season, we’re taking a […]
E-MTB motors and drives 2022 on test: Shimano EP8
Product news / E-MTB: As part of our major motor check for the 2022 season, we're taking a look at the Shimano EP8 today. In addition to the technical data, we also have laboratory values from the test bench for the performance and range of the E-MTB drive. E-MTB motors and drives 2022 checked For the start of the 2022 season, we take a detailed look […]
E-MTB motors and drives 2022 on test: Giant SyncDrive Pro2
Product news / E-MTB: As part of our big motor check for the 2022 season, we're taking a look at the Giant SyncDrive Pro2 today. In addition to the technical data, we also have laboratory values from the test bench for the performance and range of the E-MTB drive. E-MTB motors and drives 2022 in check For the start of the 2022 season, we are throwing a […]
E-MTB motors and drives 2022 on test: Bosch Smart System
Product news / E-MTB: As part of our major engine check for the 2022 season, we are taking a look at the Bosch Smart System today. In addition to the technical data, we also have laboratory values from the test bench for the performance and range of the E-MTB drive. E-MTB motors and drives 2022 in check For the start of the 2022 season, we are throwing a […]
E-MTB motors and drives 2022 on test: Specialized 2.2 drivetrain
Product news / E-MTB: As part of our major engine check for the 2022 season, we're taking a look at the Specialized 2.2 drive today. In addition to the technical data, we also have laboratory values from the test bench for the performance and range of the E-MTB drive. E-MTB motors and drives 2022 in check For the start of the 2022 season, we are throwing a […]
E-MTB drives 2022: Nine current engines in a comparison test
E-MTB / Test: Which E-MTB drive is the best? Answering this question is not that easy, because all current systems are at a very high level, even though the differences are sometimes huge. To get to the bottom of the topic, we looked at nine current E-MTB drives, on the test bench and […]
Panasonic GX Ultimate Pro: Currently exclusively in the FIT system
The Panasonic GX Ultimate Pro was introduced last year and will be used by several manufacturers in the 2022 season. Flyer offers most models, but there are also a few e-bikes with the new Panasonic motor in the Hercules or Pegasus portfolio. What they all have in common is that they are also equipped with the new FIT 2.0 system. Until a few years ago, FIT was an exclusive development of Flyer (Flyer Intelligent Technology), but is now available from a wide range of manufacturers. In addition to the controls and the display, FIT also includes an app that controls the drive and, in some cases, the batteries.
Panasonic GX Ultimate Pro: The engine
On paper, the technical data of the new engine is quite impressive: With a maximum torque of 95 Nm, it is one of the more powerful representatives on the market and is surprisingly light and compact for its considerable power. At 2,95 kg, it is about the same as the Brose Drive S Mag and the Bosch CX - only the Shimano EP8 or the Yamaha PW-X3 are significantly lighter. The Panasonic unit easily wins the weight comparison with other powerful engines such as the Sachs RS or the TQ HPR 120s.
On the test bench: performance
Anyone who has ridden more than one E-MTB motor will know: Although the technical data are usually very similar according to the respective manufacturers, the motors feel quite different in practice. In order to analyze and objectify these different impressions, we went to the test laboratory with various E-MTBs; Of course, we also looked at the performance of the individual engines there.
We also take a look at the maximum performance that the system delivers. For this we choose a very high input power at the crank of 250 watts and a cadence between 70 and 75, where most motors have their sweet spot.
Surprise! The Panasonic GX Ultimate Pro takes on our power leader from Sachs. Only a few watts separate the two motors, which leave the rest of the test field far behind. This is quite interesting, since the torque specifications from the manufacturers (112 Nm for Sachs, 95 Nm for Panasonic) are a bit further apart.
But: As interesting as a look at the maximum performance may be and also provides insights into the performance reserves - the data is only partially relevant for practice. Because, let's be honest: very few e-mountain bikers push 250 watts for a longer period of time. For this reason, we looked at the performance in yet another scenario - at 100 watts of input power.
The picture from the measurement of the maximum performance continues here, even if the Panasonic holds back a little more performance compared to the similarly strong Sachs RS. Nevertheless: Almost 670 watts are far above what most other motors deliver and is sometimes even above their maximum output. Really impressive.
