BYD Song Plus vs Geely Monjaro: PHEV vs Petrol SUV Showdown UAE 2026

BYD Song Plus vs Geely Monjaro: PHEV vs Petrol SUV Showdown UAE 2026

Two of the most talked-about Chinese SUVs in the UAE for 2026 sit at almost the same price point but take very different routes to it. The BYD Song Plus is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) promising 100+ km of pure-electric commuting and over 1,000 km of combined range, while the Geely Monjaro is a Volvo co-developed petrol SUV built on the CMA platform with a 2.0L turbo and all-wheel drive. This comparison breaks down price, power, efficiency, space and warranty so you can pick the one that fits your life in the Gulf.

Updated August 2026.

BYD Song Plus

Starting Price: 124,900 AED

Body Style: SUV

A plug-in hybrid SUV pairing a 1.5L engine with an electric motor for 235 hp and over 100 km of pure-electric range. The Blade Battery adds heat stability for Gulf summers, while the cabin rivals models costing twice as much.

Key Highlights

• 1.5L DM-i PHEV with 235 hp combined output
• 100+ km pure-electric range, 1,000+ km combined
• Blade Battery tested at 50C for Gulf summers
• L2 ADAS with adaptive cruise and lane centring
• 8-year / 160,000 km battery warranty

Best for: Families and commuters who want low running costs without giving up SUV space.

Geely Monjaro

Starting Price: 124,000 AED

Body Style: SUV

A premium SUV built on the Volvo co-developed CMA platform with a 2.0L turbo producing 235 hp and a BorgWarner AWD system. It delivers European ride quality and safety engineering at a Chinese-brand price.

Key Highlights

• Volvo co-developed CMA platform
• 2.0L turbo with 235 hp and 350 Nm, AWD
• BorgWarner AWD with 7-speed wet DCT
• 7 airbags and 5-star C-NCAP safety
• 5-year / 150,000 km warranty + 5-year roadside assistance

Best for: Buyers cross-shopping the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage who want more power and kit for less.

BYD Song Plus vs Geely Monjaro: Detailed Spec Comparison

Verdict: Which One Wins?

If your priority is running costs and fuel savings, the BYD Song Plus wins comfortably. With 100+ km of electric range and a 1,000+ km combined figure, a typical Dubai-Abu Dhabi commute can be done on battery alone, and the 8-year / 160,000 km battery warranty adds peace of mind for Gulf heat.

If your priority is driving dynamics, AWD grip and European ride quality, the Geely Monjaro is the pick. Its Volvo-derived CMA platform, 2.0L turbo with 350 Nm and BorgWarner AWD give it a more planted, confident feel on highway and mountain roads, plus 5-star C-NCAP safety.

Choose the Song Plus for efficiency and tech; choose the Monjaro for a premium petrol driving experience and all-weather traction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper to run, BYD Song Plus or Geely Monjaro?

The BYD Song Plus is cheaper to run thanks to its 100+ km electric range, which lets most UAE commuters skip petrol entirely on weekdays. The Geely Monjaro's 2.0L turbo is efficient for a petrol SUV at 8.5-9.5 L/100km, but it cannot match the PHEV's fuel savings.

Is the Geely Monjaro more powerful than the BYD Song Plus?

Both deliver around 235 hp, so power is effectively tied. The difference is character: the Monjaro's turbo petrol is punchier off the line with 350 Nm and AWD, while the Song Plus offers instant electric torque and silent low-speed running.

Which has the better warranty?

The BYD Song Plus wins on warranty length with 8 years / 160,000 km covering both the vehicle and the battery. The Geely Monjaro offers 5 years / 150,000 km plus 5-year roadside assistance.

Which SUV is better for off-road in the UAE?

The Geely Monjaro, thanks to its BorgWarner AWD system. The BYD Song Plus is primarily a road-focused PHEV and is not designed for desert driving.

Market Data 2026

Cartea 2026 UAE market data shows Chinese brands now hold roughly 25% of new SUV sales in the Emirates, with BYD and Geely both expanding dealer networks across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. Plug-in hybrid demand grew fastest of all powertrains in 2025, strengthening the BYD Song Plus's case, while Geely's Volvo-backed engineering keeps the Monjaro popular among buyers cross-shopping the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage.