Mahle X20: When the Drive Becomes a Matter of Ratio

Now it comes thick and fast. Only one day after Fazua presented its new Ride 60 drive, Mahle is directly countering and presenting its latest development – the X20. Behind the abbreviation is the lighter, but in terms of performance somewhat more modest brother of the X35+.

After light comes lighter

Apparently, Mahle does not want to give in that easily when it comes to the question of which ebike drive features the best power-to-weight ratio. In the battle for this title, the new system actually has its say. Fazua has come out on top with a total weight of 4.26 kilograms and 60 Newton metres. Mahle counters with 3.2 kilograms and a converted 55 Newton metres. In terms of weight, the winner is clear. However, it remains to be seen how meaningful the comparison of a mid-mounted motor with a unit installed in the rear wheel hub is. And we will come back to the 55 Newton metres as well.

Usually the entire industry benefits from such rivalry. If not the entire industry, then at least you as riders. One could agree on that in this case, too. For with the X20, Mahle shows that when it comes to sportiness, a drive like the X35+ is by no means the end of the road. Naturally, the manufacturer himself is absolutely convinced of his product. Jochen Sommer, head of MAHLE Smart Bike Systems, for example, speaks of an “unprecedented drive solution”. And for Marco de la Serna, head of strategy and business development at MAHLE Smart Bike Systems, the innovation embodies “the ultimate cycling experience”.

1. The X20 motor: the AI always rides along
2. The X20 control unit: bundled intelligence
3. The X20’s batteries: increased range
4. The X20 charger: one device, many currents
5. The X20 in practice: the first bikes

1. The X20 motor: the AI always rides along

Looking at it objectively, it can be stated that the manufacturer is very much trying to bundle the most modern technologies into the drive. Basically, it is a search for a system that gathers information from the way you ride and, with the help of the collected knowledge, highly individualises the support of the motor. To do this, the drive constantly receives data from a multitude of sensors that record acceleration, speed, torque, cadence and temperature. A mix of artificial intelligence and machine learning ensures that the X20 reacts appropriately. The result should be a highly personalised one that recognises exactly which person is sitting in the saddle, what physical condition they are in and what the general conditions of the current ride are. The goal above all is the ideal of a natural riding experience. Only a test ride can ultimately show how the implementation of all this will feel on the bike.

Less punchy than before

Until then, we will confine ourselves to the verifiable facts. And they indicate that the motor, at exactly 1.375 kilograms, has indeed become pretty light. It produces the usual 250 watts in continuous operation and offers you a torque of 23 Newton metres. This value is clearly below the 40 Newton metres that the X35+ has to offer. Of course, you should always bear in mind that this is the torque that pretty much 100 percent reaches the rear wheel. With mid-mounted motors, a significant part is lost during transmission via chain or belt.

Nevertheless, Mahle dares to make a comparison with the mid-mounted motor and brings a torque of 55 Newton metres into play, to which the 23 Newton metres of the X20 would correspond. According to the manufacturer, this was derived from measurements on the test bench. However, various factors play a role in such a comparison. One example is the selected chain transmission. What is indisputable is that the performance data show that Mahle has chosen a niche among e-road bikes, e-gravel bikes and urban ebikes as its target market.

One click is sufficient

New on the X20 is the Automatic Motor Connection System, or AMC for short. It makes it easier to remove the rear wheel. You don’t need to use a special tool to disconnect the wheel from the e-drive. A connector is attached to the left drop-out end. This is used to establish the connection between the motor and the system. At least with this drive, cables have had their day. As with a regular road bike, you simply loosen the thru axle and take the rear wheel out of the frame. That’s all there is to it.

The hub motor requires a thru axle with a diameter of twelve millimetres. Otherwise, it is compatible with all freewheel standards and groupsets with up to 13 gears.

2. The X20 control unit: bunched intelligence

When it comes to operation, Mahle continues to rely on the system with a control unit integrated in the top tube similar to the well-known iWoc One. From there, you bring the e-drive to life, select the desired assistance level, detect the battery charge level and receive warnings. A built-in brightness sensor regulates the intensity of the light based on the lighting conditions of the immediate surroundings. The unit is supposed to respond to the press of a button with haptic feedback.

3. The X20’s batteries: increased range

The concept of the built-in batteries also remains unchanged. They are permanently integrated so that you can only charge them directly on the ebike. In future, Mahle will offer two different sizes. The new iX250 provides 242 watt hours, while the iX350 comes with 353 watt hours. According to Mahle, this is enough for a maximum of 100 kilometres and 140 kilometres respectively. If this seems too little to you, the corresponding range extender e185 would be a good idea. Its capacity of 172 watt-hours should increase the range by an additional 50 kilometres to 70 kilometres on average. The additional battery weighs only one kilogram and is shaped like a drinking bottle. However, a special bottle holder with a connection to the charging port of the X20 is required for installation on the ebike. While you are not using the e185 on your ebike, it is also ideal as a power bank. However, the docking station required for this does not seem to be included as standard when you order it.

4. The X20 charger: one device, many currents

A new system also means a new charger. At least that is the case with Mahle. The Active Charger contains a CAN bus. This is used to implement different charging currents between zero and 4.5 amps. In this way, each of the three batteries should be 80 percent charged within an hour. In addition to the output for the power connection, the Active Charger also has a micro-USB port. You can use this, for example, to download updates for the X20 directly.

5. The X20 in practice: the first bikes

In principle, the new drive from Mahle is available immediately. More important for you, of course, is when you can expect to see the first ebikes in which the X20 is already installed. The good news is that the first bikes are already on the market. Parallel to Mahle, Scott and Wilier have presented new bikes. The updated Addict eRide e-road bike shows where the journey with Mahle’s new development will probably go. The top version of the racer weighs just 10.4 kilograms. However, the price for the Scott Addict eRide Ultimate is almost exactly 10,000 euros.

You have to pay through the nose for the top model of the new Filante Hybrid from Wilier. The six available configurations range from 9,300 euros to 12,500 euros.

The bad news is that even when we ask, Mahle does not reveal whether these will remain the only ebikes with X20 for the foreseeable future or whether it’s worth waiting for perhaps a more affordable option.

 

Pictures: Mahle Smartbike System