MAHLE M40 wins the Red Dot Design Award 2026
MAHLE M40 has been awarded a Red Dot Design Award in the Product Design category, one of the most respected international distinctions in industrial design. This recognition highlights the M40 as a highly capable system for lightweight eMTB applications, where integration, efficiency and riding performance are essential.
A design award with more than 60 years of history
Established in 1955, the Red Dot Design Award is one of the world’s most recognised design competitions. Each year, an international jury evaluates thousands of products based on criteria such as innovation, functionality, formal quality, ergonomics and sustainability.
The M40 has been honoured in the Product Design category, which brings together advanced industrial solutions across sectors including mobility, consumer goods and professional equipment. Receiving this distinction places the M40 among leading examples of engineering and design excellence.
Why the MAHLE M40 is impressive:
1. A powerful and lightweight drive unit
The M40 delivers 105 Nm of torque and up to 850 W peak power, while the motor weighs only 2.5 kg. This balance enables brands to develop eMTB models that remain agile and responsive, even on demanding terrain.
2. A modular battery ecosystem
The system is compatible with two batteries:
- iM5 (534 Wh)
- iM8 (800 Wh)
Both share the same form factor and connectors, allowing manufacturers to integrate different capacities without altering the frame design. This modularity supports a wide range of geometries and performance requirements.
3. Natural and controlled riding dynamics
The M40 has been engineered to deliver smooth, predictable assistance. Its sensor architecture ensures precise power delivery, while features such as Auto Hold and Dynamic Overrun help maintain traction and momentum on technical climbs and uneven surfaces.
4. Integration designed for performance
The compact dimensions of the motor and the clean battery interface allow for discreet integration into the frame. This supports the development of eMTB models that retain the handling and aesthetics of a traditional mountain bike, while benefiting from the added capability of electric assistance.
5. Smart Assist and Traction Control
The M40 introduces new features designed to enhance control, efficiency and stability:
- Smart Assist automatically adjusts support based on riding conditions, ensuring smooth and consistent assistance without the need to switch modes manually.
- Traction Control improves grip on technical climbs and loose surfaces, helping maintain stability and momentum when the terrain becomes challenging.
These additions contribute to a more intuitive and predictable riding experience, particularly in off‑road environments.
A growing list of award‑winning MAHLE systems
The Red Dot Design Award for the M40 adds to a series of recognitions earned by MAHLE SmartBike Systems in recent years:
- X20 System – Winner of the Design & Innovation Award for its low weight, seamless integration and natural riding feel.
- X30 System – Recognised for its balanced performance and compact architecture, enabling lightweight eBikes across multiple segments.
- XS System – Awarded for its versatility and integration in compact eBike formats.
These achievements reflect MAHLE’s ongoing commitment to developing lightweight, efficient and well‑integrated eBike technologies that support a wide range of riding styles and bicycle categories.
A new milestone for MAHLE SmartBike Systems
With the M40, MAHLE strengthens its position in the lightweight eMTB segment, offering a system that combines advanced engineering, efficiency and a design approach focused on real riding performance. The Red Dot Design Award reinforces MAHLE’s vision of enabling brands to create eBikes that are lighter, more capable and better integrated, supporting the next generation of performance‑oriented electric mountain bikes.
