Specialized Turbo Levo 4 Review

New motor, bigger battery, and an Apple Watch integrated into the top tube. Specialized goes all-in with the new 4th generation Levo. Will the bold move be rewarded with performance on the trail?

We tested the Specialized Turbo Levo S-Works. With the new S-Works Motor, Specialized is now further distinguishing its top-level lineup from the standard portfolio. The motor pushes with 111 Nm of torque and can maintain this up to high speed ranges thanks to 720 watts of peak power.

Is such a high torque overkill? No – because Specialized has mastered the art of putting the noticeably above-average thrust safely onto the trail. Even though no one at Specialized utters the word traction control, the traction feels extremely controlled. Remarkable, as the motor provides power right from a standstill and pushes forward assertively without traction loss at the rear wheel.

Steep ramps leave the Turbo Levo unfazed. The bike carries its rider up the mountain with a stoic calm. This character was already proven by the old Specialized 2.2 Motor in our test series last winter. Depending on your preference, the motor’s dynamics and follow-through can be adjusted via the Specialized app. This way, the motor can indeed cater to every riding style: from leisurely uphill cruising to wild peak attacks over technical trail climbs.

Specialized promises its customers that digital product upgrades will remain free of charge. A strong promise in times like these. And a strong argument against Bosch, where more and more product features, such as the GPS tool, are only available through subscription models.

Speaking of promises to customers: After ensuring a lifetime warranty on the frame for the original owner, Specialized now offers a lifetime warranty on all rear suspension bearings with the introduction of the new Turbo Levo. Incidentally, the carbon wheels from Specialized’s subsidiary brand Roval are also covered by a lifetime warranty.

Specialized commits fully to the multifaceted needs of its diverse customers with the new Turbo Levo. The new Levo offers such a wide range of customization options that hardly any wish should be left unfulfilled. Okay – this doesn’t apply to the equipment or the color. But it does apply to how you want to use your Levo.

When it comes to range, Specialized offers its customers 3 battery options. As standard, all Turbo Levo models come equipped with the new 840-Wh battery. For those who need more, the range can be boosted with a Range Extender by 280 Wh, making a total of 1,120 Wh.

If less range and lower weight are more important, the Turbo Levo also optionally offers a 600-Wh battery. The genius part: the 600-Wh battery features an extension cage at the top end, so the installation dimensions match that of the 840 battery. The free space in the battery can be used as an additional storage compartment. Of course, the 600-Wh battery can also be combined with the 280-Wh Range Extender.

However, the true highlight is the Range Extender as a standalone feature. The new Turbo Levo can be ridden entirely without the in-tube battery and solely with the Range Extender. If only the Range Extender is installed, the system automatically limits the motor power to a maximum of 400 watts, transforming the full-power bike into a light-assist e-bike—almost. Despite the limited power, the drivetrain still delivers 111 Nm of torque. Brilliant. The free space in the downtube serves as a huge storage compartment for bananas, a jacket, etc., if needed.

The fourth-generation Turbo Levo is available in five frame sizes from S2 to S6. Due to the short seat tubes, riders can always choose between at least two sizes according to their preferences.

Those who wish to customize their Turbo Levo in detail can do so via three adjustable parameters. The head angle can be adjusted using interchangeable headset cups in three positions, each adjustable by 1° – the adjustment range is thus between 63.5 and 65.5°.

The bottom bracket height can also be adjusted. Using an eccentric flip chip in the rear shock mount, the bottom bracket height can be changed by 6 mm. This is also known from the Specialized Stumpjumper. If you want to squeeze the last bit of performance out of your Turbo Levo, you can also adjust the chainstay length. Two mounting points for the Horst link allow for a change in chainstay length by 9 mm. This should not affect other geometry parameters.

Specialized is sure of one thing only: that the Turbo Levo should—or even must—be ridden with mixed wheel sizes. The new Levo stands on a mullet setup. The conversion to a large 29” rear wheel is not an option.

Specialized empowers its customers to customize their suspension performance. Using the dual air chambers of the Genius shock, riders can adjust the bike’s rear-end characteristics. For those who prefer a soft and plush start to the travel, but want support and pop towards the end, the setup with the pre-installed volume spacer in the outer air chamber is ideal.

