For decades, the open-top roadster symbolized freedom, mechanical purity, and a visceral connection between driver and machine. Yet, as the automotive world shifts inexorably toward electrification, purists have mourned the potential death of the sports car soul. Enter the MG Cyberster – a audacious, scissor-doored, all-electric resurrection of a storied British marque, now reimagined under Chinese ownership. Promising supercar-rivaling acceleration, over 500 km of range, and show-stopping design at a fraction of the cost of European rivals, it dares to answer: Can an electric roadster deliver genuine excitement? Having scrutinized global reviews and technical data, we dissect whether this £60,000 gamble is a revolutionary triumph or a beautifully flawed experiment.
1. Design & Engineering: A Fusion of Retro Heritage and Digital Daring
The Cyberster isn’t merely a car; it’s a rolling statement. Measuring 4,535 mm long and 1,913 mm wide, it possesses a low-slung, aggressive stance comparable to a Porsche 911 yet radiates a uniquely futuristic aesthetic. British design roots (courtesy of MG’s London studio) shine through in its long bonnet, truncated Kammback rear, and subtle nods like arrow-shaped taillights allegedly inspired by the Union Jack . However, it’s the drama-inducing scissor doors – electrically operated and sensor-equipped to avoid collisions – that dominate first impressions. While undeniably head-turning, reviewers note frustrating operational delays and occasional sensor glitches .
- Exterior Highlights: The “Storm Eye” LED headlamps, full-width LED light bar, and aerodynamic 19-inch (Trophy) or 20-inch (GT) alloy wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero Elect tires create a cohesive, insectoid-meets-supercar profile. The soft-top roof opens or closes in 10 seconds at speeds up to 50 km/h (31 mph), adding practical spontaneity .
- Structural & Weight Challenges: Built on SAIC’s Modular Scalable Platform (shared with the MG4), the Cyberster boasts a near 50:50 weight distribution (52:48 front/rear tested). However, its 77 kWh battery pack contributes to a hefty kerb weight of 1,985 kg (GT) – over 400 kg heavier than a Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 . This mass is the core engineering challenge, impacting dynamics despite the low center of gravity.
- Sustainable Touches? Unlike many EVs emphasizing eco-materials, MG focuses performance and tech. While interior surfaces use “leather-style” and faux Alcantara, genuine sustainability claims are absent from reviews .
Table 1: MG Cyberster GT Key Dimensions & Design Features
| Category | Specification/Feature |
|---|---|
| Length x Width x Height | 4,535 mm x 1,913 mm x 1,329 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,690 mm |
| Kerb Weight (GT) | 1,985 kg (approx. 4,376 lbs) |
| Doors | Electrically Operated Scissor Doors (with obstacle detection) |
| Roof | Powered Soft-Top (10 sec operation, works up to 50 km/h) |
| Wheels/Tyres | 20-inch Alloys (GT), Pirelli P Zero PZ4 Elect (Front: 245/40 R20, Rear: 275/35 R20) |
| Key Design Elements | “Storm Eye” LED Headlights, Arrow-Shaped Taillights, Full-Width Rear Light Bar, Kammback Rear |
| Boot Space | 249 Litres (Roof up or down) |
2. Interior, Tech & Practicality: Digital Overload in a Snug Cockpit
Step inside, and the Cyberster screams “concept car made real.” The driver-centric cockpit features a quad-screen setup: a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, flanked by two 7.0-inch touchscreens (left for navigation/phone, right for vehicle data), and a lower central screen for climate/vehicle settings . While visually striking with quality surface materials noted, the execution draws widespread criticism:
- Ergonomic Nightmares: The left navigation screen is partially obscured by the steering wheel for most drivers. The lower climate screen is invisible to the passenger due to a centre console beam. Physical build quality inconsistencies were reported, including loose trim pieces during tests .
- Infotainment Frustrations: The software is described as unintuitive and occasionally unresponsive. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto require wired connection (wireless promised soon), and the 360-degree camera feed oddly displays on the right screen instead of centrally. Buried menus for disabling intrusive ADAS (like aggressive lane-keeping) add to driver frustration .
- Space & Comfort: Accommodating only 2 passengers, the cabin is snug. Seats, while comfortable and supportive for cruising, are mounted too high – preventing a true “sunk-in” sports car feel. Tall drivers (over 6ft) report limited headroom and legroom, especially with the roof up. Storage is minimal beyond a 249-litre boot (usable roof up/down) and a netted area behind the seats . Notably, there’s no frunk (front trunk) despite the long bonnet .
