Monjaro EM-i nears PH debut

Geely Motor Philippines is preparing to introduce the Monjaro EM-i locally, with the D-segment plug-in hybrid SUV set for an early Philippine preview this October before its official launch.

Selected automotive media will get a first look at the Monjaro EM-i during a Geely drive in Northern Luzon, giving the vehicle its first run on Philippine roads ahead of its market introduction.

The local preview follows a September run in Egypt where the Monjaro EM-i earned a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the fastest crossing of Egypt’s Black and White Deserts in the Sahara by a plug-in hybrid powered production SUV.

The vehicle completed a continuous 188.6-kilometer route from the Black Desert to the White Desert under extreme heat and difficult terrain.

Geely also subjected the SUV to five capability challenges covering handling and stability, steep-slope climbs, cross-axle recovery, rough-terrain ride comfort and acceleration at a low state of charge.

The Monjaro EM-i uses Geely’s EM-i Super Hybrid system paired with intelligent electric all-wheel drive. The system adjusts torque distribution according to road conditions.

It also gets Continuous Damping Control suspension and a power-management system designed to maintain performance under demanding conditions.

For the Philippine market, the Monjaro EM-i combines a 1.5-liter turbocharged hybrid-specific engine with electric drive. Total system output reaches up to 250 kW, while maximum torque is rated at 667 Nm.

Geely has yet to announce the exact local launch date, pricing and Philippine specifications.

The Northern Luzon media drive will provide the first indication of how the Monjaro EM-i’s hybrid system, electric AWD and suspension perform under local driving conditions before the SUV reaches Filipino customers.