MG Cyberster Road Test Review: The Electric Roadster Reborn?

The MG name is carved into car history. It means lightweight, pure sports cars like the MGB. It stands for open-air driving and a direct bond between driver, car, and road.

Now we live in the electric age. That legacy faces its biggest challenge yet. The MG Cyberster has arrived - a bold, all-electric roadster that promises supercar speed and futuristic looks.

The big question looms: can a battery-powered, tech-heavy convertible really follow in the footsteps of those analog classics? This detailed road test review will give you the answer. We’ll break down its raw power, how it handles corners, the open-top feel, and its high-tech cabin to reach a final verdict.

First Impressions: More Than Scissor Doors?

Walking up to the MG Cyberster is special. It has a presence that photos can’t capture. Classic proportions meet daring modern design in a way that grabs attention and stops traffic.

The initial “wow” factor hits you right away. But let’s look closer. We need to see if its most talked-about features are real highlights or just flashy tricks.

A Nod to the Past

The Cyberster’s shape is pure roadster. The long, low hood and short, chopped-off rear echo its MGB ancestor. They’ve been smartly updated for the electric era.

The design shows confident details that create an aggressive, purposeful appearance.

• Stance: The car sits incredibly low and wide. It hugs the road with a powerful look that screams performance.

• Lighting: “Magic Eye” interactive headlights give the car personality. The bold, arrow-shaped “Union Jack” tail lights make a distinctive statement.

• Proportions: Despite packing a large battery, designers have kept the classic long-nose, short-deck roadster feel.

The Scissor Door Experience

Let’s tackle the big question from forums like PistonHeads: are the scissor doors a daily joy or a constant pain? After a week of use, the answer is surprisingly good.

The electronic doors open upward with smooth, controlled movement. They don’t swing out as wide as regular doors. This makes them surprisingly practical in tight parking spots - a real benefit we tested ourselves.

They feel solid and well-built, with no signs of weakness. Yes, they’re dramatic. But they’re also useful, turning the simple act of getting in and out into automotive theater.

Behind the Wheel: An Electric Heart

This is the heart of our review. We move past looks to answer the most important question for any car lover: how does the MG Cyberster actually drive?

We tested the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive version on highways, city streets, and twisty back roads. We wanted to find out if it has a true sports car soul.

Launch Control and Silent Acceleration

Using launch control in the top MG Cyberster creates a strange feeling. There’s no engine roar - just a quiet electronic hum as you hold the brake and gas.

Let go of the brake and you get hit with violent, silent acceleration. The force is huge, pressing you deep into the seat with an instant punch that gas engines simply can’t match.

The dual-motor Cyberster hits 0-60 mph in just 3.2 seconds. That puts it in supercar territory. For comparison, established magazines like Autocar have confirmed similar brutal acceleration in high-performance EVs. This backs up what seems like an unbelievable number.

Carving Corners: Does it Dance?

This is where modern EVs often get criticized. The Cyberster is heavy because of its big battery. The key question is how the chassis handles that weight when the road gets twisty.

The steering is quick and direct. You can place the car exactly where you want it. Through fast curves, the Cyberster feels incredibly planted and stable. The low center of gravity and AWD system provide massive grip.

But does it have the playful, chatty feel of a benchmark like the Mazda MX-5? The answer is complex. It’s less of a delicate dance partner and more of a brutally effective point-and-shoot weapon. It doesn’t rotate with the same eagerness as lightweight gas-powered rivals. But its ability to devour a corner and explode out the other side is breathtaking in its own way.

Braking and Regeneration

Stopping a heavy, fast EV needs a strong braking system. The Cyberster’s Brembo brakes provide powerful, confident stopping with good pedal feel.

The system also has multiple levels of regenerative braking. In its strongest setting, it allows true one-pedal driving in city traffic. This quickly becomes natural. The switch between regenerative and friction braking is mostly smooth - a sign of good tuning.

The Cabin and The Canopy

The Cyberster’s interior is as dramatic as its outside. The focus is on a tech-forward, driver-centered cockpit that feels more like a modern fighter jet than a classic roadster.

We tested how usable this high-tech environment is. We also checked the all-important function of its convertible roof.

The Driver’s Command Center

The driver is surrounded by a wraparound triple-screen setup. The displays are sharp, bright, and powered by the Unreal Engine. This gives the interface the graphical quality of a high-end video game.

However, this tech-first approach has downsides. The heavy use of touch controls for key functions like climate and drive modes can be distracting while driving.

• Pros:

– Stunning graphics and instant response.

– High level of customization for instrument displays.

• Cons:

– Too much reliance on touchscreen hurts usability.

– The sheer amount of information can distract drivers.

Using gaming technology in cars is a growing trend. As detailed in tech publications like The Verge, the Unreal Engine is being adopted by car makers to create more immersive and responsive interfaces. The Cyberster now leads this category.

