E-bike Gazelle Grenoble C5 in test

The Gazelle Grenoble C5 is a high-quality urban e-bike that impresses with its powerful Bosch drive, exceptional ride comfort and elegant appearance. We tested the e-bike in everyday life.

This is clear after the first ride: the Gazelle Grenoble C5 fits easily into China’s urban e-bikes, which are less than half as expensive. The workmanship is impeccable, all components are well coordinated and create a harmonious overall picture. Our test bike is a version with a low 40cm entry, which is ideal for smaller riders, older people, women and anyone who values ​​easy climbs and descents. If you prefer a classic look, the Gazelle also offers a version with a center pole.

The elegant effect continues with the large aluminum frame. The matte white of our test e-bike looks timeless, with the subtle Ghazal lettering on the side looking modern. The logo is embossed on a metal plaque on the front. Weighing approximately 25 kg, the Grenoble C5 is not a flyweight, but is within the normal range for this class. It can carry up to 130 kg of weight and is approved for heavy drivers too. Cable management is exemplary: almost all cables are housed in the frame.

Gazelle has equipped the Grenoble C5 with everything a premium e-bike needs for everyday use. The robust luggage rack is designed for loads up to 27 kg. A solid stand that fits well into the overall picture is also on board, as are exemplary mudguards. These are not only wide in size but also have transparent protection at the back so that coats or flowing skirts do not get caught in the spokes.

The integrated AXA-Imenso frame lock is also practical. The battery is also secured with a key and can be removed for charging. Awesome: The lock and battery use the same key.

Overall, the Gazelle leaves a very high-quality and well-thought-out impression. Nothing wobbles or creaks here, everything appears to be of one piece.

The handlebars are curved in the typical Gazelle style and allow natural hand positioning. Thanks to the quick release, the stem can be adjusted in height and angle without tools – perfect for customizing the ergonomics to individual preferences. We’ve never seen this smart detail on any other e-bike in our tests. The handles are softly padded and comfortable to hold.

A rotating bell has been beautifully integrated into the left side of the handlebar. On the right, a fairly smooth turning handle controls the 5-speed hub gears. The colorful Bosch Kiosk 300 display is centered and clearly shows all the important driving data. It can be removed and thus protected from theft. The separate Bosch control unit for the motor is located on the left side of the handlebar and is easily accessible under the thumb. The system can also connect to an app to collect statistics and stay up to date with updates.

Lighting is another main attraction. The bright headlight is beautifully integrated into the mudguard and can also be seen from the side due to the transparent cutout – which is great for visibility in traffic. Thanks to the light sensor, the lighting system turns on and off automatically. The taillight is also bright enough, but does not have a brake light function.

When you first sit in the Gazelle Grenoble C5, you immediately feel comfortable. The deep step-through makes getting in and out easy, the softly padded Selle Royal Lena saddle with seat post suspension absorbs shock and the upright, variable seating position is gentle on the back. You can get down comfortably even after long journeys.

The high quality suspension fork also contributes to this. This smoothes out unevenness and coupled with the wide Schwalbe tires ensures a sedan-like driving experience. Cobblestones, paved roads or dirt roads are no problem for the Grenoble C5. It has driving comfort at a very high level. We’ve rarely ridden an e-bike with better ergonomics.

The powerful Bosch Smart System Performance Line motor provides propulsion. With 75 Nm of torque, it accelerates powerfully up to 25 km/h – and does so almost silently. This drive is completely designed to suit e-bikes. Power is transmitted to the rear wheel via a Gates belt drive to a 5-speed SHIMANO hub gear. The belt runs completely silently and – unlike a classic chain – is almost maintenance-free.

SHIMANO hub gears cover a good gear range. In first gear you can climb steep hills comfortably, in fifth gear you can climb comfortably with motor support. Gear changes are clear and precise.

The hydraulic disc brakes come from Tektro and provide plenty of stopping power. The disc size is 180/160 mm and it decelerates the e-bike confidently at all times.

With a capacity of 600 watt hours, the battery size is quite large. It is completely integrated into the down tube and therefore barely noticeable. For charging, it can be unlocked and removed with the key – so the bike can remain in the basement while the battery is charging in the apartment.

The included Bosch standard charger with 4 amps of charging current takes about 4 hours to fill the large battery. A charging indicator provides information about the charge level. Range depends largely on riding style, weight, environment, temperature, assistance level selected and more. We assume 50 to 100 km.

With an RRP of 4,200 euros, the Gazelle Grenoble C5 is priced on par with premium models. But you also get a luxury e-bike with the best components and equipment that leaves nothing to be desired. The Gazelle Grenoble C5 is a slightly slimmer version with a HMB with a 500 Wh battery and a Bosch Intuvia 100 display 3000 euros (price comparison),

The Gazelle Grenoble C5 is an e-bike par excellence. We have rarely ridden an electric bike that was so comfortable and built with such attention to detail. It doesn’t matter whether it’s powerful and quiet Bosch drives, high-quality lighting or extensive accessories – everything is here. Above all, the tremendous driving comfort makes the Grenoble C5 stand out from the crowd. Low entry, dual suspension, good tires and an easily adjustable ergonomic handlebar make the difference.

At a price of over 4000 euros, the Gazelle Grenoble C5 crosses the pain threshold. If you want to save a bit, choose the slightly weaker Gazelle Grenoble C5 HMB version with a 500 Wh battery and a Bosch Intuvia 100 display. 3000 euros (price comparison),