E-Bike Motors Ranked by Torque

Torque is only one measure of a motor, but it is one riders ask about most. This guide ranks the drive units in the database by quoted torque.

The shortlist

1. DJI Avinox M1 (DJI) - £1,120, 2.50 kg, rated 4.7. 105Nm peak torque and up to 800W peak output, compact housing with integrated sensors for responsive assistance, app-based tuning through the DJI ecosystem.
2. Brose Drive S Mag (Brose) - £822, 2.90 kg, rated 4.6. 90Nm torque with magnesium housing to limit weight, belt-driven internal reduction for low noise, sensor-led assist that responds smoothly under power.
3. Bosch Performance Line CX (Gen 5) (Bosch) - £896, 2.80 kg, rated 4.9. Whisper-quiet 85Nm eMTB motor featuring refined inertia and cadence sensors.
4. Shimano Steps EP801 (Shimano) - £859, 2.70 kg, rated 4.8. Intelligent 85Nm drive unit seamlessly integrated with Di2 Free Shift systems.
5. Bosch Performance Line CX Race (Bosch) - £934, 2.75 kg, rated 4.8. 85Nm peak torque and 600W peak power, race-oriented tuning that delivers assistance very quickly after pedal input, Full Smart System integration with Kiox 300 display and the eBike Flow app.
6. Bosch Performance Line CX (Gen 4) (Bosch) - £784, 2.90 kg, rated 4.6. 85Nm torque with dynamic eMTB mode that scales assistance to pedal pressure, walk assist and Extended Boost for slow technical climbing, large dealer and service network across Europe and North America.
7. Shimano EP8 RS (Shimano) - £822, 2.60 kg, rated 4.7. 85Nm torque in one of the more compact motor housings, Auto Shift and Free Shift compatibility with Di2 drivetrains, e-Tube Project app for assist profile tuning.
8. Yamaha PW-X3 (Yamaha) - £784, 2.80 kg, rated 4.6. 85Nm torque with strong low-cadence response, Auto Support mode adapts assistance to rider effort, compact motor design with reduced drag when assist is off.

How these were ranked Drive units are ranked by the torque figure quoted in their listing.

Buying advice Torque matters, but weight, noise and software tuning matter too. The shortlist spans £784 to £1,120, so check what your budget covers before comparing details.

Think about total cost The price in the list is only part of what you will spend. Installation, setup, accessories, consumables and future servicing all add up. Budget for these extras so that your final cost does not run beyond your plan.

Buy for your terrain and riding style The best choice depends on where and how you ride. Steep, technical descents reward strength and stability, while long climbs and mixed terrain favour low weight and efficiency. Match the shortlist to your own riding rather than to the hardest trail you can imagine.

Service, warranty and support Consider how well each manufacturer supports its products. Warranty terms, crash-replacement policies, local service points and parts availability all affect how much you will enjoy a purchase over several seasons.

Timing your purchase Prices and model-year specifications change through the year. Check current prices before buying, and be prepared to consider a previous-year model if the discount is significant and the changes are minor.

How the data was gathered Specifications and ratings come from the Gear Matrix database and describe the entries it contains. Treat the list as a guide, and verify the latest pricing, sizing and compatibility with the manufacturer before you buy.

Final thoughts Specifications and ratings come from the Gear Matrix database; verify current pricing, sizing and compatibility with the manufacturer before you buy.