Test drive MG Cyberster XPower: Electric, sporty, open

The Chinese car group SAIC wants to transfer the idea of the sporty roadster into the electric modern age with its British brand MG. This is to be achieved with the Cyberster.

A considerable amount of courage must certainly be attributed to MG Motor with the electric two-seater Cyberster. Who in the automotive industry today is still betting on a niche segment like that of roadsters, from which other manufacturers are more likely to withdraw than engage? And this for good reason: too high costs, too low quantities, too low yield.

But MG, for many years owned by the Chinese SAIC Motor Corporation, thinks a little differently. The manufacturer indulges in the Cyberster, even if the so-called business case likely doesn't add up. Moreover, MG gives itself a birthday present with this car: the British brand, originally started as Morris Garage, is celebrating 100 years. Naturally, people take pride in some of the open-top legends in the company's long history, such as the MG A, MG B, or MG Midget.

Completely new driving experience

And now the Cyberster, highly modern, electrically powered, and about as long as a BMW Z4. The Cyberster, a portmanteau of "Cyber" and "Roadster," aims to carry all the emotion and joy that open-top driving almost inevitably brings into the electric era. And the two-seater does so without a doubt. Especially the top version "XPower" from €69,990 (72.215,68 USD) with two motors. Especially with the roof down, the sun on your face, and the wind in your hair, combined with the quiet and linear electric drive. It's a completely new driving experience and creates enormous addictive potential from the very first kilometers.

Already the technical specifications suggest something ominous: 375 kilowatts and 725 Newton meters of torque have little trouble with the two-seater. The acceleration out of corners is brutal yet incredibly smooth. The MG technicians also delivered professional work with the suspension.

Go-kart-like, it goes precisely around the corner with a very direct steering. The handling is fantastic. The same goes for the brakes from Brembo. The Cyberster holds to the road like the proverbial board.

It tops out at 200 km/h (approx. 124 mph)

MG states 3.2 seconds for the sprint from zero to 100 km/h (approx. 62 mph) : top sports car level. Overtaking becomes a very brief affair. However, the Cyberster does not advance into the usual regions like combustion engines of this caliber. The electronics put a stop at 200 km/h, primarily to protect the battery.

It's remarkable that MG has managed to fit a capacity of 77 kWh in the floor. This is enough for 443 kilometers (approx. 275 miles) for the dual-motor variant. Those who opt for the base model can achieve more than 500 kilometers (approx. 311 miles). These are exceptionally good values for a roadster of this class.

The charging power, however, is more towards the lower end of the scale, which for many is the more important factor regarding travel speed. Because with the Cyberster, even longer tours can be undertaken, surprisingly comfortably.

But back to the charging power: A maximum of only 144 kW is possible, which is little compared to the competition. Thus, it certainly takes well over half an hour at a DC charger to bring the battery back from ten to 80 percent of its capacity. MG does not specify an exact value.

Record-breaking convertible top

The small roof is definitely record-breaking. It opens or closes—in under eight seconds—at speeds up to 50 km/h (approx. 31 mph). So there's almost no chance of getting wet, even if it suddenly starts to rain. MG has also solved the trunk issue well: Whether the roof is down or up, the luggage volume is unaffected. In both cases, it's 249 liters. Not much, but enough for a few travel bags plus small items for a weekend tour. By the way, golfers should know: the trunk opening is definitely too narrow for a bag with clubs, even if MG claims it would fit.

The cool show presents itself to passersby or guests in a street cafe if the Cyberster happens to park directly in front of them and its scissor doors swing up spectacularly. It's surprising that MG was able to carry this expensive door concept from the study into the series. Because usually, such designer gimmicks quickly fall victim to budget cuts.

Cockpit a bit too digital

Otherwise, nothing in the Cyberster hints at economizing. The interior feels high-quality, the seats are comfortable, and the materials are well-chosen. Some may find the overly digital cockpit with its four screens somewhat overstuffed. Especially in the roadster segment, less can sometimes be more. And a few nods to the past, such as round instruments with chrome trims, wouldn't have been a bad idea either.

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What took some getting used to on our test drive was the small navigation display on the left edge of the dashboard, especially since it is almost half obscured by the steering wheel. However, MG promised that this layout will be changed for the European versions and the map will then move to the small screen on the right. The problem with the steering wheel remains.

Without a doubt, the Cyberster will enrich the otherwise SUV-dominated streetscape in our area. If one shows up at all. Many examples are unlikely to be seen in this country. The niche is too insignificant and the price—even if it is a bargain relative to the offered performance—is altogether too high.