Think MG, and you’ll probably think of its range of excellent electric and hybrid cars, and SUVs – but until now no sports cars like those highlighted in its British-owned past. Well, 2024 was the brand’s 100th anniversary, and the Cyberster represented its rather extravagant present to itself, and loyal owners.
It might be a new launch, but the Cyberster dates to 2017, when it was first sketched at MG owner’s SAIC’s London studio. Designed to be a modern, EV-powered replacement for the much-loved MGB, after many false starts, the 2021 concept attracted enough attention from senior SAIC staff to make production.
Design and interior
Outside, despite being similarly sized to rivals such as the Mazda MX5, the Cyberster definitely has its own look. From the front, there’s the technical front airdam, long nose, and faired-in headlights. At the side, despite being an EV, the Cyberster doesn’t look too tall, despite the battery bolted under the floor. This is a result of being fitted with MG’s 110mm, ‘ultra-thin’ battery pack.
Apart from the slick metalwork down the flanks, the biggest highlight at the sides must be the supercar-style, powered scissor doors. This MG’s rear design looks equally exotic, with its curved rear diffuser, and unusual ‘arrow’ rear lights.
Inside, the Cyberster’s swoopy, driver-focused interior design is finished off with several digital display screens – some of which are less important than others. The biggest 10.3in one behind the steering wheel is the most important, whereas the smaller 7in ones are less useful.
The left-hand screen is home to the navigation, which is too small in our opinion. And the screen on the right oddly shows the rear camera view, which we found confusing, and it is mostly obscured by the steering wheel. All are touchscreens, which seem slow to respond, too.
Then, there’s the driving position, which despite the slim battery pack, results in a tall, unsporting view, that’s not suitable for lofty drivers! However, the seats themselves are supportive.
Performance and drive
There are two versions of the Cyberster EV. The entry-level model is the single-motor Trophy that we drove, with 335hp, 0-62 acceleration in five seconds, a range at 316 miles, and priced at £54,995. Or, there’s the £59,995 twin-motor GT, which has 503hp, 0-62mph acceleration in 3.2 seconds, and a range of 276 miles. Remember that despite all this performance, both will have a company car BIK tax liability of 2%.
On the road, because of the Trophy’s 350lb ft of torque, it doesn’t feel slow off the mark, although with the weight of the battery pack, despite over 300hp, this Cyberster feels more of a GT than an out-and-out sportscar. Anyway, even on the standard 19in wheels, the ride is impressively supple and comfortable – but you do feel some body float, which we think is made worse with the MG being a convertible. Still, body roll is kept well under control in corners.
MG claims a range of 315 miles, but this was closer to 250 on our test. Still, when it does need recharging, the Cyberster can be rapid DC charged at up to 150kW, with a 10-80% charge taking 38 minutes.
We’re very pleased MG has returned to sports cars, and in general the Cyberster drives well, and with EV power it is a unique proposition in its class. However, whilst it looks great, items such as the slow scissor doors, confusing infotainment and safety features, plus the tall driving position soon frustrate.
Positive: Exotic looks inside and out, comfortable ride, decent dynamics.
Negative: Tall driving position won’t suit all drivers, slow and fiddly scissor doors, confusing infotainment and safety features
Standard equipment: 19in alloy wheels, power roof, 7in infotainment touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple Carplay connectivity, eight-speaker Bose audio system.
Engines: Electric: 335hp, 503hp
Equipment grades: Trophy, GT
Transmissions: Single-speed automatic
| Model | MG Cyberster 77kWh Trophy |
| P11D | £54,940 |
| Residual value | 43.3% |
| Depreciation | £31,116 |
| Fuel | £3,297 |
| Service, maintenance and repair | £1,772 |
| Cost per mile | 65p |
| Range | 315 miles |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 0g/km (2%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £18/£37 |
| Luggage capacity | 249 litres |
| Battery size/power | 77kWh/315hp |
| Score | 8/10 |
