The philosophy: light, sporty, smart

Mahle's philosophy differs fundamentally from that of brands focusing on maximum power (such as Bosch or Shimano). Mahle favors rear-motor drive rear motor drive (with the exception of the new M40, which has a mid-drive motor) to offer the most natural riding experience possible. The goal: a bike that doesn't feel heavy and whose motor blends discreetly into the frame.

1. Mahle X35 and X35+

The system that "started it all" and is fitted to a large number of sports bikes.

• Type: rear motor (hub motor).

• Weight: the entire system (motor, battery, wiring) weighs only about 3.5 kg.

• Power: 250 W motor developing 40 Nm of torque.

• Battery: battery integrated into the lower tube, capacity of 250 Wh.

• Behavior: renowned for its almost total lack of resistance. Above 25 km/h, or when the assistance is deactivated, the wheel turns almost freely, offering sensations identical to those of a conventional bicycle.
  
  

2. Mahle X20

The X20 is positioned as the most advanced hub motor system ever designed by Mahle.

• Innovation: even lighter than the X35. Weighing only 3.2 kg, including the battery, it is one of the lightest systems on the market.

• Technology: even greater integration and next-generation sensors for ultra-natural assistance.
  
  

3. Mahle M40
   
   

 Although Mahle is best known for its rear hub motors, the M40 marks their entry into mid-drive motors.

• Purpose: Designed for more demanding terrain ("Powered for the Wild").

• Features: Extremely responsive engine offering full power performance, better suited to intensive off-road use than the X series.
  
  

See also: Mid-drive or rear-drive motor: which is best for you?

Connectivity and control

A fundamental element of Mahle systems is minimalist control. Rather than adding large screens to the handlebars, Mahle favors its famous iWoc controller.

• iWoc: a simple button, often integrated into the top tube. It allows you to turn on the bike, select the level of assistance, and indicate the battery status via colored LEDs.

• Application: With the Mahle My SmartBike app, users can connect their bike to their smartphone. This allows them to analyze their routes, check the system status, and customize the assistance levels (faster acceleration or more gradual power increase).

• Accessories: For those who want to display data on the handlebars, the Pulsar One display is available, and Garmin or Wahoo meters can be connected via ANT+.

Battery and range extenders

The standard 250 Wh internal battery may seem modest compared to the 500 or 750 Wh batteries found on heavier e-bikes. However, thanks to the low overall weight, consumption is much lower. For long rides, Mahle offers Range Extenders: external batteries (such as the 171 Wh e185 or the 208 Wh SP1) shaped like a water bottle. They can be easily attached to a bottle cage to increase range.

Advantages of Mahle engines

• Lightweight: Bikes equipped with a Mahle system generally weigh less than 13–15 kg, well below the 25 kg of a conventional e-bike. This makes the bike easier to handle and transport.

• Aesthetics: the small size of the rear motor and the integrated battery give these bikes the look of traditional road or gravel bikes. The integration is virtually invisible.

• No resistance: when the battery is empty or you exceed 25 km/h, there is no motor resistance. Pedaling remains "pure."

• Natural feel: The X35 and X20 systems offer smooth, progressive assistance, similar to a subtle push rather than a jolt.

Disadvantages

• Limited torque: with 40 Nm (X35), the motor is less powerful than the best mid-drive motors (often between 75 and 85 Nm). Less suitable for extreme climbs with luggage.

• Changing a tire a rear flat tire is more complicated to deal with than with a mid-drive motor, due to the wiring to the hub (although recent systems simplify the operation).

• Fixed battery: the main battery is often permanently integrated into the frame, which means that the bike must be placed near a power outlet to recharge.

Who are Mahle systems suitable for?

Given their characteristics, Mahle engines are mainly adopted by brands focused on sportiness and design:

• electric road bikes

• electric gravel bikes

• city bikes

Conclusion

Mahle motors are the ideal choice for cyclists who don't want to experience the "moped effect" typical of powerful e-bikes, but prefer a sporty bike that only assists them when necessary (on hills or into the wind). The system is particularly relevant for road bikes, gravel bikes, and fast city bikes, where weight and aesthetics take precedence over maximum torque. With innovations such as the X20 and advanced integration via the My SmartBike app, Mahle continues to set the standard for lightweight, smart e-bikes.