Geely Auto has announced that its Monjaro EM-i plug-in hybrid SUV has earned a Guinness World Records title after completing a continuous 188.6-kilometre crossing between Egypt’s Black Desert and White Desert.
The record, announced on September 17, 2026, is for the fastest crossing of the Black and White Desert in the Sahara by a plug-in hybrid production SUV. Geely used the Egyptian event to demonstrate the Monjaro EM-i’s traction, thermal management and suspension systems in conditions far closer to those faced by drivers in Egypt and the Gulf than a conventional European proving ground.
A desert test with direct MENA relevance
The route ran from the volcanic terrain of the Black Desert to the limestone formations of the White Desert. According to Geely, the production SUV encountered high temperatures, dust, loose surfaces, steep climbs and rapidly changing grip levels.
Geely says the programme included five tests:
- Vehicle handling and stability on changing surfaces
- Repeated steep-slope climbs
- Cross-axle traction recovery
- Ride comfort over rough ground
- Acceleration with a low battery state of charge
For buyers in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and other hot-climate markets, that focus is more useful than a headline record alone. Heat, airborne dust, uneven desert tracks and long-distance driving can place sustained demands on a hybrid vehicle’s cooling, battery system, electric motors and traction control.
What powers the Monjaro EM-i?
Geely describes the Monjaro EM-i as using its EM-i Super Hybrid system, combining a 1.5TD hybrid-specific petrol engine with electric drive. The company quotes up to 250 kW of output and 667 Nm of torque, along with a claimed 0–100 km/h time of 5.83 seconds.
The model’s e-AWD system can vary front-to-rear torque distribution from front-drive operation to an even 50:50 split, according to Geely. Its continuously controlled damping system is also intended to adapt to rough terrain and changing road surfaces.
These are manufacturer specifications and claims, rather than independent road-test results. Real-world efficiency, electric range and performance will depend on the final specification sold in each country, driving style, ambient temperature and terrain.
Egypt first, with UAE launch planned
Egypt is a significant market in the Monjaro EM-i’s international rollout. Geely launched the D-segment hybrid SUV there in late August, offering front-wheel-drive Pro and Max versions and an all-wheel-drive Ultra version.
The manufacturer has also said the Monjaro EM-i is scheduled to launch next in the United Arab Emirates, followed by Mexico and Kazakhstan before wider European expansion. Geely has not stated UAE pricing or a confirmed local on-sale date in the announcement, so prospective buyers should wait for details from the official UAE distributor.
Why it matters
Hybrid and plug-in hybrid SUVs are becoming an increasingly important middle ground for MENA motorists who want electrified driving capability but remain concerned about charging access on long intercity journeys. A controlled manufacturer event is not a substitute for long-term ownership data, but testing a production vehicle in Egypt’s desert environment gives the Monjaro EM-i a more locally relevant technical story than many global launch campaigns.
For Egyptian buyers, the record also puts a recently launched model in the spotlight. For UAE shoppers, it provides an early indication of the engineering focus behind a forthcoming hybrid SUV entry, while local equipment, warranty coverage, charging capability and pricing remain to be confirmed.
Sources: Geely Auto’s September 17, 2026 announcement and its August 29, 2026 Egypt launch information. ([newsroom.geely.com](https://newsroom.geely.com/geely-monjaro-em-i-guinness-world-record?utm_source=openai))