MG Cyberster: Find Out What’s Thrilling And What’s Not About The Electric Roadster

This year marked a significant shift for MG as it ventured into the premium car segment with the introduction of the Cyberster. Priced at Rs 75 lakh (ex-showroom), the Cyberster aims to offer supercar-like drama and performance at half the price of traditional sports cars. But is it merely a head-turner with flashy looks, or does it truly deliver an exhilarating driving experience? 

Let’s explore what works in its favour and where it could have done better.

MG Cyberster: Design

The Cyberster’s design grabs attention instantly. The scissor doors are a showstopper, opening and closing at the touch of a button, while sensors ensure safe operation. Its low-slung stance, flowing roofline, and 20-inch alloys give it a classic roadster profile. The soft-top convertible roof operates seamlessly in 10 seconds and can be deployed at speeds of up to 50 kmph. Build quality feels solid, with no panel gaps, well-damped doors, and robust body panels.

However, the arrow-shaped tail lights, while unique, feel slightly overdone. Additionally, dynamic turn indicators and illuminated logos would have been welcome touches to the design, enhancing its overall exclusivity.

MG Cyberster: Interior And Comfort

Step inside, and you are greeted by a driver-focused cockpit. The triple-screen layout elegantly curves towards the driver. While the flat-bottom steering wheel, with its prominent ‘Super Sport’ button, enhances the sporty vibe. Material quality feels premium, with suede, leather, and soft-touch elements spread across the cabin.

The front seats are well-bolstered and come equipped with power adjustment, ventilation, heating, and memory functions. Storage space is limited but practical for a roadster, with a glovebox, central tunnel cubby, and cupholders.

On the downside, cabin space feels tight for taller individuals, especially those above 6.2 feet. The manual inside rearview mirror seems like an odd cost-cutting choice in an otherwise premium interior. Additionally, while the triple-screen display looks striking, it suffers from poor visibility under direct sunlight and can feel overwhelming initially due to its cluttered user interface.

MG Cyberster: Features

The MG Cyberster comes equipped with tech such as a 7-inch and a 10.25-inch display for the driver, a 7-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 6-way electrically adjustable heated seats with memory function, an 8-speaker Bose sound system, and automatic climate control.

Safety kit includes four airbags, a 360-degree camera, electronic stability control, tyre pressure monitoring system, parking sensors, and a Level 2 ADAS suite with adaptive cruise control.

While the screens look futuristic, the UI is not the most intuitive. Tasks like adjusting climate settings require diving into touch menus, which is not ideal while driving. Wireless smartphone connectivity is also missing, which feels like a big omission at this price point.

MG Cyberster: Performance

Equipped with a 77 kWh battery pack and dual motors that deliver 510 PS and 725 Nm, the Cyberster sprints from 0-100 kmph in just 3.2 seconds. Power delivery is instant and addictive. The Cyberster also features a launch control function that amplifies the drama. The all-wheel drive setup ensures the massive torque is put down cleanly, making it usable even for amateur drivers. Braking performance is strong with a progressive pedal feel, and regenerative braking blends in smoothly.

There is a learning curve though, the Cyberster’s aggressive power delivery demands constant driver attention. Particularly, for those new to high-performance EVs. Range anxiety could also be a concern on longer trips, despite MG claiming a MIDC-certified range of 580 km.

MG Cyberster: Ride

Thanks to its low centre of gravity and all-wheel drive grip, the Cyberster feels agile and planted. It tackles corners with confidence, exhibits minimal body roll, and the steering is precise with commendable feedback. The Cyberster encourages spirited driving and remains composed even at higher speeds.

Ride quality, however, leans towards the firmer side, which becomes noticeable over patchy roads. That said, it is not harsh enough to be a dealbreaker, especially when you consider its sporty intent.

Rivals

The MG Cyberster does not have a direct rival in its price bracket. However, it serves as alternatives to the likes of the BMW Z4. The Cyberster offers electric performance and roadster thrills at a price point that undercuts its European counterparts by a significant margin.

Is The MG Cyberster Worth Considering?

If you are looking for a head-turning sportscar that is relatively more attainable, the MG Cyberster should definitely be on your radar. It offers exhilarating performance, a dramatic design, and a unique driving experience that’s hard to match in this segment.

However, it is not a car for practical buyers. Limited space, a firm ride, and some usability quirks make it a second or third car for those seeking pure driving joy. But if you have the budget and want to own something truly special, the Cyberster’s value-for-money proposition is hard to ignore.