Brose is not just presenting a new motor. But an entire ecosystem. A whole host of components are hidden behind the name Qore. In addition to two motor options and a compact display-remote combination, there are two battery variants with 650 and 800 watt hours. Over the next few years, the Brose system will be expanded to include additional parts. In our first test, we are focussing on the existing portfolio with the top motor Drive³ Peak and 800 watt hour battery. Can the new Brose hold a candle to the established competition?
Update for the end of 2025: 105 Newton metres and 800 watts
One thing is clear: with 600 watts and 95 Newton metres of maximum torque, the Drive³ Peak is aimed at the classic e-bike values of Bosch, Shimano and Yamaha. No wonder, as the project has been in the pipeline for some time. Brose presented the new parts for the first time at Eurobike 2023. This means that an unusually long time has now passed before the bike is ready for series production. Time in which a lot has happened with e-bikes. DJI set a decisive new impulse with its Avinox last yearBosch has now followed suit with more power. In keeping with this, Brose is also giving the Qore system more power at the end of 2025. Up to 800 watts at the peak and 105 Newton metres should raise the Drive³ Peak to the level of the competition.
Test bike still with 95 Newton metres: The new Drive³ Peak
Our test bike with the Drive³ Peak, on the other hand, still came with 95 Newton metres of torque and 600 watts of peak power - relatively classic values in the power e-bike league. There has recently been a power arms race in this class. The DJI Avinox (test here) pulverised the status quo with up to 1000 watts of power and 120 Nm of torque. Recently Bosch followed suit and updated the classic Performance CX to 100 Newton metres and 750 watts of peak power. A highly competitive market. Recently Mahle with the powerful M40 in the battle for lightweight and powerful mid-engines.
At 2.9 kilos, the weight of the new Drive³ Peak is slightly above Bosch level, Shimano's EP801 is slightly lighter at 2.65 kilos and the brand new DJI Avinox even weighs just under 2.6 kilos. Significantly heavier, on the other hand, is the new powerhouse from Specialized (3.18 kg)which is built at the Brose plant.
Operating the Brose Qore
Brose has named the control unit for the Qore drive Control Allround. The display/control combination is easy to switch via four defined buttons and the screen is clear and sharp. This is pleasing and makes a successful impression. The control unit is Bluetooth-enabled and enables communication with the Brose app. This should provide system updates and customisation options. There is also a USB-C port, which serves as a service interface and allows you to charge your smartphone or GPS.
The facts about the Brose Qore E-drive
- Motor: Drive³ Peak
- Power, torque and assistance: 600 W / 95 Nm / 600 %
- Power update at the end of 2025: 800 W / 105 Nm
- Motor weight: 2.9 kilos
- Batteries: 792 and 649 Wh
- Support levels: Eco, Tour, Sport and Boost, plus the "One Mode" auto mode
- Punch mode: Full power at the touch of a button, regardless of the mode
- Control unit "Control Allround" combines display and remote directly on the handle
- Further batteries, range extenders and display/operator combinations are to follow
Practical test: How the Brose Drive³ Peak rides
Off-road, the powerful thrust from below is quickly noticeable. We already know the torque strength of Brose's predecessor unit Drive SMag. And the successor retains this character. When pedalling slowly, the motor pushes forward strongly and unwaveringly. In direct comparison with a Bosch Performance CX (before the power update!), you can feel significantly more power. Constant coasting ensures that you don't get stuck so easily in tricky situations.
The Drive³ Peak responds directly to the rider's input, which makes the ride feel pleasantly lively. This is particularly true in "One Mode", which strongly couples the motor thrust to the rider's input. However, this does not come close to the dynamic Bosch acceleration. The high support factor is striking. Even with low rider input, the Drive³ Peak pushes forward really strongly in turbo mode.
At a fast cadence, the Brose pulls well, whereby Bosch's CX is at least on a par even before its power update. Pleasant: The background noise of the new Brose remains discreet at all times. The drive noise is roughly on a par with the new Bosch Performance CX. However, a very slight rattling can be heard from the gearbox when travelling downhill. Not as drastic as with the Shimano EP801 or the old CX - but still perceptible.
Range test with the Brose Qore e-bike drive
The Drive³ Peak proves its power in our standardised range test. With a relatively low rider input of 150 watts, it already delivers real power. Significantly more than a Bosch Performance CX.
The Brose shoots up our test climb (12.2 % gradient) at an average speed of 16.7 km/h. By way of comparison, a Bosch CX achieves an average of 15 km/h here. This shows the higher support factor of 410 per cent compared to 340 per cent for Bosch.
Brose even wants to increase the support factor to 600% at launch. The difference will then be even greater. But watch out, hold on tight: A DJI Avinox flies uphill at over 21 km/h under identical conditions. That's another 6 km/h faster than the new Brose.
After four laps in full throttle mode, the Brose Qore's 800-cell battery runs out of breath. The Berlin climbs 1681 metres in altitude at full power, only to add another 331 metres with minimal support when the battery is low. For comparison. Bosch, the range leader, manages a good 2000 metres of altitude with the 800 battery at a lower speed and keeps going with a turbo boost right to the end.
Flexible charging with the Smart Charger
Brose is also presenting its new charger as a special feature. In addition to the classic charging mode, the charger offers two further functions. To extend the battery life, there is the option to charge the battery to only 80 per cent. The quick charge function is available for quick charging processes, for example to increase the range when travelling. Brose specifies 4.5 hours for a full charge to 100 per cent of the 800 battery. This cannot keep up with the fast-charging functions of the chargers from DJI and Specialised.
BIKE summary of the Brose Qore
The electric motor market is highly competitive. The new Brose motor cannot boast new best values. However, Brose plans to upgrade to 800 watts and 105 Newton metres by the end of the year. On the trail, the power delivery, ride feel and background noise of the Drive³ Peak are already impressive. The support is really powerful. It remains to be seen how the Brose Drive³ Peak will perform with the new performance data.
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