Despite these flaws, refinement with the roof up is praised for effective noise and thermal insulation. Roof-down cruising exhibits remarkably low wind buffeting, even at motorway speeds .
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3. Performance, Range & Charging: Brutal Acceleration Meets Real-World Range
Here’s where the Cyberster GT delivers undeniable, jaw-dropping numbers:
- Powertrain & Acceleration: The dual-motor AWD GT variant produces a staggering 375 kW (503 bhp / 510 PS) and 725 Nm (535 lb-ft) of torque. This enables a claimed 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of 3.2 seconds – a figure verified by instrumented testing (MotorTrend recorded 3.1 sec) . Accessing this requires “Super Sport” mode (activated via a red steering wheel button), which also unleashes a synthetic (and divisive) engine sound. The single-motor RWD Trophy makes 250kW (335bhp) and hits 100km/h in 5.0 seconds .
- Driving Experience: The acceleration is described as effortlessly brutal, yet strangely emotionless compared to a high-revving combustion engine. The steering is accurate but lacks feedback, feeling overly light and disconnected. The brakes (Brembo 4-piston upfront) offer strong initial bite but can fade under heavy use, burdened by the car’s mass. While the suspension (double wishbone front, five-link rear) delivers a surprisingly supple and comfortable ride on long journeys and decent body control, the sheer weight becomes apparent on twisty roads. It’s easily unsettled by mid-corner bumps and feels more like a competent grand tourer than a razor-sharp sports car . The rear axle can feel underdamped over repeated compressions.
- Real-World Range & Efficiency: The 74.4 kWh usable battery (77kWh nominal) delivers an official WLTP range of 316 miles (509 km) for the RWD Trophy and 276 miles (444 km) for the AWD GT. Real-world tests suggest significant variation:
- Cold Weather (≈ -10°C): Combined range drops to approx. 335 km (208 miles). Highway driving at 110 km/h could see it plummet to 285 km (177 miles) .
- Mild Weather (≈ 23°C): Combined range improves to approx. 450 km (280 miles), with city driving potentially reaching 570 km (354 km) .
- CAR Magazine (UK) Test: Achieved 2.5 miles/kWh over 198 miles, suggesting a real-world range of ≈ 186 miles (299 km) for the GT .
- Efficiency: Official WLTP consumption is 168-191 Wh/km. Real-world figures vary wildly: 222 Wh/km (Combined Cold) down to 165 Wh/km (Combined Mild) .
- Charging: Supports up to 144 kW DC fast charging, enabling a 10-80% charge in approximately 39 minutes under ideal conditions (using a 150kW+ charger). A full charge via an 11kW AC home wallbox takes around 8 hours. Preconditioning for fast charging isn’t confirmed, and Plug & Charge isn’t supported .
Table 2: MG Cyberster Performance, Range & Charging Specifications (GT & Trophy)
| Feature | Cyberster Trophy (RWD) | Cyberster GT (AWD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motors | 1 x Rear (250kW) | 2 x AWD (375kW Combined) | Permanent Magnet Synchronous |
| Power | 335 bhp / 250 kW | 503 bhp / 375 kW | |
| Torque | 475 Nm | 725 Nm | |
| 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) | 5.0 seconds | 3.2 seconds | Verified by multiple tests |
| Top Speed | 193 km/h (121 mph) | 200 km/h (125 mph) | |
| Battery (Usable) | 74.4 kWh | 74.4 kWh | Lithium-Ion (NCM Chemistry) |
| WLTP Range | 509 km (316 miles) | 444 km (276 miles) | RWD more efficient |
| Real-World Range (Est) | 285-570 km (177-354 miles) | 285-450 km (177-280 miles) | Highly weather/speed dependent |
| Max DC Charging Speed | 144 kW | 144 kW | |
| 10-80% DC Charge Time | ~39 minutes | ~39 minutes | On 150kW+ charger |
| 11kW AC Charge Time | ~8 hours (0-100%) | ~8 hours (0-100%) | Type 2 Connection |
| Energy Cons. (WLTP) | 168 Wh/km | 191 Wh/km |
Watch full video review:
4. Pricing, Variants, Competition & Verdict: Halo Car Brilliance Amidst Flaws
- Global Pricing & Variants:
- UK: Trophy RWD (£54,995), GT AWD (£59,995)
- Australia: RWD (A$99,990), AWD (A$115,000)
- South Africa: GT AWD Only (R1,399,900)
- Europe (e.g., Germany/Netherlands): GT AWD (≈€69,990)
This positions the Cyberster significantly below premium rivals like the Porsche 718 Boxster (from ≈£50,000 for base petrol, much more for GTS) or BMW Z4 M40i (≈£60,000), let alone an electric Porsche Taycan (≈£80,000+).
- The Competition (Current & Future):
- Porsche 718 Boxster (Petrol): The dynamic benchmark. Sharper handling, communicative steering, iconic flat-6 soundtrack. Less powerful (except GTS), slower acceleration, not electric, similar price (base) or significantly more expensive (GTS). Interior tech feels dated .
- BMW Z4 M40i (Petrol): Refined cruiser. Strong straight-six, comfortable ride, better daily usability. Heavier steering feel than MG, less brutal acceleration, not electric, similar price .
- Tata Nexon EV (Electric): Not a direct rival but highlights value. Far cheaper, practical SUV body. Nowhere near the performance, tech, or desirability [citation:6 Context].
- Future EVs: Polestar 6, Electric Porsche Boxster, Tesla Roadster (vaporware?). Expected to be significantly more expensive (Polestar 6 ≈$200k) and arrive years later .
Table 3: MG Cyberster GT vs Key Rivals (Approximate Pricing & Focus)
| Feature | MG Cyberster GT (AWD EV) | Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 (Petrol) | BMW Z4 M40i (Petrol) | Future: Polestar 6 (AWD EV) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (UK) | £59,995 | £75,000+ | £60,000+ | £150,000+ (Est) |
| Powertrain | Dual Motor AWD, 503bhp, 725Nm | 4.0L Flat-6, 394bhp, 430Nm | 3.0L Turbo I6, 335bhp, 500Nm | Dual Motor AWD, 800+bhp (Est) |
| 0-100 km/h | 3.2 seconds | 4.0 seconds | 4.1 seconds | Sub 3.0 sec (Est) |
| Top Speed | 200 km/h (125 mph) | 288 km/h (180 mph) | 250 km/h (155 mph) | 250+ km/h (Est) |
| Transmission | Single-Speed Auto | 7-Speed PDK (DCT) or Manual | 8-Speed Auto | Single-Speed Auto (Est) |
| Key Strengths | Brutal acceleration, Design drama, Roof-down refinement, Value | Handling purity, Steering feel, Engine sound, Driving engagement | Comfort, Refinement, Straight-line pace, Usability | Performance, Luxury, Tech, Sustainability |
| Key Weaknesses | Heavy weight, Uncommunicative steering, Frustrating infotainment, High seating | High cost (especially options), Slower acceleration vs EV, Aging tech | Less engaging than Porsche, Soft-top only, Not electric | Extreme cost, Later arrival (2026+), Size/weight |
| Verdict Focus | Electric GT Cruiser / Statement Maker | Driver’s Sports Car | Comfortable Open-Top Tourer | Luxury Electric Super Roadster |
- Is It Worth the Hype? A Nuanced Verdict
The MG Cyberster is a fascinating, deeply flawed, yet ultimately compelling machine. It absolutely delivers on core hype points:- Stunning Design & Presence: It looks like nothing else, guaranteed to draw crowds.
- Devastating Acceleration: 3.2 seconds is hypercar territory, accessible instantly.
- Competent Grand Touring: Excellent roof-down refinement, comfortable long-distance ride.
- Value Proposition: Unmatched performance/design per pound in the EV roadster space.
- Not a Sports Car: Its weight, steering feel, and dynamics place it firmly in the GT category, not a Porsche-beating apex hunter.
- Ergonomic & Tech Quirks: The screen layout is borderline dysfunctional, ADAS is intrusive, and tall drivers feel cramped.
- Real-World Range Anxiety: While WLTP figures sound good, cold-weather/motorway driving drastically reduces practical range below 300km for the GT.
- Build & Software Niggles: From slow/finicky doors to inconsistent material quality and infotainment responsiveness.
MG Cyberster Highlights:
See more: MG Cyberster GT Long Term review