The arrival of the MG Cyberster represents a major shift for the brand, marking its leap into the high-performance electric vehicle (EV) market. With MG’s storied history of classic sports cars, there’s high anticipation around this flagship model, not just for its performance but also for how it might resonate with enthusiasts.
However, if you’re hoping for an electric Mazda MX-5, this isn’t it. MG has taken the Cyberster in a different direction, leaning towards grand touring rather than trying to replicate the charm of the MGB. It offers a comfortable, smooth ride and blistering straight-line speed, but as a driver’s car, it doesn’t quite hit the mark when it comes to delivering that exhilarating, connected experience you’d expect from a top-tier roadster.
With a starting price just under £60,000 for the GT version, the Cyberster enters uncharted territory for MG. This price puts it in the same league as luxury contenders like the BMW Z4 M40i and Porsche 718 Boxster. But while it shares the roadster concept with these models, the Cyberster is fundamentally different, most notably because it’s fully electric.
The Cyberster is powered by a 77kWh battery positioned between the axles. The GT model comes equipped with dual motors, delivering four-wheel drive and an impressive 496bhp. That’s significantly more than both the Boxster and the Z4, offering thrilling performance with a 0-62mph sprint in just 3.2 seconds, comparable to a 911 Turbo Cabriolet.
Inside, the Cyberster’s cabin feels spacious for a two-seater. However, its electric powertrain reveals itself quickly. While sports cars like the Mazda MX-5 or Porsche 718 make you feel close to the ground, the Cyberster has a taller seating position, more akin to a family hatchback. This higher stance, a result of the battery placement, makes getting in and out easier, but it sacrifices some of the sports car feel.
In terms of size, the Cyberster is larger than you’d expect for a roadster. At 4.54 metres long and 1.91 metres wide, it’s even bigger than a Porsche 911 Turbo, and it weighs in at a hefty 2.2 tonnes. Despite this, its sleek design manages to hide its bulk fairly well. The car’s long bonnet and set-back cockpit give it the look of a front-engined machine, though it is fully electric. The exterior design is mostly elegant, though some might find the LED light setup at the rear to be a bit fussy, especially with the large arrow-shaped indicators.
The most eye-catching feature of the Cyberster, though, is its scissor doors. These vertical-opening doors, activated by the press of a button, are sure to grab attention wherever you go. Sensors ensure they won’t open into nearby objects, and you can even set the opening height to different levels for convenience.
In summary, the MG Cyberster offers a fresh take on the electric roadster, favouring comfort and style over traditional sports car engagement. It’s quick, stylish, and sure to turn heads, but for purists seeking a true driver’s car, it may fall short of expectations.