However, for riders seeking a defined feel from the first compression, clear feedback from the terrain, and optimum traction throughout the entire travel, running the outer air chamber without a volume spacer is the way to go. As a racer, I found this setup on our test bike more convincing.

By the way: Bottom-out forces for impact protection can be classically adjusted using volume spacers in the shock’s housing. The genius of the Genius shock lies in its two-in-one principle. Up to 70% of the travel, the shock operates through two main air chambers—an inner and an outer. Beyond 70% of the travel, the piston valve transits over the flow ports between the two air chambers and isolates the outer air chamber from the system. This significantly reduces the air volume in the last 30% of the travel, greatly increasing the progression. Bottom-out protection and support are thus ensured.

The Turbo Levo S-Works positions itself as a luxury item with a staggering price tag of 14,499 €. For that amount of money, you get a lot: namely 23.7 kg of e-bike technology. Indeed, the new Turbo Levo is no lightweight.

Even though we couldn’t conduct a long-term test, we certainly didn’t spare the bike during our evaluation. On the contrary – the bike took a beating. And it showed no weaknesses. All in all, the Turbo Levo S-Works feels very solid and stiff. The mounted downhill tires were also super puncture-resistant.

Those who don’t want to subject their Levo to ultimate stress and are mindful of every gram can rejoice. The Turbo Levo can also be lightweight. Specialized showcased a reduced Turbo Levo S-Works build weighing in at a sleek 19.7 kg – with an inline shock and a 600-Wh battery. This puts it in the sub-20 kilo league, where the likes of Cannondale, Amflow, and Orbea with their full-power bikes can be found.

On the new Levo, you sit remarkably compact, almost close to the cockpit. And this is despite the frame reach measuring a modern 480 mm in S4. The upright and forward-shifted seating position is due to the 77° steep seat angle and the high front. It gives an SUV-like feel with such an upright posture.

The SUV theme matches the sheer power of the 111 Nm strong motor. This becomes apparent quickly when you put the Turbo Levo’s power to the test on steep climbs. The motor pushes hard, making even steep ascents easy to conquer. The forward-shifted seating position keeps the rider in control, preventing the front wheel from lifting. The front wheel gets plenty of pressure and stays securely on the ground even on nasty inclines.

For those who feel inspired by such support to tackle the path to the summit over challenging trails, the Turbo Levo will bring true joy. The bike behaves extremely balanced: it doesn’t lift, it maneuvers securely and directly, and surprisingly even pedal strikes are not an issue. The Turbo Levo is an excellent climber. Mainly because the motor provides tremendous torque from the bottom up, but simultaneously reacts extremely sensitively to the rider’s input, preventing annoying rear-wheel slip.

The Turbo Levo is particularly exciting in the “Range Extender Only” setup. Even though the motor reduces its output to 400 watts, the bike still packs a significant punch. When riding with just the range extender, a full 111 Nm of torque is still available in the drivetrain. This allows you to tackle surprisingly steep climbs—albeit at a crawling pace, but you make it to the top.

With 400 W peak power, you shouldn’t expect any speed records. To build speed from the massive starting power, 400 W is not quite enough. However, if you enjoy pedaling yourself and are still in the mood for technical uphill climbs, the Turbo Levo can get you up almost anything. Only at obstacles where you want to leverage sharp pedaling impulses to extract brief power surges from the motor does the Specialized remain composed on track. Slowly but steady.

The Specialized is not a cornering whippet. It’s more of a Defender. Tough as nails, but not a nimble cornering machine; it’s tuned more for safety. Still, its good handling deserves praise. Despite its 23.7 kg, the bike rides with surprisingly little effort. The bike does what the rider wants it to do.

The rear suspension is on the firmer side, making it very defined. The geometry of the Turbo Levo, in typical Specialized fashion, is spot-on – “comfort geometry” describes it best. The Turbo Levo positions its rider right in the middle between the axles and low behind the cockpit – that gives a sense of security.

Thanks to the stiff overall setup, the bike follows the rider’s steering inputs precisely. Even tight, fast direction changes are handled skillfully by the Turbo Levo. It’s only when going full throttle through seriously rough terrain that the bike becomes slightly unsettled.