Liv Intrigue Advanced E+: A 20-kilo e-MTB with full power

​Editor’s conclusion

A smaller battery, a lighter bike: this approach makes sense to many women. After all, with a lower body weight, you use less power – whilst also benefiting from a lighter bike. If the claim of 20 kilos for the top-of-the-range model stands up to the test on the scales, that’s an excellent figure and an ideal starting point for superb handling.

With the Intrigue Advanced E+, Liv is launching a completely new full-power e-mountain bike that doesn’t compromise on its lightweight design – despite its large battery. This all-round trail bike combines 150 millimetres of rear suspension travel with a 160-mm fork, a mullet wheel setup and the new Giant SyncDrive Pro 4 motor with 120 Nm of torque. What’s particularly striking, however, is the battery strategy: rather than opting for the largest possible battery, as with its sister model, the Giant Trance Advanced E+, Liv has gone for a 560 Wh battery integrated into the frame plus a standard 280 Wh range extender. This means a total of 840 Wh is possible if required.

The focus on low weight was also a feature of the Liv Intrigue Advanced E+ Elite, which we have already put through its paces in our long-term test. However, its predecessor came with a small battery, which was also permanently fitted to the bike. The new model therefore offers a significantly longer range and is also more versatile. The top-of-the-range model is expected to weigh just 20 kilos – hardly any heavier. Although the new Liv breaks new ground in many respects, in many other respects it is similar to the Men’s model from Giant: the new Trance Advanced E+, identical. In particular, the two sister models share the new engine and the electric system.

Key specifications for the Liv Intrigue Advanced E+

Liv’s approach aims to tackle the challenge of creating a well-balanced modern full-power e-MTB, even in smaller sizes, with particular ingenuity. Liv therefore offers the Intrigue across the full range from XS to L and uses a significantly more compact battery that can be neatly integrated even into the XS frame. A welcome side effect: reduced weight.

560 Wh instead of 840 Wh: Why a smaller battery can make sense

The key difference compared with the new Giant Trance Advanced E+ lies in the main battery: Giant fits an 840 Wh battery, whilst the Liv comes with a 560 Wh battery. At first glance, this appears to be a clear disadvantage in terms of range. In practice, however, the situation is more nuanced.

A smaller battery saves on weight and bulk. According to Liv, the EnergyPak Smart 560X weighs 2.6 kilograms and has a high energy density of 352 Wh per litre. A lighter battery (1.1 kg lighter) can noticeably improve handling, particularly when manoeuvring the bike, on tight bends and when riding actively on technical trails. And in practice, it’s clear that lighter riders consume noticeably less energy than heavier riders. And statistically speaking, women are simply lighter than men. This approach works surprisingly well, particularly on group rides involving lighter female cyclists and heavier riders. Of course, alongside weight, fitness levels and individual motivation must also be taken into account.

Liv combines this approach with flexibility: for a standard ride, the bike remains as manoeuvrable as possible with its 560 Wh battery. For long rides, significant elevation gain or riding in a fast group, the 280 Wh range extender is mounted on the down tube. This provides up to 840 Wh of power. The additional battery is included as standard on all models.

120 Nm, but optimised for traction

The battery issue is just one aspect of the new system. The SyncDrive Pro 4 delivers a maximum torque of 120 Nm and a peak power output of up to 850 watts. A traction control system is designed to detect when the rear wheel is spinning on loose ground and adjust the assistance accordingly.

Maestro suspension, Mullet wheels and adjustable geometry

Liv has built the Intrigue Advanced E+ around the well-known Maestro rear suspension system. A motor housing developed in collaboration with Yamaha is designed to preserve the kinematics despite the powerful electric drive. The aim is for the rear wheel to remain active even under motor load, thereby improving traction, stability and control. At the front, a 29-inch wheel rolls over steps and roots, whilst at the rear, the 27.5-inch wheel is designed to provide greater freedom of movement and agility. The geometry can be adjusted via a triple-position flip-chip.

However, with the mullet setup and the uniform chainstay length of 443 millimetres, Liv has opted not to offer size-specific adjustments for these parameters. The Liv in size XS has the same wheel size and chainstay length as the Giant Trance Advanced E+ in size XL. This should suit riders of smaller stature: the rear triangle length is on the short side for a classic e-MTB.

Four models ranging from 6,000 to 10,000 euros

The range launches with four models, all of which are based on the same carbon fibre platform, the 120 Nm motor, the 560 Wh battery and the standard 280 Wh range extender. Prices start at 6,000 euros, with the top-of-the-range model costing 10,000 euros.