MG Cyberster launched in Sydney – $129,000

MG Motor Australia and New Zealand officially launched its new flagship 375kW Cyberster all-wheel-drive electric roadster at a gala event in Sydney on October 16.

Distinguished by its scissor doors, the Cyberster will retail from $129,000 plus on-road costs when it reaches New Zealand showrooms.

“MG Cyberster marks an evolution for our brand, merging the legacy of MG Roadsters with a forward-thinking vision. Its design and performance set a standard, making it one of the most advanced vehicles MG has yet unveiled,” MG Motor Australia and New Zealand chief executive Peter Ciao says.

“The Cyberster presents uncompromising levels of power and performance while continuing our development as a leader in the electric vehicle space.”

Carl Gotha, the head of MG’s design studio in Marylebone, London, came to Sydney for the Cyberster event to provide insights into creating the brand’s new Halo model.

The Cyberster will offer five different colour options: English White Standard, Sterling Silver Metallic, Camden Grey Metallic, Diamond Red Metallic, and Royal Yellow Premium, as well as two hood options in Black and Red.

According to MG Motor, the Cyberster will sprint from a standstill to 100km/h in 3.2 seconds while offering a driving range of up to 443km (WLTP). The traction battery can recharge from 10% to 80% in 40 minutes using a 150kW CCS public charger.

A 77-kWh battery set between the axles features an electric motor at each end for all-wheel drive.

Despite its 4535mm length and 1913mm width, MG Motor says the Cyberster’s proportions imitate the long bonnet, set-back cockpit, and short boot lid of the historic MGB roadster produced from 1962 to 1980.

MG Motor says there were crucial benefits in using scissor doors for the Cyberster instead of conventionally opening doors.

These were designed to improve driver and passenger access to the cabin because the Cyberster has wide sills and wheel arches that would otherwise obstruct entry and egress. The scissor doors are electric and can be controlled by the vehicle’s key, a button on the door, or from within the cabin.

A triple-screen setup for the driver features touchscreens on either side. The central 10.25-inch screen shows essential data such as speed, range, and navigation info, while images relayed from the car’s cameras appear on the right-hand screen.

The two outer screens measure seven inches and are touch-sensitive, but some functions are replicated on the multifunction steering wheel, where extra buttons cycle through different menus. The Cyberster also has Apple Car Play, Android Auto and an eight-speaker Bose audio system.