Bosch CX Gen5 100Nm Update Explained

I'm often asked about this since Bosch announced it last year, so let me cut through the noise. The Bosch Performance Line CX Gen5 motor had an update to allow a torque increase from 85Nm to 100Nm, delivered as a free over-the-air update through the Bosch Flow app. It started rolling out from July 2025, and it applies to every Gen5 CX motor already on the road.

That is genuinely good news. But what does it actually mean when you are riding? And does it change anything about which bike you should buy? I will break it all down.

What the update actually is

Bosch has unlocked an additional 15Nm of peak torque from the existing CX Gen5 hardware. The motor itself is not changing. There are no new parts, no dealer visit required, and no cost involved. It is a software update that arrives through the Bosch Flow app on your phone and applies to the motor via Bluetooth.

The CX Gen5 was already the most capable motor in Bosch's lineup, rated at 85Nm. This update takes it to 100Nm, which closes the gap on some competing systems and gives Bosch a clear lead in the mid-drive motor category for touring and cargo e-bikes.

How to get the update

If your bike has a Bosch Performance Line CX Gen5 motor and is part of the Bosch Smart System, the process is straightforward:

• Open the Bosch Flow app on your phone
• Connect to your bike via Bluetooth
• If the update is available for your motor, you will see a notification
• Follow the on-screen prompts to install

Make sure your Flow app is up to date and that your phone has a stable Bluetooth connection to the bike.

Once installed:

• Go to Ride Modes / Custom modes
• You'll now have sliders for:
  • Torque
  • Power
  • Support

You can then dial torque up to 100Nm using sliders inside the app.

Which ebikeist bikes have the CX motor?

This is the key question for our customers. The Bosch Performance Line CX is fitted to the non-CORE variants across the Riese & Müller range. Here are the models that benefit from the 100Nm update:

• Charger5 Touring, Vario, Automatic, and Rohloff variants (from £5,649)
• Charger5 Mixte Touring, Vario, Automatic, and Rohloff variants (from £5,649)
• Delite5 Touring, Vario, and Rohloff variants (from £6,959)
• Homage5 Touring, Vario, and Rohloff variants (from £6,959)
• Superdelite5 Touring, Vario, and Rohloff variants (from £7,519)
• Load5 Touring, Vario, and Rohloff variants (from £7,009)

A note on the Load5: The Load5 uses the Bosch Cargo Line motor rather than the Performance Line CX, but the Cargo Line also benefits from the 100Nm update.

Models that do not get this update include anything with the Bosch Performance Line PX (the CORE variants), the Bosch Performance Line Speed (HS models use a different motor), the Pinion MGU system, and the Fazua Ride60. This is only for gen5 motors.

What 100Nm feels like in practice

I want to be clear about what this update does and does not change. The 100Nm figure is peak torque, which is the maximum rotational force the motor can put through the cranks. You feel this most in specific situations:

Steep climbs. This is where the extra torque is most obvious. If you regularly ride routes with 15%+ gradients, you will notice the motor pulling harder at low cadence. Hills that previously had you grinding in the lowest gear will feel noticeably easier.

Heavy loads. If you are touring with loaded with panniers, shopping, or towing a child trailer, the extra torque makes a real difference when pulling away from junctions or climbing out of underpasses.

Headwinds. Sustained effort into a strong headwind, particularly on exposed roads or canal paths, is another scenario where that extra push matters.

What it does not do. It does not make the bike faster. In the UK, pedelec assistance cuts out at 15.5 mph regardless of motor torque. The 100Nm update does not change your top assisted speed, and it does not significantly change your range on flat terrain at steady pace. Think of it as making the hard moments easier, not the easy moments faster.

CX versus PX: understanding the CORE models

If you are looking at the Riese & Müller range, you will notice that the Charger5 Touring CORE (from £4,539) and Charger5 Vario CORE (from £4,719) use the Bosch Performance Line PX motor, not the CX.

The PX is a different motor entirely. It is Bosch's mid-tier option, positioned below the CX. It does not receive the 100Nm update because it is different hardware running different software. The CORE models also come with a smaller 600Wh battery versus the 800Wh in the CX-equipped Charger5.

The price difference is significant. The jump from a Charger5 Touring CORE at £4,539 to a Charger5 Touring with CX at £5,649 is £1,110. For that, you get the more powerful CX motor (now with 100Nm), a larger 800Wh battery with the option to add a 250Wh PowerMore range extender, an 11-speed Shimano Cues drivetrain instead of 10-speed, and better lighting and display.

For riders on flatter terrain doing shorter commutes, the PX in the CORE models is perfectly capable. But if you are tackling hills, carrying loads, or want the best motor Bosch offers, the CX variants are where to look, and the 100Nm update makes that gap even wider.

How does this compare to the Pinion MGU?

Several Riese & Müller models are also available with the Pinion MGU system, which takes a completely different approach. The Pinion is a motor-gearbox unit, meaning the motor and the gearbox are integrated into a single housing at the bottom bracket.

The Charger5 Pinion starts at £7,149 and the Delite5 Pinion at £8,079. These are premium options that use a Fit BAT Tubepack 800Wh battery rather than the Bosch PowerTube.

The Pinion system is not affected by the Bosch 100Nm update at all. It is an entirely separate motor and drivetrain platform. It does not use the Bosch Flow app, and its torque characteristics are managed independently by Pinion.

Can existing Gen5 owners get the update?

Yes. This is the best part. If you already own a bike with a Bosch Performance Line CX Gen5 motor, the update is free and available through the Flow app. You do not need to visit a dealer, and you do not need to buy anything.

If you bought a CX-equipped Riese & Müller from ebikeist any time since the Gen5 motors launched, your bike is eligible. Just make sure your Flow app is current and connect to the bike. If you are having trouble with the update process, give us a call on 03330 151 979 and we can walk you through it.

Common questions

Will the update affect my battery life?
Marginally, but only if you consistently use the extra torque. On flat rides at a steady pace, the difference is negligible. On hilly routes where you are pushing the motor harder, you may see a slight reduction in range. The motor only draws more power when you actually need the extra torque.

Do I need to do anything after the update?
No. The motor recalibrates automatically. You may notice the assistance feels slightly different in Turbo mode on steep climbs, but there is nothing you need to adjust.

Does this affect my warranty?
No. This is an official Bosch update. It does not void or alter your warranty in any way.

What this means for prospective buyers

If you have been weighing up a Riese & Müller purchase, the 100Nm update is another reason to look at the CX-equipped models. The Charger5 Touring at £5,649 with 800Wh battery and now 100Nm of torque is a seriously capable touring machine.

For anyone looking at the full range, the Bike Finder on guide.ebikeist.com can help you narrow down which model and variant suit your riding. And if you want to feel the difference for yourself, book a test ride or call us on 03330 151 979. There is no substitute for riding the thing.