MG announces Cyberster price
BY PETER BARNWELL | 21st Oct 2024
MG’S long-awaited Cyberster two-seater electric sportscar has finally made it Down Under initially in all-wheel drive form priced from $115,000 excluding on road costs.
Rumours circulating suggest a cheaper rear-wheel drive version might be in the offing at a later date – along with a hardtop coupe – but in the meantime it’s the dual motor convertible only.
The Cyberster enters the sportscar market against a pair of ICE-powered drop-top roadsters with BMW’s Z4 and low-spec Porsche Boxsters at ballpark money.
At a stretch, buyers may cross-shop four-seat cabrios such as the BMW 420i and new Mercedes-Benz CLE while Ford’s Mustang GT drop-top offers eight cylinders and four seats at tens of thousands less than the MG
But the Cyberster remains the only battery electric sportscar at this price point for the moment, with Porsche’s next-generation electric Boxster likely to come at a premium over its petrol predecessor and the Polestar 6 being readied for limited production and likely priced for the select few.
It may look compact in photos and have just two seats but the Cyberster has a footprint omparable to Porsche’s broad-shouldered 911 Turbo Cabriolet, measuring 4535mm in length, 1913mm in width, and 1329mm in height.
To recap, MG, replete with scissor doors, uses a similar dual motor powertrain as the MG 4 XPower hot hatch, spinning out a combined 375kW/725Nm and fed by a 77kWh battery integrated within the chassis.
MG Motor says this is sufficient to propel the 1895kg AWD Cyberster from 0-100km/h in an impressive 3.2 seconds.
Though a yoke style steering wheel with variable gearing was mooted way back in 2021 when news of the Cyberster emerged, it has a conventional wheel in front of a wide multi-screen digital dash.
It also has sports seats, an extensive range of tech-driven information and infotainment features, the latest ADAS from MG and launch control.
MG Motor is leveraging its 100-year heritage for the Cyberster launch, celebrating it as a significant milestone that embodies the future of MG’s innovation.
At launch MG Motor said the all-electric MG Cyberster is a groundbreaking addition that represents a major leap forward in both technology and design and marks a new era for MG, merging a century of heritage with cutting-edge advancements to redefine the future of automotive excellence.
“Drawing on the history of MG and classic models such as the MGB, the Cyberster brings EV motoring to the modern sports car space.
“The Cyberster isn’t just here to be another car, it’s here to make a statement and continue to propel the legacy of MG into the modern era.”
MG Motor Australia and New Zealand CEO Peter Ciao said: “MG Cyberster marks a ground-breaking evolution for our brand, seamlessly merging the legacy of MG Roadsters with a daring, forward-thinking vision.
“Its bold design and exhilarating performance sets an unprecedented standard, making it one of the most advanced vehicles MG has ever unveiled.”
“The all-new MG Cyberster presents uncompromising levels of power and performance, while also continuing our development as a leader in the electric vehicle space here in Australia.
“Crafted with precision from the ground up, this car is not only a tribute to MG’s storied heritage but also a clear statement that we are unwavering in our pursuit of leadership and innovation in Australia’s automotive landscape.
Mr Ciao added that the Cyberster delivers “incredible” performance that will “amaze” car lovers who will be “blown away” when they get behind the wheel.
Reiterating his boss’s words, MG Motor Australia chief commercial officer Giles Belcher said: “This is an amazing time for MG Motor Australia. The Cyberster is a truly incredible vehicle and showcases the leading technology, performance and design MG offers.
“With our first shipment of Cyberster’s arriving in Australia, I’m pleased to say that already 30 per cent of these are sold for customer pre-orders.”
MG says apart from spirited driving, the Cyberster is engineered for seamless cruising, navigating city streets or track day driving. The manufacturer claims a WLTP range of 443km and rapid charging capability that can power the vehicle from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in 40 minutes using a 150kW CCS public charger.
The Cyberster is available in five colours: English White Standard, Sterling Silver Metallic, Camden Grey Metallic, Diamond Red Metallic, and Royal Yellow Premium.
GoAuto is in line for a test drive of the Cyberster in the near future when we will bring you a firsthand appraisal of its capabilities.
