2025 E-Bike Motor Comparison: Bosch vs. Shimano vs. Brose

The electric bike market continues to evolve at a rapid pace, with motor technology advancing significantly in 2025. For riders looking to upgrade or purchase a new e-bike, understanding the differences between the latest motors from industry leaders Bosch, Shimano, and Brose is crucial. This comprehensive comparison will help you determine which motor system best suits your riding style, terrain preferences, and overall needs.

What's New in 2025 E-Bike Motors?

Before diving into specific brands, let's examine the key trends shaping e-bike motor development in 2025:

• Higher voltage systems (48V becoming more common, replacing 36V)
• Improved noise reduction technology for quieter rides
• Enhanced software integration for customizable riding experiences
• More sophisticated sensors for smoother power delivery
• Increased torque capabilities across all major brands
• Better thermal management for sustained performance
• Advanced connectivity with smartphone apps and other devices

Bosch Performance Line CX Gen 5 (2025)

The Bosch Performance Line CX has long been considered the gold standard for e-bike motors, particularly in the mountain bike segment. The fifth generation, released in 2025, brings several notable improvements while maintaining the reliability Bosch is known for.

Key Specifications

• Motor Weight: 2.8 kg (100g lighter than Gen 4)
• Maximum Torque: 85 Nm (standard), upgradable to 100 Nm (July 2025 update)
• Peak Power: 600W (standard), upgradable to 750W (July 2025 update)
• Maximum Assistance: 340% (standard), upgradable to 400% (July 2025 update)
• Battery Options: PowerTube 600 Wh (3kg), PowerTube 800 Wh (both lighter than previous generation)
• Housing Material: Magnesium
• Motor Mount: 2-point mounting system (reduced from 3 points in Gen 4)

What's Improved

The Gen 5 maintains the same torque and power specifications as its predecessor on paper, but Bosch has made significant internal refinements that translate to a better riding experience:

1. Significantly Reduced Noise: The biggest improvement is the virtual elimination of the infamous "rattle" when coasting over rough terrain that plagued earlier generations.
2. Enhanced Sensor Technology: New inertial sensors measure acceleration and speed in six dimensions, detecting gradients, inclination angles, and terrain vibrations, resulting in more responsive power delivery.
3. Hill Start Assist: The new sensor technology enables better assistance when starting on steep inclines.
4. Simplified Frame Integration: The reduction from three to two mounting points gives bike manufacturers more design flexibility and simplifies service.
5. Battery Improvements: The new PowerTube batteries deliver more capacity while weighing less than their predecessors.
6. ABS Pro: A new anti-lock braking system designed specifically for e-MTBs with two modes - Trail Pro for maximum grip and Race mode for advanced riders.

User Experience

The Gen 5 CX delivers a natural-feeling ride with immediate power response when pedaling. Riders report that the motor feels more intuitive, especially on technical terrain. The combination of reduced noise and improved power delivery makes for a more immersive riding experience where the technology fades into the background.

Shimano EP801 & EP6 (2025)

Shimano's flagship EP801 motor (the successor to the EP8) and its more affordable EP6 variant have been updated for 2025 with firmware improvements that maintain their competitive position in the market.

Key Specifications

EP801:

• Motor Weight: 2.7 kg
• Maximum Torque: 85 Nm
• Peak Power: 600W
• Battery Options: Compatible with Shimano 504 Wh, 630 Wh batteries, and third-party options
• Housing Material: Magnesium
• Notable Features: Free Shift, Auto Shift with Manual Override, Fine Tune Mode

EP6:

• Motor Weight: 3.0 kg (300g heavier than EP801)
• Maximum Torque: 85 Nm
• Peak Power: 500W
• Housing Material: Aluminum
• Notable Features: Same as EP801, more affordable price point

What's Improved

Shimano has focused on software refinements for 2025:

1. Enhanced Power Delivery: The latest firmware update has improved the power curve, providing assistance across a wider range of cadences and more consistent support at higher speeds.
2. Overrun Feature: The 2025 firmware update increased the overrun by up to 2 meters, allowing riders to stop pedaling briefly on technical sections while the motor continues to provide power.
3. Increased Support: Maximum assistance has been upped to 400%, making it easier to access the full power available from the motor.
4. Refined Auto Shift: Improved prediction algorithms make the automatic shifting system more intuitive.
5. Reduced Rattle: While not eliminated entirely, the coasting rattle has been improved in the latest units.

User Experience

Shimano motors are known for their easy handling and natural feel, making them excellent choices for both beginners and advanced riders. The EP801's light weight and heat dissipation capabilities make it particularly well-suited for e-MTBs, while the EP6 offers nearly identical performance at a lower price point for urban and touring applications.

The motors provide strong support at low cadences, making them excellent for technical climbing. They're also praised for their easy-to-control power delivery on challenging terrain.

Brose Drive 3 Peak (2025)

Brose has made a significant leap forward with its all-new Drive 3 Peak, moving to a 48V system and completely redesigning its motor architecture for 2025.

