Geely’s Monjaro EM-i has earned a Guinness World Records title after crossing Egypt’s Black and White Deserts in the Sahara. The 188.6-kilometer route was completed last month in harsh heat and difficult terrain. The record recognizes the fastest crossing of the route by a production SUV powered by a plug-in hybrid system.
During the desert run, the five-seat SUV faced five capability tests: handling and stability, repeated climbs on steep slopes, cross-axle recovery, ride comfort over rough ground, and acceleration with a low battery charge. The record comes shortly before the model’s planned Philippine arrival on October 28.
The Monjaro EM-i uses Geely’s Super Hybrid system, combining a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine designed for hybrid use with electric drive. Geely quotes peak system output of 340 horsepower (250 kW) and 667 Nm of torque. The SUV also features intelligent electric all-wheel drive that adapts to road conditions, Continuous Damping Control suspension, and power management intended to preserve responsive performance in demanding conditions.