Geely Motor Philippines is about to plug a gap in its lineup. The Monjaro EM-i, a D-segment plug-in hybrid SUV, is confirmed for launch by the end of October 2026, and it brings with it the brand’s first e-AWD system, a 29.8 kWh LFP battery, and enough torque to make a Fortuner driver do a double-take. I have been following Geely’s hybrid rollout since the Geely EX2 arrived, and this is the model that moves the brand from “budget EV alternative” to “premium family SUV” territory.
The Monjaro EM-i is not a China-only model. It is the export version of the Xingyue L, already sold in Russia, the Middle East, and Australia. That means it has been validated in markets with real-world heat, rough roads, and long distances — conditions that map neatly onto Philippine driving. Geely even ran a 188.6-kilometer Sahara desert endurance test in extreme heat, which is a strong signal for a country where 38°C afternoons are normal.
What the DOE Listing Confirms
The Department of Energy added the Monjaro EM-i to its recognized EV list, the same regulatory checkpoint that preceded the Kia EV3, Jaecoo J8, and BMW iX3 launches. Under EVIDA, only vehicles on that list qualify for incentives like priority registration, special green plates, and number-coding exemption. The DOE listing confirms a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 144 PS and 230 Nm, paired with an electric motor rated at 272 PS and 493 Nm. Combined system output is 416 PS and 723 Nm, routed through a 3-speed dedicated hybrid transmission to all four wheels.
The battery is a 29.8 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) pack — the same chemistry that has become the default for Chinese EVs sold in the Philippines. LFP is thermally stable, which matters when you are parking under the sun in a Makati mall for three hours. The DOE lists 130 kilometers of EV-only range on the NEDC cycle and a combined 1,095 kilometers with a full tank of gas.
Specs at a Glance
| Engine | 1.5L turbo I4 (144 PS / 230 Nm) |
| Electric motor | 272 PS / 493 Nm |
| Combined output | 416 PS / 723 Nm |
| Battery | 29.8 kWh LFP |
| EV range (NEDC) | 130 km |
| Combined range | 1,095 km |
| Transmission | 3-speed DHT |
| Drive type | e-AWD (intelligent electric AWD) |
| 0-100 km/h | 5.8 seconds |
| AC charging | 6.6 kW |
| DC charging | Up to 78 kW (30-80% in ~15 min) |
| Length x Width x Height | 4,800 x 1,895 x 1,700 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,845 mm |
| Ground clearance | 189 mm |
| Curb weight | 2,080 kg |
Pricing: What to Expect
Geely has not announced Philippine pricing yet. Zigwheels Philippines speculates it could land below P2 million, which would undercut the BYD Ti 7 and GAC GN8 PHEV by a significant margin. For context, the Geely EX2 — a B-segment hatchback — already starts at P938,000. A D-segment SUV with 416 PS and 130 km of EV range at sub-P2M would be aggressive pricing.
My estimate is P1.7-1.9 million for the base FWD variant and P1.9-2.1 million for the AWD flagship. That is anchored on the EX2’s positioning, the BYD Ti 7’s P1.898M starting price, and the GAC GN8 PHEV‘s P3.338M. If Geely prices it at P1.8M, the Monjaro EM-i becomes the most powerful pesos-per-PS deal in the Philippine EV market.
| Currency | Price |
| PHP (est.) | P1,800,000 |
| USD (est.) | $28,800 |
| INR (est.) | Rs 27.7 lakh |
Rates: 62.5 PHP/USD, 96.2 INR/USD (open.er-api.com, Oct 5 2026). These are estimates — official pricing drops at launch.
Philippine Driving Conditions
City Driving
The 130 km EV range is the headline number for Metro Manila. An EDSA commute from Quezon City to Makati is roughly 25 kilometers round trip. That is five days of commuting on a single charge, with enough left over for a weekend errand run. The 6.6 kW AC charger means a full charge overnight on a standard wallbox — no DC fast charger needed for daily use.
The 4,800 mm length is a consideration. It is longer than a Toyota Fortuner (4,795 mm) and wider than a Honda CR-V. Parking in BGC or Makati will require attention, but the 540-degree camera and 25.6-inch HUD help. The e-AWD system varies torque distribution, which is useful when you are merging onto EDSA from a U-turn slot and need instant grunt.
Long-Distance Travel
The 1,095 km combined range is the real Manila-Baguio number. That is 250 kilometers each way, plus sightseeing around Baguio, on a single tank and charge. You would not need to stop for fuel or charging unless you want to. The 3-speed DHT keeps the engine in its efficient band at highway speeds, and the LFP battery’s thermal stability means you are not gambling with range in the heat.
The 78 kW DC charging is not class-leading — the BMW iX3 does 400 kW — but it is enough for a 15-minute top-up from 30 to 80% at a highway rest stop. That is a coffee-and-cr break, not a 45-minute wait.
Flooded Situations
The 189 mm ground clearance is the number to watch. That is higher than the Mazda CX-80 PHEV (175 mm) and the BYD Atto 2 (150 mm). It is not a Jetour F700 (210 mm wading depth), but it is enough for the typical Marikina or Taguig flood during a heavy downpour. The sealed battery pack is IP-rated, and the PHEV engine has a higher intake than a pure EV, so deep water is still a no-go. Treat 189 mm as “confident in moderate flooding,” not “invincible.”
High Temperature
The LFP battery is the right chemistry for the Philippines. It is less energy-dense than NMC but far more thermally stable — it does not thermal runaway as easily when parked in 38°C heat. The Sahara desert test (188.6 km continuous in extreme heat) is a strong signal. The air conditioning will draw from the battery, but the 29.8 kWh pack has enough buffer that a full day of AC will not leave you stranded.
What Others Are Saying
International reviews of the Monjaro EM-i are limited since it is a new global model, but the Egypt launch coverage and Geely’s own claims paint a picture. The 5.8-second 0-100 km/h time is quick for a two-tonne SUV. The 100-0 km/h braking distance of 33 meters and 79 km/h moose test speed suggest a chassis that is tuned for stability, not just straight-line speed.
The interior is where the Monjaro EM-i tries to justify a premium price. The 15.4-inch Flyme Auto touchscreen, 25.6-inch HUD, 16-speaker Flyme Sound system, and 11-layer “Marshmallow” SPA seats with heating, ventilation, and massaging are features you would expect from a German brand at twice the price. The 1,532 liters of cargo space with the second row folded is family-trip-ready.
The Bottom Line
The Monjaro EM-i is Geely’s most ambitious Philippine launch yet. It combines the practicality of a PHEV — no charging anxiety, 1,095 km range, EDSA-friendly EV mode — with the performance and features of a premium SUV. If Geely prices it under P2 million, it undercuts the BYD Ti 7, GAC GN8 PHEV, and Jaecoo J8 PHEV while offering more power and more EV range than any of them.
The October launch cannot come soon enough. I will be watching for the media drive in Northern Luzon, which should give us the first real-world impressions of how this SUV handles Philippine roads. If the Sahara test is any indication, the heat will not be a problem. The question is whether Geely can price it aggressively enough to make the premium SUV segment very uncomfortable.