The Gazelle Ultimate stands out from many city e-bikes due to its active frame geometry. You sit less passively than on a purely comfort-oriented model, allowing you to steer the bike through corners with control. At the same time, the seating position remains upright enough to keep a good overview of traffic and the road ahead. The adjustable stem allows for individual customization between a slightly sportier and a more upright position.

The aluminum frame features a head tube angle of 70.5 degrees. This geometry supports a comparatively direct steering feel. The bike reacts quickly to steering inputs without feeling unstable at higher speeds. The stiff frame is particularly helpful when you are carrying luggage, accelerating hard, or need to brake firmly on a descent.

The motor, battery, and cables are largely integrated into the frame. This improves more than just the aesthetics. The mid-drive motor and the battery in the down tube keep the center of gravity centered and relatively low. This makes slow maneuvers easier, such as when starting off, maneuvering in a tight parking area, or navigating a sharp bend. Since the battery is not located on the luggage carrier, it remains free for bags and other accessories.

The current generation of the series was honored with the iF Design Award 2026. For everyday use, however, how the design has been implemented technically is more decisive. Wide tires, hydraulic disc brakes, and a suspension fork are part of the basic concept. The current main models use air-sprung forks with 80 millimeters of travel. They can be better adjusted to the rider's weight than simple steel-spring forks.

The suspension seat post also reduces shocks on poor cycle paths. It does not replace a full-suspension design, but it absorbs some of the impacts from cobblestones, dropped curbs, and damaged asphalt. If you ride on varying surfaces every day, this combination offers more reserves than a classic city e-bike with a rigid fork.

If you mainly want to ride comfortably and slowly through the city, a Gazelle model designed more for comfort might be more suitable. If, on the other hand, you commute quickly, plan longer tours, and are looking for a direct riding feel, the geometry of the Ultimate is a better fit. Step-through frames and frames with a high top tube are available in several sizes, so the sporty orientation is not tied to a specific frame shape.

The Ultimate C5+ is the balanced choice for riders who prefer a clearly stepped hub gear system. The five gears are sufficient for city traffic and normal tours. The gear system is designed for the load on an e-bike and works with a belt drive. With 75 Nm, the Bosch Performance Line motor provides powerful support even against headwinds and on longer inclines.

The Gazelle Ultimate C380 offers the highest level of shifting comfort. Instead of switching between fixed gears, you adjust the gear ratio steplessly using the twist shifter. This is practical when inclines, wind, and speed change frequently. You can fine-tune the gear ratio and do not have to think about which gear is currently suitable. The Performance Line PX motor delivers more torque than the C5+ and is therefore better suited for heavier riders, luggage, and hilly regions.

The Ultimate T11 is aimed at sportier riders. Its 11-speed derailleur gear system offers a wide range of gear ratios and can be operated precisely under changing conditions. Knobby tires provide more grip on gravel and firm forest paths. However, the open derailleur system requires regular cleaning and lubrication. If you ride almost exclusively on asphalt and want to spend as little time as possible on maintenance, the C380 is usually more practical.

The Ultimate C8+ uses eight fixed gears and the more restrained Bosch Active Line Plus motor with 50 Nm. This combination is sufficient for flat to slightly hilly routes. The motor is less powerful than the drives in the current C5+, C380, and T11 models. In return, the C8+ is lighter without the battery and offers an uncomplicated gear system for city traffic.

The most important difference between the Gazelle Ultimate C8 or C8+ and the C380 lies in the shifting system. The C8+ features a Shimano Nexus hub gear with eight fixed gears. As with a normal bicycle, you shift from one clearly defined gear ratio to the next. The system is easy to understand and covers typical city rides as well as tours on paved paths.

The Gazelle Ultimate C380 uses a continuously variable Enviolo hub gear. You do not engage a specific gear; instead, you change the gear ratio continuously using the twist grip. Whether you are starting at a traffic light, encountering an incline, or riding with a tailwind, you can adjust your cadence more precisely. This convenience is more noticeable on long and varied routes than on short city rides.

Both models use a belt drive. The current C380 features a Gates CDX system, which is designed for heavy loads and long tours. The C8+ also runs on a Gates CDX belt. The belt does not require chain oil and therefore attracts less dirt. It should still be checked regularly and cleaned with water if necessary. "Low-maintenance" is therefore a more accurate description than "maintenance-free."

