Test / Drive System: With the Qore Drive³ Peak, we're taking a look at one of the very few classic mid-drive motors still bearing the "Made in Germany" label. Behind the new name lies a wealth of experience: The team and the technology originate from the former e-bike division of Brose, which was acquired by Yamaha in August 2025. Whether the Qore Drive³ Peak, with its 105 Nm of torque and 800 watts of peak power, can live up to the popular strengths of its unofficial predecessor – the Brose Drive S Mag – is something we'll determine with hard data from our test bench and detailed impressions from the trail.
History & Background: Brose DNA meets Yamaha resources
Normally, company acquisitions are a minor detail in our tests. However, in the case of the Qore Drive³ Peak, we need to say a few more words about its history, as the name "Qore" will likely raise a few eyebrows among many readers. The people and development work behind this motor are not unknown in the e-bike sector: they are former Brose employees.
Looking back: Brose, or rather its e-bike division, formerly the developer of the highly successful Drive S Mag, was acquired by Yamaha in August 2025. Since then, the division has operated under the name Yamaha Motor eBike Systems GmbH (YMESG), headquartered in Berlin. The former Brose team now continues to develop the products under the Qore brand. For end customers, this corporate history is of secondary importance. Far more significant is the message that the Qore Drive³ Peak is built on a proven foundation, demonstrates a clear commitment to Germany as a development and production location, and is guaranteed a long-term roadmap (including new products for 2027) by its parent company, Yamaha.
The hardware: Compact dimensions, powerful performance
Looking at the raw data sheet, the Qore Drive³ Peak delivers a thoroughly solid, if at first glance unassuming, performance. The motor weighs 2,9 kilograms and is housed in a fairly compact casing. It is around 15 percent smaller than the Brose S Mag and can be elegantly integrated into modern frames.
The performance figures position the drive system in the current top class of full-power motors: The top-of-the-line Drive³ Peak version offers a maximum peak output of 800 watts and a hefty 105 Nm of torque. (A slightly software-limited version called Drive³ Power, with 700 watts and 90 Nm, is also available.) The data sheet also promises a maximum support factor of 600 percent.
Test bench & e-bike lab: What the motor is really capable of
To transform abstract theory into reliable facts, we thoroughly tested the Quercus 2.0 forest bike, in which the motor was installed, on the PT Labs test bench. As always, you can find all the detailed graphs and further measurement data in numerous interactive graphics on [website address]. https://www.ebike-lab.de
We measured the baseline performance curves at a fixed cadence of approximately 75 revolutions per minute. In regular "Boost" mode, the Drive³ Peak doesn't behave unpredictably, but rather seamlessly integrates into the ranks of modern top-of-the-line drive systems in terms of performance – with the exception of Avinox motors, which are in a class of their own. The measured maximum power output in this range was almost exactly 700 watts, putting it within striking distance of other competitors from Bosch, Gobao, and others. However, it achieves these high values with a slightly lower rider effort, as the assistance level is quite high. The system develops its absolute peak performance at a sweet spot of around 100 revolutions per minute – here, we were able to coax a good 740 watts from the motor.
OneMode and Punch Mode: Strong character on the trail
Far more interesting than the sheer peak power output are the different support levels, as Qore puts its own unique stamp on the motor here. In addition to the classic, linear modes (Eco, Tour, Boost), there are two special modes that significantly influence the bike's character.
First, there would be the Punch modeThis mode operates outside the regular shift sequence and is activated by a side click on the remote. The name says it all: the motor delivers maximum support, which, according to our measurements, is significantly higher than the stated 600 percent and even exceeds 800 percent. Even with a rider input of just 50 watts, the motor is operating at almost its maximum power. The result is a mode perfectly suited as a shuttle for steep uphill climbs. While the finer control is reduced, Punch Mode never uncontrollably pulls the bike out from under you. It always waits for the rider's decisive pedal input, but then delivers the power without compromise.
Even more exciting for sporty drivers is the OneModeThis dynamic mode combines very high progressiveness with an almost demanding basic tuning. This means that those who pedal lightly (below approximately 130 watts of power output) will experience assistance that falls somewhere between Eco and Tour modes. However, if you pedal hard and engage your thighs, the motor unleashes its power. This dynamic "rubber band" behavior – first feeling resistance, then being rewarded with lightning speed – is extremely fun on the trail, but requires some initial getting used to.
Cadence and Thermal Stability
The cadence curve shows a pleasingly stable motor. Even though the sweet spot is around 100 RPM, the system delivers decent power from as low as 70 revolutions per minute. The motor maintains its power up to a cadence of 135 RPM before the assistance drops off rapidly – a range that even the most ambitious e-mountain bikers are unlikely to reach often.
