Bosch expands its Smart System with the Performance Upgrade 2.0 to include a larger package of functions that can be applied to existing drives via the Flow App. We were already able to review the expanded Bosch universe on the Anninger, on the outskirts of the federal capital. Our review bike, the KTM Macina Kapoho Exonic Di2, is equipped with everything that’s good and expensive: in addition to electronic FOX suspension, Shimano Di2 and other high-end components, it also features the latest Bosch CX-R motor together with the Connect module, Auto-Shift and much more. Before the review of the KTM, however, here are first the most important facts about the Performance Upgrade.
At the center of the new software are expanded adjustment ranges for torque and support. Connections to the power arms race of other manufacturers may not be a coincidence; nonetheless, Bosch appears ambivalent when it comes to a pure increase in watt figures—rather, it wants to keep the big picture and the overall experience in focus: from a reliable, robust drive on the trail to service-friendliness at the specialist dealer.
Update procedure and basic setup
In our case, the update took about 15 minutes and proceeded without problems. The rollout is carried out in stages for strategic reasons, which means the exact timing of availability for the individual app cannot be predicted 100%.
According to Bosch, the basic setup of the current motors does not change; what’s new is mainly how far the controllers in the Flow app can be raised. The maximum system power remains at the level of the previous Performance Upgrade, while torque can now reach a peak of up to 120 Nm. However, these 120 Nm are not available continuously, but only during the boost phase or depending on the rider’s own input in the form of a short, dynamic additional push. What this means in practice we were able to review on the Kiental Trail and its surroundings by directly comparing both versions of the software on very similar bikes.
Extended Boost: Fine-tune the trail
With Extended Boost, the follow‑through (Nachlauf) can now be adjusted per mode in steps. That lets you tune the character — depending on riding style and terrain — more precisely toward "short and controlled" or "longer‑sustaining." Compared directly with the 100 Nm of the previous system, you notice this especially in steep sections when cadence falls because you're running short on your own power reserves. In those moments, nothing beats a bit more torque. The basic response characteristics of the different modes (e.g. their dependence on cadence and rider power) remain the same, i.e. an eMTB+ mode will always respond differently than Eco or Tour.
Bosch Trick Check
Another cool feature is the new Trick Check, in which the gyro sensors built into the motor detect tricks with an accuracy of +/- 10%. A mini alarm in the form of a beep sounds immediately after the stunt, and the tricks are additionally recorded and can later be accessed in the app. The sensors are set so that certain minimum requirements must be met. A jump is registered from a distance of 0.5 m and a minimum duration of 0.15 seconds. A wheelie or manual must go at least 2 m — with a tilt angle of 15° and a minimum speed of 5 km/h. A stoppie must last at least 0.3 s; the minimum tilt angle depends on the speed.
Anti-theft protection with the Bosch ConnectModule and a look ahead
At the Anninger we were also able to briefly try out the new ConnectModule, which is already installed as standard in the KTM. The module itself can be retrofitted and is available from any Bosch dealer. Thanks to an eSIM it has a permanent online connection, GPS sensors record the position and the sensors additionally detect all movements of the bike. With the Flow+ subscription, which is free in the first year and then costs €39.95 per year, the "eBike Alarm" can be activated as soon as the eBike is switched off. If the bike is then moved while locked, a loud alarm sounds and you receive a message on your smartphone. Thanks to GPS the position of the eBike can be tracked. How effective this is can be followed in the Airbell thread, where NoPains' stolen mountain bike was found and secured.
The KTM Macina Kapoho Exonic Di2 will accompany us for the next few weeks — a detailed review with all features and riding impressions will follow shortly.
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Technical specifications
| Bosch Performance Upgrade 2.0 (Smart System) | |
|---|---|
| Distribution/Update | Over-the-Air via Bosch Flow App (smartphone) |
| Availability (Upgrade) | from May 4 (app/system update) |
| Max. torque (new) | up to 120 Nm (dynamic/time-limited boost) |
| Torque (continuous/standard setup, CX Gen 5) | 85 Nm (base remains unchanged) |
| Max. power (base, CX Gen 5) | 600 W (base remains unchanged) |
| Max. assistance (base, CX Gen 5) | 340% (base remains unchanged) |
| Max. power (with Performance Upgrade) | 750 W (same as with Performance Upgrade 1.0) |
| Max. assistance (new) | up to 600% |
| 600% limitation | 600% only up to 15 km/h, then falls back to approx. 400% |
| Compatibility for 600% assistance | CX Gen 5; CXR; PX; CX Gen 4; CX Race |
| Trick check | Jump, Wheelie, Manual, Stoppie |