There is also a significant difference in the motor. The C8+ uses the Bosch Active Line Plus with 50 Nm. The current C380 is equipped with the Bosch Performance Line CX and provides 85 to 90 Nm. If you mainly ride in flat urban traffic, the C8+ offers sufficient support. If you frequently tackle inclines, travel with panniers, or want more powerful acceleration, the C380 is the more suitable choice.

The mid-motor provides assistance directly at the crank. This makes the power feel more natural than with a motor in the front or rear wheel. How powerfully the bike accelerates depends on the chosen model. The Active Line Plus in the C8+ engages the assistance more gently. The Performance Line in the C5+ reacts more powerfully, but remains easy to control. The Performance Line CX motors in the C380 and T11 offer the greatest reserves for climbs and heavy loads.

High torque does not mean the motor is constantly accelerating abruptly. The assistance depends on pedal power and the selected riding mode. In Eco mode, energy consumption remains low. Tour is suitable for normal rides. Auto adjusts the assistance more dynamically to the riding situation. Turbo provides the highest level of assistance and puts a correspondingly greater load on the battery.

When choosing between a hub gear and a derailleur gear, the area of use is what counts. A hub gear protects many components inside the hub casing and withstands daily use with little maintenance. With some systems, you can also shift into a lower gear while at a standstill. This makes it easier to start moving again after an unplanned stop.

The T11 derailleur gears shift quickly while riding and offer a wide range of ratios. On steeper or unpaved sections, you can adjust the gearing more precisely to the terrain. However, the chain requires maintenance to ensure shifting remains smooth. Sand, moisture, and salt increase wear. For those who use the bike for year-round commuting and do not want to schedule regular drivetrain maintenance, a hub gear with a belt drive is usually the more stress-free option.

Hydraulic disc brakes are standard on the Ultimate models. They offer more consistent braking performance in wet conditions than classic rim brakes. The more powerful C380 and T11 models feature a 180-millimeter brake disc at the front. This is helpful on long descents or with a high total weight, as a larger disc can dissipate heat more effectively.

How far you actually travel depends on several measurable factors. High rider weight, low tire pressure, cold temperatures, and frequent starting increase consumption. The same applies to inclines, headwinds, luggage, and continuous use of the Turbo mode. Therefore, a significantly longer range is possible on a flat route in mild weather than on a hilly winter tour.

For daily commutes totaling 20 to 40 kilometers, a 540 Wh battery is sufficient in many cases. If you are planning longer day trips or do not want to charge after every ride, the 600 Wh version offers more reserve. The 800 Wh battery is suitable for high weekly mileage, demanding routes, and trips with luggage. However, the larger battery increases the weight and costs more.

The current Ultimate models can also be expanded with the Bosch PowerMore 250. This additional battery is mounted near the seat post and supplements the main battery by 250 Wh. Combined with an 800 Wh battery, a total of 1,050 Wh is available. This is particularly interesting for multi-day tours. For short commutes, this extra capacity is usually not necessary.

The main battery is protected within the down tube but can be removed for charging. You can also charge the e-bike directly with the battery installed. This is practical if there is a power outlet where the bike is parked. If there is no power supply in your bike storage area, you can remove the locked battery from the frame and charge it in a suitable indoor space. When reinserting the battery, ensure it clicks into place completely and is locked again.

The Gazelle Ultimate is especially worthwhile for riders who are looking for a fully equipped e-bike for everyday use and leisure. Mudguards, a luggage carrier, lighting, and a frame lock are already designed for daily use. At the same time, the frame geometry, motors, and brakes provide enough reserves for longer tours.

If you want as little drivetrain maintenance as possible, the C5+, C8+, and C380 are interesting choices due to their hub gears and belt drive. The C380 offers the finest adjustment and the most powerful motor. The C5+ is a sensible choice if five clearly defined gears are enough for you and you do not need the stepless Enviolo shifting system. The C8+ is suitable for moderate routes and a smoother assistance behavior.

If you frequently ride on gravel, forest paths, and hilly routes, the T11 is better suited. Its derailleur gears and treaded tires offer more versatility off smooth bike paths. Nevertheless, the Ultimate is not intended for difficult mountain bike trails. The luggage rack, mudguards, and touring-oriented geometry clearly show that it is a trekking e-bike.

Before making a decision, a test ride with your preferred frame style is recommended. The weight and high center of gravity when pushing the bike feel different than while riding. Also check whether you need to carry the bike up stairs, store it in a basement, or transport it on a bike rack. In these situations, the Gazelle Ultimate's weight may be more important than motor power or maximum range.