Thermal stability deserves close scrutiny. Under an extreme continuous load of 250 watts input power on the test bench, the motor lasted between 11 and 12 minutes before entering derating mode (at a housing temperature of approximately 90 degrees Celsius). The interesting aspect of this is the "how": The Qore Drive³ Peak then abruptly reduces its power output by over 25 percent before stabilizing at around 80 percent of its maximum power. This abrupt cut-off is definitely noticeable on the trail as a sudden loss of power. On the plus side, however, the battery voltage remains exceptionally stable for a long time beforehand: Even as the battery gradually depletes, the motor consistently delivers over 99 percent of its output power.
Battery and charger: Thoughtful details
Our test system draws its power from the in-house InTube 800 battery, manufactured in Poland. With a capacity of 800 Wh and a weight of 3,8 kilograms, its energy density of 211 Wh/kg places it firmly in the top third of the market. Alternatively, there is an InTube 650 version, housed in the same aluminum casing, but utilizing cells with a lower capacity (649 Wh at 3,6 kg). The battery's design is relatively short and thick, which, while necessitating wider downtubes for bike manufacturers, promotes better weight distribution within the frame.
A real highlight is the locking system. Qore uses a mechanism with small plastic wings on the front. The battery clicks firmly into place, the wings fold down, and the battery is held securely. One of the best solutions we've seen on the market so far.
The 48-volt system is charged via the Smart Charger 250. This delivers a maximum of 4,5 amps at 54 volts, resulting in a charging power of approximately 250 watts. A completely empty 800 Wh battery is fully charged in just over four and a half hours (0-80% in about three hours). This is solid, but it doesn't fall into the category of absolute super-fast chargers. However, the integration of the charging modes directly on the power supply is truly clever: A button with an LED indicator allows you to conveniently switch between "Eco," "Standard," and "Fast." The Eco mode charges gently at 2,5 amps and automatically cuts off the charging process at 85 percent. A boon for the lifespan of the cells, all without any cumbersome app settings!
Display, ergonomics and connectivity
Speaking of apps: The Qore eBike app currently offers a solid foundation. It allows you to track rides, serves as a display replacement, and lets you adjust the support levels of the different modes as a percentage (0 to 100%). The roadmap for the future is promising, as Qore is already working on finer adjustments, such as for the progressiveness of One Mode.
The system's biggest advantage is its self-sufficiency: almost everything can be adjusted directly via the display on the bike. The "Control Allround" unit combines a 1,9-inch color TFT display with remote buttons. While this solution appears somewhat exposed and bulky on the handlebars of a sporty eMTB, it scores points with an integrated USB-C port for charging a smartphone, good readability, and satisfying tactile feedback. Those bothered by the aesthetics can look forward to the second quarter of 2027: that's when the "Display Integrate" will be released, a streamlined top tube display along with a wireless remote.
Practical test: How does the Qore Drive³ Peak drive?
For the practical test, we rode on a wide variety of terrain to put the "Made in Germany" drive system through its paces. Anyone who feared the Brose DNA had been lost can breathe a sigh of relief. The Qore Drive³ Peak is characterized by an incredibly natural riding feel.
Naturalness and unfolding of power
Many modern motors surge forward almost nervously at the slightest pedal input. The Qore drive, however, operates much more smoothly. It gently integrates into the riding experience before delivering its massive power. On technical climbs, this means you have to consciously turn the cranks a few degrees before the motor engages. But this predictability is highly valued by many riders, as it prevents the bike from taking control. The excellently tuned dynamic trail integrates intuitively into the riding style and can be controlled purely through pedal pressure. If you need momentum for a root-covered section, you get it; if you need to brake abruptly, you won't be mercilessly pushed forward.
Soundscape: Light and shadow
The predecessor was renowned for its whisper-quiet belt drive. The Drive³ Peak now uses classic gears. Up to a cadence of around 70 RPM, the system remains impressively quiet – the motor is barely audible. However, as the cadence increases towards 100 RPM, the noise swells to a distinct, high-pitched whir. In terms of uphill noise, it performs at roughly the same level as a current Bosch CX Gen 5.
On downhill sections, the issue of gearbox noise comes into play. The freewheel in the motor produces a certain rattling sound on rough descents. It's not extremely bothersome and is often masked by wind and trail noise, but it's noticeably on par with an Avinox M1 or Mahle M40. Nevertheless, it's significantly quieter than a Shimano EP801 or a Gobao P120.
Conclusion
The Qore Drive³ Peak is an e-bike drive system with plenty of character and a distinct personality. Instead of trying to outdo the competition with record-breaking specs, Qore focuses on outstanding rideability. Its natural responsiveness, the rewarding OneMode, the brutal Punch Mode, and clever details like the battery lock and Eco-Charging make it a genuine alternative in the fiercely competitive market. The system was initially released by launch partners such as Waldbike (in the Quercus 2.0 full-suspension bike) and Campus. Anyone looking for a powerful, predictable all-rounder should definitely try to get a test ride on the new "Made in Germany" motor.