China's Geely will go after the Peugeot 5008 and Skoda Kodiaq with a big plug-in hybrid SUV called the Monjaro.
Already on sale in the brand's home market as the Xingyue L, the Monjaro is a 4770mm-long crossover equipped with the same EM-i hybrid powertrain technology as the smaller Geely Starray.
The SUV will go on sale in Egypt in August before "steadily expanding into global markets". A European debut is set to follow soon, before a UK launch – likely next year.
The EM-i system is a new addition for the Monjaro, which is not yet offered with PHEV power in other global markets, and Geely has not yet given specific details of the powertrain.
The Starray EM-i uses a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine and an electric motor to produce 258bhp, with the larger of two available battery options giving an engine-off range of 81 miles.
Unlike the front-driven Starray, however, the Monjaro's PHEV powertrain will drive both axles.
The Monjaro will face off with a growing number of Chinese D-segment hybrid SUVs in the UK, including the closely related Omoda 9 and Jaecoo 8, as well as the MG HS, BYD Seal-U and Leapmotor C10.
Geely has not given prices for the UK yet, but a starting price in the low £40,000s would position it clearly above the Starray while lining it up with those rivals.
The company says the Monjaro will be a "global advanced handling and quality benchmark among the D-SUV hybrid segment", and will serve as the flagship for its growing global line-up.
