MG is determined to shed its reputation as a low-cost, mainstream brand. The solution? Introducing a flagship vehicle to capture imaginations and redefine perceptions. Enter the Cyberster, a sleek, ambitious roadster that’s impossible to ignore.
A Bold and Sexy Statement
Let’s be honest: the Cyberster is undeniably sexy. At 4.53 meters long and 1.91 meters wide, it commands attention with its confident proportions while maintaining a compact allure. But what truly elevates its appeal are the show-stopping scissor doors that swing dramatically skyward, reminiscent of ultra-luxury models from McLaren or Lamborghini. Adding to the flair, the doors can be activated remotely using a key fob, lending a sense of exclusivity to the driver before they even take the wheel. Pretentious? Perhaps. But MG leans into it unapologetically.
Interior: Dazzling but Flawed
The excitement dims slightly once seated. Despite adjustable sport seats, the high seating position and overly padded cushions may leave some underwhelmed. However, closing the door via a console-mounted button—à la Rolls-Royce—restores a bit of that “wow” factor.
The Cyberster’s interior attempts to cocoon the driver with a cockpit-oriented layout and materials of commendable quality. Yet, the overabundance of screens quickly steals attention. With four screens—three in the instrument cluster and one central touchscreen—the Cyberster overwhelms more than it impresses. Many functions are dispersed across these interfaces, and the steering wheel frequently obstructs key information, undermining its usability.
Fans of minimalist interiors, like those in the Audi TT or R8, may lament the lack of cohesive design. Storage space is similarly modest, with a rear compartment behind the seats supplementing the glovebox. The trunk offers a functional 249 liters regardless of whether the soft top is up or down, providing decent versatility for a roadster.
Thrilling Power, Questionable Comfort
The Cyberster comes alive with the roof down. Its retractable soft top stows away in just 10 seconds at speeds of up to 50 km/h, inviting drivers to indulge in open-air motoring. At this point, the roadster’s raw power becomes evident. Equipped with dual electric motors—one on the front axle producing 204 hp, and another on the rear with 340 hp—the combined 510 hp and 725 Nm of torque launch the Cyberster from 0 to 100 km/h in just over 3 seconds.
Acceleration is linear and relentless, rivaling traditional dragsters in straight-line performance. Thankfully, MG outfitted the Cyberster with Brembo brakes featuring four-piston calipers and 365 mm discs up front to rein in this beast. However, its claimed 443 km range (from a 77 kWh battery) is optimistic if you frequently unleash its considerable potential.
Suspension: A Weak Link
The Cyberster’s Achilles’ heel lies in its soft passive suspension. While fine for leisurely drives, it struggles to manage body movements during spirited cornering or on uneven roads. Drivers will notice unsettling vertical motions, limiting confidence at higher speeds. MG plans to release a more modest 340 hp variant, which may better suit the Cyberster’s comfort-oriented dynamics.
Pricing: A Bargain or a Gamble?
Priced at €67,990 for the top-tier model, the Cyberster undercuts rivals like the BMW Z4 M40i (€70,000 before an additional €22,380 malus tax). Its price-to-performance ratio is undeniably attractive, but the question remains: Will buyers be willing to pay premium money for an MG?
While it falls short of revolutionizing the market, the Cyberster is an exciting step for the historic British brand, now under Chinese ownership. Its design and performance turn heads, even if its execution leaves room for improvement. For those looking for a distinctive and relatively affordable electric roadster, the Cyberster is worth a closer look.
