The all-new MG Cyberster is turning heads and dropping jaws. With scissor doors, dual electric motors (375kW/725Nm) and a 0–100km/h time of just 3.2 seconds, it’s MG’s boldest move yet.
The MG Cyberster was first revealed to the world in 2023, and towards the end of 2024 the brand invited a group of local motoring media to sample the range at the headquarters in China.
A bit of history about the brand – MG, short for Morris Garages, was established in 1924 in the UK, where it launched models like the MGB, Maestro and Montego. Fast forward more than 100 years and the brand has been under the ownership of Shanghai-based SAIC Motor since 2007.
According to Sky Zhang, General Manager for MG Motor South Africa, "MG is 100% committed to the South African market. Backed by SAIC Motor, the largest automotive manufacturer in China and ranked among the Fortune Global 500, MG has a robust foundation for sustainable growth. The brand’s arrival in South Africa is a strategic long-term investment."
One of a kind
The Cyberster is MG’s halo model, and halo models always stand out in a variety of ways, especially in performance. Everything about the car screams futuristic – from the directional brake light layout to the scissor doors – and it turns heads wherever it drives. Also forming part and parcel of the package are stylish 20-inch alloy wheels that make the coupé even more attractive.
Functionality, like the climate controls and gear buttons, are all in close proximity to the driver, while the trio of infotainment screens behind the steering wheel make the interior feel like you’re in the cabin of a fighter jet. The entire interior is also decked in leather (seating, door panels, dashboard and steering wheel) and feels very premium. The boot space, although very limited, can accommodate a couple of small bags.
Coming back to the performance: the Cyberster is equipped with dual electric motors - one on each axle – with power outputs of 375kW and 725Nm, which essentially makes the coupe all-wheel-drive. Where on-road performance is concerned, the automaker claims it can sprint from 0-100km/h in 3.2 seconds and run to a top speed of 208km/h.
Part of the electric system is a 77kWh lithium-ion battery pack that allows for a maximum driving range of 443km on a single charge.
The driver can switch between various driving modes, but you pay for performance with driving range. A big red button on the steering wheel with ‘Super Sport’ written on it turns the Cyberster into a rocket, which not only eats away 200km of range but also propels you forward viciously.
How does it drive?
A simple touch of the ‘D’ button on the cockpit-like centre console initiates forward momentum, there's no lever or stalk, in keeping with the futuristic theme. The seating position is very low and gives an almost go-kart-like feeling. One snag of the drive is that if you are tall, your seating position is very limited (moving back to front) leaving little wiggle room for your legs.
Being all-electric, the power from the dual motors is instant when dipping the right foot ever so slightly towards the floor. Most of the driving during our time was done in Comfort mode, with there also being very short stints done in Sport.
The acceleration is brutal if you’re not expecting it, and it's a case of needing to not only be aware, but precise with steering wheel movements. You can feel how much faster the car is getting as you switch between the different driving modes.
Because the car is low and fitted with big wheels, you need to be careful of road imperfections or you’ll feel it through the suspension.
We were left more than impressed with the overall drivability of the car and MG hit the brief bang on head where creating an attractive halo model is concerned.
Spec, pricing and aftersales
MG Cyberster - R1 399 900
Included in the purchase price is a five-year/200 000km manufacturer's warranty, a five-year/100 000km maintenance plan and a seven-year/250 000km powertrain warranty.
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