Top Down in 10 Seconds

A roadster is defined by its open-air experience. The Cyberster’s electric folding fabric roof is a highlight. It retracts or closes in about 10 seconds at speeds up to 30 mph.

The operation is smooth and quiet. With the top down and windows up, wind buffeting in the cabin is well-controlled, even at highway speeds. This allows for easy conversation. It delivers the essential open-top thrill without excessive turbulence.

Build, Materials, and Practicality

The cabin mixes impressive with just okay. The main touch points - steering wheel, seats, and key controls - feel high-quality. The fit and finish are generally good. This represents a big step up for the MG brand.

However, some lower plastics feel less premium. This reminds you of its targeted price point. Practicality is limited, as expected for a two-seat roadster. Storage consists of a small glovebox, door pockets, and a modest trunk. Packing for a weekend trip requires careful planning.

The Reality of an Electric Roadster

Owning an electric sports car brings practical considerations that are new to this segment. Range, charging, and ownership costs are key concerns for any potential EV buyer.

We address these real-world questions to help you understand what it’s like to live with the MG Cyberster day-to-day.

Real-World vs. Official Range

How far can the MG Cyberster go on a single charge? The official WLTP range for the dual-motor model is quoted at around 323 miles. Our real-world testing showed different numbers depending on driving style.

Spirited driving on challenging roads drains the battery much faster. Gentle city commuting maximizes efficiency.

Charging: How Long is the Wait?

The Cyberster supports DC fast charging at speeds up to 150 kW. In practice, this means a 10-80% charge at a compatible public charger takes around 30-35 minutes. That’s perfectly acceptable for a quick stop on a long journey.

The charge port is conveniently located on the rear quarter panel. This makes it easy to access at charging stations. For home charging, a 7kW wallbox will replenish the battery overnight.

Maintenance and Customization

One key benefit of EV ownership is reduced maintenance. With no oil changes, exhaust systems, or complex engine parts to service, the Cyberster should prove less costly to run than a gas equivalent.

As the car matures, owners will inevitably seek to maintain and personalize their vehicles. For those future needs, specialists like MG-parts – EVparts4x4 are positioned to offer a comprehensive selection of components. From performance braking systems to custom wheels, they ensure your MG EV remains in peak condition.

The Verdict: A True MG for the 21st Century?

We return to our central question. After extensive testing, has MG successfully reinvented its iconic roadster formula for the electric age?

The answer requires looking at the Cyberster not just as a car, but as a symbol of a brand’s heritage and its future.

Cyberster vs. The Ghost of MGB

Does the MG Cyberster capture the spirit of the MGB? In feel, no. The MGB was an analog featherweight. Its charm came from mechanical simplicity and directness. The Cyberster is a digital heavyweight. Its appeal comes from staggering power and advanced technology.

The MGB was about the journey. The Cyberster is often about the shocking performance. To fully appreciate this legacy, exploring the history of the MGB at the British Motor Museum’s online exhibit provides valuable context on its revolutionary impact. The Cyberster doesn’t copy that spirit. Instead, it creates a new one for a new era.

Price, Rivals, and Final Thoughts

With an expected price that significantly undercuts rivals like the future electric Porsche Boxster, the MG Cyberster carves out a unique market position. It offers performance and drama previously reserved for six-figure supercars.

Its main competition comes not just from other EVs, but from the established philosophy of cars like the Mazda MX-5. That car sold tens of thousands of units last year by perfecting the lightweight formula.

The MG Cyberster is not a direct successor to the MGB. It was never meant to be. It is a bold, ambitious, and stunningly fast reinterpretation of what a modern MG roadster can be. It trades lightweight purity for immense power and high technology.

For those seeking the ultimate expression of the electric performance car in a dramatic, open-top package, the MG Cyberster is not just a worthy rebirth. It’s a revolution.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the 0-60 time of the MG Cyberster? The dual-motor, all-wheel-drive version of the MG Cyberster has an official 0-60 mph acceleration time of just 3.2 seconds, placing it in the performance category of many supercars.

Is the MG Cyberster a real sports car? Yes, by all performance metrics, the MG Cyberster is a real sports car. It combines blistering acceleration with a capable chassis and immense grip. While its heavy weight gives it a different feel from traditional lightweight roadsters like the Mazda MX-5, its performance capabilities are undeniable.

What is the real-world range of the MG Cyberster? The real-world range of the MG Cyberster depends on driving style. Our tests estimate approximately 275 miles for highway cruising, around 220 miles for spirited driving on back roads, and up to 300 miles for city commuting.

Are the scissor doors on the MG Cyberster practical? Surprisingly, yes. The scissor doors on the MG Cyberster are well-engineered and practical for daily use. Because they open upwards and require less side clearance than conventional doors, they can be easier to use in tight parking spaces.