Key Specifications

• Motor Weight: 2.9 kg
• Maximum Torque: 95 Nm
• Peak Power: 600W
• Maximum Assistance: 410%
• Battery Options: 468 Wh (3.0 kg) and 814 Wh (4.1 kg) options in identical housing
• Housing Material: Aluminum-magnesium alloy
• Notable Features: Chainring decoupling for zero resistance when not powered

What's Changed

The Drive 3 Peak represents Brose's biggest update in years:

1. 48V System: Moving from 36V to 48V allows for more power, better efficiency, and reduced heat generation in cables.
2. Belt Drive Elimination: Unlike previous Brose motors that used a belt drive, the Drive 3 Peak uses a new internal drivetrain system for power transfer.
3. Increased Torque: At 95 Nm, the Drive 3 Peak offers higher peak torque than its competitors.
4. New Control System: The Drive 3 comes with a new controller system, including options for in-tube displays and wireless remotes.
5. Complete Ecosystem: The Drive 3 is part of a comprehensive system that includes purpose-built batteries and controllers.

User Experience

Brose motors have always been known for their natural riding feel and near-silent operation. The Drive 3 maintains these characteristics while adding more power and a more refined control system. Early test rides suggest excellent power delivery across different cadence ranges, with particularly strong performance during low-cadence technical climbing.

Note: In a significant industry development, Brose announced the sale of its e-bike division to Yamaha in March 2025. This may impact future support and development of the Brose systems, though Yamaha has stated they will continue to support existing products.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Power & Torque

1. Brose Drive 3 Peak: 95 Nm, 600W peak, 410% assistance
2. Bosch Performance Line CX Gen 5: 85 Nm (upgradable to 100 Nm), 600W peak (upgradable to 750W), 340% assistance (upgradable to 400%)
3. Shimano EP801: 85 Nm, 600W peak, 400% assistance

Winner: Bosch Performance Line CX Gen 5 with July 2025 update (100 Nm, 750W)

Weight

1. Shimano EP801: 2.7 kg
2. Bosch Performance Line CX Gen 5: 2.8 kg
3. Brose Drive 3 Peak: 2.9 kg

Winner: Shimano EP801

Noise Level

1. Brose Drive 3 Peak: Quietest overall operation
2. Bosch Performance Line CX Gen 5: Significantly improved, eliminated rattle
3. Shimano EP801: Improved but still some rattle when coasting

Winner: Brose Drive 3 Peak

Software & Customization

1. Bosch Performance Line CX Gen 5: Best app integration, highly customizable modes
2. Shimano EP801: Fine Tune Mode with 15 customizable levels
3. Brose Drive 3 Peak: Good app integration but fewer customization options

Winner: Bosch Performance Line CX Gen 5

Battery Integration

1. Bosch: Best integrated ecosystem with PowerTube 600 and 800 Wh options
2. Brose: Flexible battery system with same size options (468 Wh or 814 Wh)
3. Shimano: Compatible with Shimano batteries and third-party options

Winner: Tie between Bosch (best ecosystem) and Shimano (most flexible)

Natural Ride Feel

1. Brose Drive 3 Peak: Most natural feeling, zero resistance when off
2. Shimano EP801: Excellent natural feel, especially at low cadences
3. Bosch Performance Line CX Gen 5: Improved feel but slightly more noticeable

Winner: Brose Drive 3 Peak

Reliability & Service Network

1. Bosch: Most extensive service network, proven reliability
2. Shimano: Strong global support, excellent service availability
3. Brose/Yamaha: Uncertain due to recent acquisition

Winner: Bosch

Which Motor Is Right For You?

Choose Bosch Performance Line CX Gen 5 if:

• You want the most reliable and well-supported motor system
• You ride technically challenging trails and value responsive power delivery
• You appreciate extensive app-based customization
• You want access to advanced features like ABS Pro
• You plan to keep your e-bike for many years

Choose Shimano EP801 if:

• You prioritize the lightest weight high-performance motor
• You want the flexibility to use third-party batteries
• You're looking for excellent value for performance
• You appreciate natural handling, especially at low cadences
• You ride mostly technical trails where controllable power is important

Choose Brose Drive 3 Peak if:

• You value the most natural riding experience
• You prioritize silent operation
• You want the highest torque in standard configuration
• You appreciate zero resistance when pedaling unpowered
• You're interested in the potential benefits of 48V technology

Choose Shimano EP6 if:

• You want nearly the same performance as flagship motors at a lower price
• You're primarily using your e-bike for commuting or touring
• You don't mind the slightly higher weight
• You want access to Shimano's electronic shifting features

Conclusion

The 2025 e-bike motor market offers exceptional options across all three major manufacturers. Bosch maintains its position as the most refined and well-supported system with the Performance Line CX Gen 5, especially with its July 2025 performance update. Shimano offers an excellent balance of performance and weight with its EP801 and value-oriented EP6. Brose's Drive 3 Peak makes a technological leap with its 48V system and highest torque, though the acquisition by Yamaha creates some uncertainty for the future.

The right choice ultimately depends on your specific riding needs, budget, and preferences. Each system has its strengths, and all three represent significant improvements over previous generations. As e-bike technology continues to evolve, riders benefit from increased performance, efficiency, and refinement across all brands.

• Bosch eBike Systems Official Website
• Shimano STEPS e-bike Systems
• Brose e-Bike Systems
• E-Mountainbike Magazine Motor Comparison
• Understanding E-Bike Motor Technology