Geely’s new Monjaro EM-i brings plug-in hybrid power to a large SUV

Geely has added another large SUV to its international line-up, unveiling the Monjaro EM-i at the 2026 Paris Motor Show. The plug-in hybrid has room for a family, a 633-litre boot and a petrol-electric powertrain. Geely has not confirmed a South African launch, so local buyers will have to wait before knowing whether it will be sold here and at what price.

The Monjaro EM-i is 4.8 metres long. Under the bonnet is a 1.5-litre petrol engine working with an electric motor. Buyers will be able to choose between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. Geely quotes an electric driving range of up to 116 km under WLTP testing. Owners who charge at home and mainly drive short distances could cover many daily trips without starting the petrol engine. On longer journeys, the petrol engine and hybrid system provide additional range.

That advantage comes with a condition: the battery needs to be charged regularly. Drivers who rarely plug in may not get the fuel savings they expect from a plug-in hybrid.

A big SUV with a long equipment list

The Monjaro EM-i's cabin includes a 15.4-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument display. Depending on the specification, buyers can also get a head-up display, a 16-speaker sound system and front seats with heating, ventilation and massage functions.

A 360-degree camera and driver-assistance features are also available. The equipment is aimed at buyers who spend a lot of time in their vehicles and want more than basic transport. But the details that often matter after the showroom visit are still unknown: how much the SUV will cost, what servicing will involve and how readily replacement parts will be available in each market.

The South African question

Geely has not announced whether the Monjaro EM-i will come to South Africa. If it does, the price will shape its prospects. A large plug-in hybrid SUV could appeal to families who want electric driving for shorter trips without giving up a petrol engine for longer distances. However, buyers will need to weigh the purchase price against their daily mileage, access to charging and the cost of maintaining the vehicle.

Geely will also need to show that it can support a more expensive model through its local dealerships and service network. For now, the Monjaro EM-i is an international launch, not a confirmed addition to South African showrooms. Its relevance here will become clearer once Geely announces where it plans to sell the SUV and how much it will cost.