Trek is getting a head start on the competition with the latest version of its Marlin+ electric mountain bike, becoming the first North American bicycle manufacturer to feature Bosch’s newly upgraded Active Line Plus motor.
The updated drive system brings more power, less weight, and a smaller footprint to Trek’s approachable electric mountain bike platform, helping make the Marlin+ 6 Gen 2 an even more compelling option for riders who want a capable e-bike without necessarily stepping up to a full-blown, high-performance electric mountain bike.
The Trek Marlin+ has traditionally occupied an interesting Goldilocks position in the company’s electric mountain bike lineup. It’s designed to offer the versatility of a trail-capable eMTB while remaining practical enough for everyday recreational riding, commuting, and exploring gravel paths.
In other words, it’s the kind of electric mountain bike that doesn’t require you to be an actual mountain biker to enjoy it.
And the new Bosch motor seems particularly well suited to that mission.
More power without more weight
The biggest upgrade comes courtesy of Bosch’s new-generation Active Line Plus motor, which now offers up to 600 watts of power and 60 Nm of torque.
That’s paired with up to 340% pedal assistance, giving riders a substantial boost when accelerating or tackling climbs.
Despite the improved performance, Bosch has actually managed to shrink the motor. A redesigned two-stage gearbox reduces its volume by 17% while shaving approximately 1.1 lb (0.5 kg) from the previous generation.
The new motor weighs just around 6 lb (2.7 kg), helping manufacturers like Trek build lighter, more streamlined electric bicycles.
Bosch has also focused on improving the riding experience, with updated sensors and software designed to provide smoother, more natural-feeling assistance. Specially machined gears help make the motor virtually silent, while improved sealing and bearings are designed to withstand riding in all weather conditions.
The motor provides pedal assistance up to 20 mph (32 km/h) in the US, making it a Class 1 e-bike without a throttle. With a launch price of US $2,999, it’s also one of the more affordable options in Trek’s lineup.
For a bike like the Marlin+, that combination of moderate weight, smooth assistance, and plenty of usable power could be more important than chasing the enormous torque figures found on increasingly powerful premium eMTBs.
Bosch has more upgrades coming, too
The new motor isn’t the only addition to Bosch’s electric bicycle ecosystem this fall.
The company has also unveiled its new Intuvia 200 display, featuring a 2.4-inch grayscale screen designed to remain readable in bright sunlight. It’s joined by a redesigned LED Controller that’s approximately 65% smaller than the previous LED Remote, offering five thumb-operated buttons and a USB-C charging port.
Bosch is also expanding its theft protection technology with an updated ConnectModule that uses Bluetooth Low Energy alongside GPS and cellular connectivity to help locate stolen e-bikes within a few yards, including in areas where GPS reception is poor.
Perhaps most interesting for long-distance riders is the new PowerTube 720 battery, which packs 720 Wh of capacity into a compact package weighing just 8.6 lb (3.9 kg). Bosch claims up to 115 miles (185 km) of range under favorable conditions on compatible touring e-bikes.
Those additional products are part of Bosch’s broader smart system updates, though Trek hasn’t confirmed which, if any, will be included on the updated Marlin+.
With Bosch supplying drive systems to a large number of e-bike makers worldwide, these upgrades will likely find their way onto plenty of other electric bicycles in the coming months.
But for now, Trek gets the distinction of being first in North America to bring the new Active Line Plus motor to riders.
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