MG Cyberster Review

Introduction and model history

That’s all about to change, though. While Tesla is (as always) late with the revival of the Roadster, the electric Mini Cabrio is still a long way away, the Maserati GranCabrio Folgore in another price league altogether, and the Fiat 500 perhaps not open-air enough for some sun-seekers, MG is here to plug the gap in the market. 

The MG Cyberster is finally in  series production, is already on sale in China and customer deliveries will start in the UK by the end of this summer. We had a drive out in China, ahead of some proper time with the car in the UK.

On the one hand, this is only logical because the British founded the segment with cars like the MG B and were at the forefront of the revival at the turn of the millennium with the MG TF. And MG is still, to many, a British brand. On the other hand, MG is owned by Chinese maker, SAIC, and the Chinese market is not known for a love of open-top cars.

However, the Chinese do like to be the centre of attention, and the Cyberster is all about that. After all, the MG designers didn't go down the retro-style route, but rather designed an extremely modern two-seater that makes more of a show than many super sports cars. With powered, butterfly doors that swing up at the push of a button, and with details like the taillights that flare up like fiery red arrows - not to mention an extrovert rear diffuser that helps to keep the car sucked onto the road – it’s very much a ‘look at me’ car.  

The Cyberster is offered in two versions. The ‘basic’ version is called the MG Cyberster Trophy, and is powered by a 335bhp electric motor, which powers the rear-wheels for a 0 to 62mph in 5.0 seconds. If that doesn’t sound sporting enough, the dual motor, all-wheel drive MG Cyberster GT gets 503bhp and will sprint to 62mpg in just 3.2 seconds. 

Range, battery and charging

The Cyberster has a decent range courtesy of a 77 kWh lithium-ion NMC battery, which manages a WLTP range of up to 316 miles in the Trophy, or 276 miles for the GT. We can’t comment on real-world range just yet, but we’ll bring you a more in-depth drive and a video very soon, as it’s not long before we’re going to be driving the MG in the UK! 

Charging speeds are up to 150kW, which will deliver a 10-80% charge in 38 minutes; slightly disappointing by Tesla standards but still good enough for a 100 mile top-up in around 15- to 20 minutes.

The Cyberster charges via Type 2 or CCS sockets in the car’s rear wing, where you’d expect to find a fuel cap on a petrol cap. These are the European standard socket types, and are compatible with almost all public charging points in the UK and Western Europe. 

Plug into a 7kW home charger and the MG Cyberster will be fully charged in around 12 hours.

Practicality and boot space 

Being a two-seater, the MG isn’t really about practicality and usefulness, but there is a useful amount of storage in the centre cubby between the two front seats, and the 249-litre boot is big enough for a few soft bags to see you through those weekends away. 

Interior, Design/Styling and Technology 

MG’s electric sports car has a cozy cabin for two, which feels very modern and – thankfully – entirely unrelated to MGs of old. Yes, there’s plenty of leather and glossy finishes, and the driver looks at a curved screen that houses a 10.25-inch driver’s readout, and two 7.0-inch screens including a touchscreen infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A second touchscreen is housed below that, in the dash, and is the window to the car’s adaptive drive elements, and other important control features – although it could be easier to navigate and use, and we’d prefer traditional buttons for a lot of these functions. 

Naturally, all of that’s forgotten when, at the push of a button the fabric hood folds back within a few seconds and the wind finally blows through your hair. Then the Cyberster becomes open, honest and direct.

Motors, Performance and Handling 

Because of the batteries in the floor, you don’t sit quite as close to the road in the Cyberster as you do in a Mazda MX-5. And the big battery also weighs enough that you can clearly feel the weight in the curves. 

But while the battery forces you to brake a little sooner for tight bends, and takes a little away from the cornering poise overall, the spontaneity of the electric power delivery – particularly in the dual motor Cyberster - is in the MG’s favour, and you shoot away from corners with addictive zeal. 

It’s not going to rival the petrol sports-roadsters like the Porsche Boxster for ultimate driving engagement, but it is the most emotional thing that has come to us from China so far. And even the European and American brands have little to offer, in the electric classes, that has this much character and desirability – particularly not that also offers an open view of the sky, the sun on your skin and the wind in your hair. 

As for the noise – or lack of? MG doesn’t offer the synthesised engine noise that Abarth does, but you can easily get used to the fact that you don't hear an engine - just the sound of the wind and the chirping of the birds. And if not, there's an excellent, Bose sound system and a playlist with your name on it.

Running Costs and Pricing 

The MG Cyberster Trophy costs from £54,995, while the dual-motor Cyberster GT costs from £59,995, which is a fairly small price jump for a big boost of power. You also get a seven-year, 80,000 mile warranty that covers the battery and the vehicle, which is one of the best warranties in the business. 

Verdict 

The MG Cyberster isn’t the last word in purist driver involvement but it is fun, confident and seriously cool to look at – and to be seen in. A true ‘supercar light’ roadster that’s guaranteed to make you smile every time you’re in it. We had hoped for more tactile and engaging handling, of course, but this is still a great addition to the electric car classes, and for anyone wanting a refined yet easy-living electric roadster, MG has the answer. 

Like the MG Cyberster? Try these... 

Abarth 500e Review

Maserati GranTurismo Folgore review

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MINI Electric Review