MAHLE SmartBike Systems has been awarded the Design & Innovation Award 2026 for the M40 drive system, recognizing the brand’s approach to lightweight eMTB technology. The Design & Innovation Award jury highlighted the system’s “exceptional balance of power, weight and integration,” positioning the M40 as a benchmark for the next generation of performance-oriented eMTBs.
With a total system weight of just 5.0 kg, including a 2.5 kg motor and 2.5 kg iM5 battery, the MAHLE M40 delivers up to 105 Nm of torque and 850 W peak power, achieving a power-to-weight ratio of 340 W/kg.
Advanced features such as Hill Hold, Dynamic Overrun and a high-resolution speed sensor ensure precise control, stability and a natural riding experience on any terrain. The system automatically adapts motor assistance to the rider’s input, combining performance, efficiency and confidence in demanding conditions.
The Design & Innovation Award is one of the most respected distinctions in the cycling industry, granted by an independent jury of experts, professional riders and engineers.
MAHLE SmartBike Systems has previously been awarded for its X20, XS and X30 drive systems. The brand says that this continued recognition “underlines MAHLE’s consistent innovation strategy and confirms the M40 not just as a new product, but as a future-proof platform that empowers brands and elevates the riding experience through smart, integrated technology.”
A benchmark award for Mahle
The full statement from the Design & Innovation Awards regarding the MAHLE M40 winning in the off-road components category is below.
“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 Automatic Hill Brake, 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 aren’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.”
