Geely Monjaro EM-i Set Sahara Desert Speed Record
The plug-in hybrid SUV completed a record-breaking desert crossing in Egypt on September 4, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Performance Vehicles
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The Geely Monjaro EM-i officially secured a Guinness World Record for the fastest crossing of the Sahara Desert by a plug-in hybrid SUV. The vehicle completed the 188.6km journey across the desert terrain in 4 hours, 29 minutes, and 51 seconds.
Why it matters
The performance trial demonstrated the real-world capabilities of the SUV's hybrid powertrain and active suspension technology under extreme environmental stress. By successfully navigating intense heat and loose terrain, the manufacturer highlighted the reliability of its e-AWD system.
The vehicle's powertrain delivers 335hp and 667Nm of torque through a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine and dual electric motors. Its suspension adjusts 50 times per second with a latency of just 20 milliseconds.
The players
Geely Auto International Corporation
This major automotive manufacturer produces the Monjaro EM-i and manages the company's global performance testing initiatives.
Guinness World Records
This global authority tracks and verifies record-breaking achievements across human and mechanical performance.
The details
The SUV utilizes an e-AWD system that dynamically shifts torque distribution between 100:0 and 50:50 depending on surface conditions. Traction control technology integrated into the platform reduces wheel slippage by up to 50 percent to maintain momentum on dust and slopes.
Timeline
September 4, 2026: The vehicle set the Guinness World Record in Egypt.
October 2026: The SUV is scheduled to arrive in the Philippine market.
Roadmap
This achievement underscores a broader industry pivot toward proving that plug-in hybrid powertrains can match the durability of traditional combustion engines in extreme conditions. The success positions the automaker as a serious contender against established off-road brands in global markets.
Buyers interested in the Monjaro EM-i can expect the suspension and traction control systems to be tested for high-stress driving environments. The vehicle's arrival in the Philippine market in October 2026 provides local drivers with access to this platform's specific torque-vectoring capabilities.
The takeaway
This record-setting run provides concrete evidence that advanced hybrid drivetrains are capable of sustained operation in harsh, high-heat environments. Prospective owners can view these results as a benchmark for the vehicle's hardware resilience during daily driving on uneven roads.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations in Performance Vehicles.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Topgear.
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