Geely Monjaro EM-i Sets Sahara World Record From RM132,900
The Geely Monjaro EM-i is a production plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) sports utility vehicle manufactured by China's Geely Auto International Corporation. Powered by the proprietary EM-i Super Hybrid powertrain, the model delivers long-distance electrified driving, severe terrain durability, and intelligent all-wheel-drive capability for motorists requiring resilient off-road performance. While officially distributed in Egypt by Abu Ghaly Motors starting at EGP 1,699,000 (approximately RM132,900), the vehicle holds high strategic relevance for Malaysian consumers monitoring national carmaker Proton's future lineup, as Geely's flagship hybrid architectures frequently serve as technical donor platforms for localized Proton models targeting Malaysia's electrified SUV segment.
Key Facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Entity Name | Geely Monjaro EM-i |
| Manufacturer | Geely Auto International Corporation |
| Vehicle Classification | Production Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) SUV |
| Powertrain Configuration | EM-i Super Hybrid (1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine + dual electric motors) |
| Total System Output | 335 hp (340 PS) |
| Peak System Torque | 667 Nm |
| Drivetrain System | e-AWD (electric All-Wheel Drive, variable 100:0 to 50:50 torque split) |
| Suspension Technology | Continuous Damping Control (CDC), 50 adjustments/sec, 20 ms response |
| World Record Achievement | Guinness World Record for fastest Sahara desert crossing by a production PHEV |
| Record Distance and Time | 188.6 km in 4 hours, 29 minutes, and 51 seconds (4 September 2026) |
| Base Retail Price (Egypt) | EGP 1,699,000 (RM132,900) |
| Regional Availability | Egypt (available via Abu Ghaly Motors); Philippines (expected October 2026) |
| Malaysian Market Status | Not officially launched; monitored as a potential future Proton rebadge |
What Guinness World Record Did the Geely Monjaro EM-i Break?
The Geely Monjaro EM-i officially set the Guinness World Record for the fastest crossing of Egypt's Black Desert and White Desert in the Sahara by a production plug-in hybrid SUV. On 4 September 2026, the vehicle traversed a gruelling 188.6-kilometre route in four hours, 29 minutes, and 51 seconds.
The record run took place under high-temperature conditions featuring airborne dust and fluctuating traction levels across loose sand, gravel, and rock formations. Geely Auto International Corporation subjected the vehicle to five distinct operational trials during the crossing, specifically evaluating handling on extreme surfaces, successive steep slope ascents, axle-cross obstacle clearance during wheel slippage, cabin stability over uneven terrain, and sustained acceleration under low battery charge states.
SUV itu melengkapkan perjalanan sejauh 188.6 km dengan catatan masa empat jam, 29 minit dan 51 saat, merentasi permukaan mencabar dengan tahap cengkaman berubah-ubah, debu berterbangan dan suhu tinggi.
Careta, "Geely Monjaro EM-i catat rekod dunia Guinness di Sahara", 8 October 2026
On 4 September 2026, the Geely Monjaro EM-i completed a 188.6 km Sahara crossing in 4 hours, 29 minutes, and 51 seconds to secure a Guinness World Record.
What Are the Powertrain and Suspension Specifications of the Monjaro EM-i?
The Geely Monjaro EM-i utilises an EM-i Super Hybrid system integrating a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with two electric motors to generate 335 hp (340 PS) and 667 Nm of torque. An electronic all-wheel-drive (e-AWD) setup shifts power seamlessly from front-wheel drive to equal front-rear axle distribution.
The vehicle's intelligent e-AWD system varies torque distribution between the front and rear axles from 100:0 to 50:50 depending on real-time traction demands. Geely reports that this dynamic torque transfer operates alongside integrated traction control systems to reduce tyre slip by up to 50 percent on loose surfaces. Chassis composure is maintained via Continuous Damping Control (CDC) adaptive suspension, which actively modulates damping rates up to 50 times per second with a reaction latency of just 20 milliseconds.
