Bosch Gen4 (BES3) - Performance CX Smart System from 2022

Bosch Gen4 (BES3) - Performance CX Smart System from 2022

Paul Varin

Bosch Smart System (Bosch Gen4 BES3)

This section covers tuning devices compatible with the Bosch Gen4 Smart System BES3 e-bike drive units introduced in 2022. Also known as Bosch Smart System 2022, "BES3" refers to "Bosch Development Stage 3"—a major leap forward into digital e-bike connectivity. Bosch simply refers to it as the "smart system," designed to usher in the next era of connected e-biking. Please consult your e-bike manual for model-specific guidance.

Here the Bosch Rim Magnet Tuning blog

 

OVERVIEW OF THE BOSCH SMART SYSTEM COMPONENTS

The Bosch Gen4 Smart System (BES3) focuses on smart connectivity. Controlled via the eBike Flow app, this system allows for regular feature updates and customisations. Although it builds on the familiar Performance Line CX motor, the Gen4 Smart System is a newly integrated system, consisting of the following key components:

THE DRIVE UNIT: The powerhouse of the system, this unit delivers up to 85 Nm of torque and includes eMTB mode with Extended Boost for powerful, responsive performance—even on challenging terrain.

EBIKE FLOW APP: This app acts as the command center of the system. It enables ride recording, mode customisation, and seamless over-the-air updates via Bluetooth. To prevent automatic updates that might affect tuning, disable the "Automatic Updates" option in the app settings.

POWERTUBE 750: A robust and long-lasting battery, optimised for extended tours. Features a smart battery management system.

4A CHARGER: Fully charges the PowerTube 750 in six hours, with a 50% charge achievable in just two.

LED REMOTE: A compact control unit linking the e-bike to the Flow app. It displays essential ride data and adapts its brightness automatically based on ambient light.

KIOX 300: A smart on-board computer with a color display, mounted on the handlebars. It offers fitness data, intuitive navigation, and supports future software updates.

Other compatible display and control options include Intuvia 100 and Purion 200, making the system flexible and scalable.

 

IDENTIFYING A BOSCH SMART SYSTEM E-BIKE

You likely have a Bosch Smart System e-bike if your setup includes:

-Compatibility with the eBike Flow App.

-Display units like Kiox 300, Kiox 500, Intuvia 100, or Purion 200.

ATTENTION: Older displays like Kiox or Intuvia without a numeric suffix do not belong to the Smart System family.

-Control units such as LED Remote or System Controller + Mini Remote.

-A square charging plug, unlike the round plug used in Gen2, Gen3, and early Gen4 models.

 

Note: As of September 2023, Bosch Smart System e-bikes are available with various drive units, including:

-Bosch Active Line Plus Smart System (BDU334Y)

-Bosch Active Line Smart System (BDU332Y)

-Bosch Cargo Line Gen4 Smart System (BES3)

-Bosch Performance Line CX Gen4 Smart System (BES3)

-Bosch Performance Line CX Race Gen4 Smart System (BES3)

-Bosch Performance Line Gen3 Smart System (BES3)

-Bosch performance line sx smart system (bdu31)

 

NOTE ON COMPATIBILITY AND NAMING

Bosch continues to use legacy names like Gen2, Gen3, and Gen4 for Smart System motors, even though the Smart System versions have been technically modified and are no longer cross-compatible with earlier systems.

 

BOSCH GEN5 PREVIEW

Expected in late 2024 or early 2025, Bosch Gen5 will extend the Smart System lineup with a revised Performance Line CX motor and new display (Purion 400). Early testing confirms compatibility with select tunings like VOLspeed V2 and Speedbox 1.1 Bosch provided the bike does not include ABS or a rim magnet.

 

TUNING BOSCH GEN4 2022 BES3 SMART SYSTEM

Yes, tuning is possible. The new system introduced revised motor connections and firmware updates including new connectors making older Gen4 tuning devices incompatible. The first compatible solution available in the market was launched by Speedbox 1.1 Bosch in 2021 Note: these tunings may not display the correct speed on the standard screen.

 

AVAILABLE TUNING FOR BOSCH GEN4 2022 SMART SYSTEM

Several tuning options are now on the market and continue to evolve. Each tuning compatibility and features vary, so it is important to check individual specifications before purchasing.

Here a detailed guide to Bosch Gen4 (2022) Smart System (blog)