2024 context: Bosch catches up with the competition
With the arrival of Avinox (105 Nm), Specialized 2.2 (90 Nm) and Shimano EP801 (85 Nm), the 2020 Bosch CX (85 Nm) was starting to feel dated. The BDU384Y revision announced in late 2023 and fitted to 2024 models addresses this.
New Bosch CX specs
| Spec | CX 2020 (BDU374Y) | CX 2024 (BDU384Y) |
|---|---|---|
| Max torque | 85 Nm | 100 Nm (+15 Nm) |
| Peak power | 600 W | 750 W (+150 W) |
| Max cadence | 120 rpm | 120 rpm (same) |
| Weight | 2.9 kg | 2.8 kg (-100 g) |
| eMTB mode | adaptive | adaptive (improved algorithm) |
| Voltage | 36 V | 36 V (same) |
| Battery compatibility | PowerTube 500/625/750 | PowerTube 800 added |
| Torque sensor | dual | triple (+ wheel position) |
| System | Smart System | Smart System mandatory |
The mandatory Smart System requirement
This is THE structural change: you cannot buy a 2024 Bosch CX without Smart System. No more compatibility with older Intuvia, Purion, Nyon (1st gen) displays. You must upgrade to:
- Kiox 300 (mid-range display) — £220
- Kiox 500 (premium colour display) — £320
- SmartphoneGrip (smartphone as display via Flow app) — £90
- System Controller (compact control without display, smartphone handles display) — £50
If you're replacing a 2020 CX with a 2024 on an existing bike, your old display won't work — complete cockpit rewiring needed, expect around £400 in parts plus labour.
Improved eMTB mode — the "Race" algorithm
The eMTB mode reads torque sensor 1000×/sec and adapts the boost. In 2024, new "Race" algorithm that:
- Launches more aggressively as soon as torque sensor exceeds 35 N·m
- Peaks faster at 100 Nm (no delay)
- Smoother cutoff at 25 km/h (no jerking)
On the trail: around 20% gain in short acceleration (measured on steep sections 50 m, 12% gradient). The gap with Specialized 2.2 remains minimal, but Bosch's automatic mode is noticeably more intelligent than the competition.
