The Chinese Geely will go after the Peugeot 5008 and the Skoda Kodiaq with a large plug-in hybrid SUV called Monjaro.
The Monjaro, which is already on sale in the brand’s home market as the Xingyue L, is a 4,770mm-long crossover equipped with the same EM-i hybrid powertrain technology as the smaller Geely Starray.
The SUV will go on sale in Egypt in August before “steadily expanding to global markets.” A European debut is coming soon, before a UK release, likely next year.
The EM-i system is a new addition for the Monjaro, which is not yet offered with PHEV power in other global markets, and Geely has not yet provided specific powertrain details.
The Starray EM-i uses a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine and an electric motor to produce 258PS, with the larger of the two available battery options offering an engine-off range of 81 miles.
However, unlike the front-drive Starray, the Monjaro’s PHEV powertrain will drive both axles.
The Monjaro will take on a growing number of Chinese D-segment hybrid SUVs in the UK, including the closely related Omoda 9 and Jaecoo 8, as well as the MG HS, BYD Seal-U and Leapmotor C10.
Geely hasn’t provided UK pricing yet, but a starting price of around £40,000 would position it clearly above the Starray and bring it in line with those rivals.
The company says the Monjaro will be a “global benchmark of quality and advanced handling among the hybrid D-SUV segment” and will serve as the flagship of its growing global range.
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