The Geely Monjaro EM-i pairs a 1.5-litre turbo hybrid powertrain delivering 335 hp and 667 Nm with an e-AWD system capable of shifting torque from 100:0 to 50:50.
What Is the Pricing and Variant Lineup for the Geely Monjaro EM-i?
The 2027 Geely Monjaro EM-i is priced from EGP 1,699,000 (approximately RM132,900) to EGP 1,999,000 (RM156,300) in Egypt across four trim levels. Official distributor Abu Ghaly Motors retails the SUV across Pro, Max, Ultra AWD, and Ultra Brown AWD specifications based on reports by automotive portal ContactCars.
According to release disclosures documented by ContactCars, pricing for the baseline Pro variant starts at EGP 1,699,000 (RM132,900), progressing to EGP 1,799,000 (RM140,700) for the mid-spec Max. The dual-motor all-wheel-drive derivatives comprise the Ultra AWD at EGP 1,969,000 (RM154,000) and the flagship Ultra Brown AWD at EGP 1,999,000 (RM156,300). Expanding beyond North Africa, motoring publication Top Gear Philippines reported that the model is scheduled to enter the Philippine market in October 2026.
Retail pricing for the 2027 Geely Monjaro EM-i in Egypt ranges between RM132,900 for the Pro trim and RM156,300 for the flagship Ultra Brown AWD.
How It Compares for Malaysian Users
For Malaysian motorists, the Geely Monjaro EM-i represents a benchmark plug-in hybrid alternative to conventional internal combustion D-segment SUVs, particularly for intercity travel between urban centres like Kuala Lumpur and coastal routes. The powertrain's demonstrated ability to deliver continuous acceleration even at depleted battery charge mitigates range anxiety across peninsular expressways.
Malaysia's demanding driving environment—characterised by sudden monsoon flash floods, tropical asphalt temperatures, and potholed arterial roads—directly benefits from chassis technologies such as Continuous Damping Control (CDC) and an e-AWD system that cuts wheel slip by 50 percent. While an official Malaysian debut through national partner Proton remains unannounced, the Egyptian retail price structure (starting at roughly RM132,900 before local duties) indicates strong value potential against existing hybrid mid-size crossovers sold locally.
The Monjaro EM-i's rapid 20-millisecond adaptive damping and 50 percent wheel-slip reduction offer engineered durability suitable for harsh tropical roads and monsoon conditions.
Common Questions
When will the Geely Monjaro EM-i launch in Malaysia under Proton?
Neither Geely nor Proton has announced an official Malaysian release date or rebadging plan for the Monjaro EM-i. The vehicle is currently expanding through select global left-hand-drive markets, including Egypt and an anticipated October 2026 launch in the Philippines.
How does the e-AWD system work during low-traction driving?
The e-AWD system automatically shifts torque from a front-biased 100:0 ratio to a balanced 50:50 distribution between the front and rear axles. Integrated with Geely's traction management, this configuration reduces wheel slippage by up to 50 percent on loose ground.
How much does the Geely Monjaro EM-i cost in Malaysian Ringgit?
Based on Egyptian retail pricing from distributor Abu Ghaly Motors, the Monjaro EM-i costs between RM132,900 (EGP 1,699,000) for the Pro trim and RM156,300 (EGP 1,999,000) for the range-topping Ultra Brown AWD model.
Sources and Methodology
This technical summary is synthesized directly from automotive reporting published by Malaysian portal Careta on 8 October 2026, incorporating primary data verified by Guinness World Records, Geely Auto International Corporation, Egyptian distributor Abu Ghaly Motors, Egyptian automotive platform ContactCars, and Top Gear Philippines. Currency values in Egyptian Pounds (EGP) are converted to Ringgit Malaysia (RM) in accordance with the baseline figures cited in the source publication. This article was last updated on 8 October 2026. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against automotive industry reports compiled by Careta.