New Mahle M40 e-bike motor: A surprise from Spain: Lightweight and plenty of power!

Mahle motors are a firm favourite in trekking, road and gravel e-bikes. The X20, X30 and X35 hub motors have a strong presence in these categories. On e-mountain bikes, however, hub motors do not play a role due to the system. With the M40, Mahle is now presenting a mid-motor that could cause quite a stir on the market. At least if the M40 delivers what the facts and first impressions promise. Mahle has plenty of experience. The giant automotive supplier has its origins in Stuttgart, but now operates from 148 production sites around the world. The e-bike division is based entirely in Spain.

>> E-gravel bikes on test - including 2 models with Mahle motor!

Visually, the M40 looks very compact. And at 2.5 kilos, it is said to be significantly lighter than the classic competition from Bosch and Shimano. Mahle claims a peak power of 850 watts - which is significantly more than the two popular classics. 2.5 kilos and 850 watts - hasn't that been done before? That's right. With precisely these data, the DJI Avinox (here in the test!) at the Eurobike 2024 for a lot of excitement. The Mahle M40 also boasts 105 Newton metres of maximum torque and maximum support of 400% in its data sheet.

Mahle and Specialised

Mahle, mid-engine and mountain bike - wasn't there something? Exactly. The Light motor Specialised SL was jointly developed by Specialized and Mahle and produced at the Mahle plant. Outside the Light bikes Levo SL and Kenevo SL from Specialized the two versions of the Speci motor have never been seen, because it is an exclusive Specialized product.

Two batteries - easily replaceable

Mahle has announced two batteries for the new system. The iM5 battery with 534 watt hours should weigh 2.5 kilos and thus enable really light bikes. For more range, there is the iM8 with 800 watt hours. Both batteries should have the same form factor and therefore fit easily into the same bike.

Wireless remote and slim display

Mahle has obviously also done a lot right when it comes to the controls. The slim remote works wirelessly and operates the motor system as well as the display or an installed light. The colour display measures 1.9 inches and is integrated into the top tube. In the photos, both parts look high-quality and well thought-out.

The bikes with the Mahle M40

Mahle has listed several manufacturers as launch partners. However, all of them are small manufacturers that have had little relevance in the mountain bike market to date. They lack any real size. Nevertheless, there are already some exciting models. First and foremost, the new Abums brand from Spain, where Mahle's entire e-bike division is based, is an absolute eye-catcher. The very first bike from this brand is a steel (!) e-MTB with a high-pivot rear triangle and definitely one of the more extravagant e-MTBs on the market.

Mahle has also listed the brands Labyrinth, Sants and Titan Racing as launch partners. More news about the bikes with the new Mahle M40 will be available soon on our channels.

BIKE summary of the new Mahle M40 mid-engine

We'll be honest: the news about the new Mahle engine surprised us. On paper, the system looks really coherent and we can hardly wait to put the motor through its paces in a first test. It will also be exciting to see which major mountain bike manufacturers will rely on this little powerhouse. Because without a good bike, even the best e-bike motor is useless.