MG Cyberster sports car, Shanghai Motor show, Porsche 718 rival

MG has officially released the first set of details of the all-electric Cyberster sportscar at the ongoing Shanghai motor show 2023. The drop-top sportscar will go on sale in multiple markets sometime next year.

1. MG Cyberster EV is larger than Porsche 718
2. Gets two powertrain options
3. MG will launch the Comet EV in India this month

MG Cyberster EV: what is it?

The MG Cyberster is the brand’s first sportscar in years and also its first EV sportscar. It premieres a sleek new design language reminiscent of MG’s historic sporting heritage. The unique scissor doors are an innovative addition, and its door handles are placed on the accent line that starts from the A-pillar and extends to the rear. The Cyberster also gets unique arrow-shaped tail-lights and a split rear diffuser.

The model’s design was leaked earlier this month by government filings in China, which suggested it will measure 4,535mm long, 1,913mm wide and 1,329mm high – slightly larger than the Porsche 718 Boxster and significantly bigger than the Mazda MX-5.

The Cyberster’s powertrain line-up was also detailed, revealing that it would be offered in both single- and dual-motor specifications. Entry-level, single-motor models offer 309hp, while dual-motor models offer up to 543hp, making it the most powerful MG ever. 

Weight varies depending on the specification, with single-motor variants tipping the scales at 1,850kg, and in its heaviest form, the Cyberster weighs 1,985kg. Several wheel designs and badge styles were also revealed.

MG Cyberster EV interior, platform

Meanwhile, the MG Cyberster’s interior makes use of a Tesla-style yoke steering wheel and several digital screens for infotainment and driving data. Set to help MG continue its steep growth trajectory, the Cyberster will also significantly expand the brand’s product portfolio as it approaches its centenary in 2024.

The Cyberster sits on an all-new platform built around the 2017 E-Motion coupe concept and is supposed to become a ‘cell-to-pack’ battery production car. This does away with the conventional module structure used by current EVs in the name of increased production efficiency and power density. It’s claimed to yield an 800km range.

A single motor, using the same efficiency-boosting ‘hairpin’ wiring technology as the ZS EV and presumably mounted at the rear, supplies a sub-3.0sec 0-100kph time.

Will the MG Cyberster EV come to India?

MG currently has only one electric offering in India – the ZS EV – with the Comet EV set to launch on April 19. However, there is no news of the Cyberster EV coming to India as of now.

Also see:
MG Comet review: Revolution baby
New Lexus LM MPV unveiled at Shanghai; India launch soon