On the test bench: range
In addition to performance, energy efficiency and thus the range of the various drives should also play an important role for most e-mountain bikers; It is not for nothing that high-capacity batteries are in increasing demand. It is often forgotten that the pure battery capacity does not necessarily say much about the range, since the drives require different amounts of energy. Reliable statements about maximum ranges are only possible to a limited extent anyway, as they depend on a large number of factors. However, in order to shed some light on the matter, we measured the range of the respective drive systems in several runs, often on different bikes. From this, we then calculate the energy consumption in Wh/km – this way, the efficiency can be determined independently of the respective battery size.
Here, too, two scenarios were simulated: Driving on the flat with a 0% incline and 100 W input power and consumption on the mountain with a 10% incline and 130 W input power.
This is where the downside of the enormous power that the motor brings becomes apparent: both on the flat and on the mountain, the Panasonic GX Ultimate Pro Fit is our consumption leader and swallows the most energy; even if the Sachs RS is similarly energy-hungry. Especially the consumption on the mountain is not to be despised. If you regularly collect altitude meters with a lot of support, you should rely on a large battery.
Characteristics: A lot of power - but not too brute
In the context of the measured values, it would seem reasonable to assume that the Panasonic GX Ultimate Pro would also feel similar to the Sachs RS in practice. In reality, however, things are quite different: while the Sachs RS gets down to business with brute power right from the first crank movement, especially in the higher support levels, the Panasonic GX Ultimate Pro is noticeably more reserved. Don't get me wrong: The power is undoubtedly there - and that's noticeable at all times - but the Panasonic can score points with a natural driving feel, especially when starting off or during rapid acceleration, even if this comes at the expense of "punchiness".
The tuning of the motor also means that it can be dosed relatively well despite the large power reserves, even if the response is not quite on the level of a Shimano EP8 or Bosch Performance CX. The volume is okay considering the performance - the Panasonic is neither overly loud nor quiet.
Panasonic GX Ultimate Pro: Two internal batteries and a powerful additional battery
When it comes to battery options, you can currently choose between two batteries with 630 Wh or 750 Wh integrated in the frame. In view of the above-average energy consumption, we would recommend the larger 750 Wh battery, especially for riders who regularly climb a lot of meters under their tires.
The Fyler Goroc X also offers a really exciting additional option: Another external battery with 540 (!) Wh can be mounted on the down tube. In combination with the 750 Wh battery in the down tube, you get a total capacity of almost 1.300 Wh and you don’t have to worry about a dead battery even during all-day rides.
Panasonic GX Ultimate Pro: Great FIT displays
The operating concept of the Panasonic GX Ultimate Pro e-bikes is entirely under the FIT banner. On sporty bikes we will probably find the FIT Remote LCD control unit in particular. In addition to the buttons for operating the drive, there is also a bright, easy-to-read color display in a compact box on the handlebars. Despite its compactness, the latter presents a surprising amount of information in a clear manner.
The control panel is ergonomically successful and can be reached comfortably while driving without any unpleasant contortions. For our taste, however, there are too many buttons, especially since there is a separate joystick on the top for operating the menu. Unfortunately, the pressure point of the buttons is a bit spongy, but this is not so important in practice thanks to the vibration of the entire control panel when the button is pressed. Very nice: The most important buttons are illuminated.
Another control panel that you will find on one or the other E-MTB is the FIT Display Compact. Here the display sits separately in front of the stem and is similar in size to the Bosch Kiox 300, for example. The control panel is the same as that of the FIT Remote LCD - just without the display.
FIT E-Bike Control App: Huge scope with in-app purchases
Of course, the FIT 2.0 system also comes with its own smartphone app for IOS and Android. This is already available in the respective app stores, but does not yet come with the entire range of functions. This should be supplemented by updates in the course of the spring. Accordingly, we will only deal with it in detail at this point in time. Nevertheless: The list of features reads very promising. Individualization of the engine characteristics, navigation via OpenStreetMap, tracking, integration of Komoot and much more.
FIT is the only manufacturer to date that uses so-called in-app purchases to unlock certain complex features. This currently applies to the use of the smartphone as a full display replacement (the so-called drive screen, one-time fee of 39,99 euros or 11,99 per year) and above all the integrated theft function. Here, either the smartphone can be used as a digital key for activation (one-time fee of 54,99 euros or 19,99 euros per year) or you can get a separate Bluetooth key (one-time fee of 79,99 euros). The e-bike cannot be switched on without these keys.
As soon as the features are included in the app, we will deliver a detailed test.
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