MAHLE SmartBike Systems won the 2026 Design & Innovation Award for its M40 drive system, with the jury highlighting the system’s “exceptional balance of power, weight and integration”.
“The MAHLE M40 strikes a remarkably well-balanced combination of power, weight and integration for the eMTB segment. With a total system weight of just 5 kg – 2.5 kg for the motor and 2.5 kg for the iM5 battery, excluding remote and display – it generates an impressive 105 Nm of torque and up to 850 W of peak power. This results in an outstanding power density of 340 W/kg, with a gear ratio of 600%. Features like Auto Hold, Dynamic Overrun and a high-resolution speed sensor ensure precise control, stability and a natural ride feel across all types of terrain. One standout innovation is the system’s ability to automatically adjust motor output based on your heart rate – an intelligent solution that enhances both comfort and training efficiency. While the display and app still feel underdeveloped and the system overall gives off a somewhat prototype-like impression, the technical direction is clear. MAHLE isn’t positioning the M40 as an end in itself, but as a platform designed to empower brands and make rider data meaningfully usable. The jury recognises this approach as a pioneering step toward the next generation of lightweight eMTB systems,” says the jury.
Other notable features of the M40 that heavily impressed the jury include Hill Hold, Dynamic Overrun and a high-resolution speed sensor that ensures precise control, stability and a natural riding experience on any terrain, allowing the system to automatically adapt assistance to the rider’s input, combining performance, efficiency and confidence in demanding conditions.
Mahle is no stranger to the Design & Innovation Award, as the German mobility brand was previously awarded for its X20, XS and X30 drive systems.
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