Watch: MG Cyberster first drive – Worth the $129,000 ask?

MG Motor New Zealand has just landed the highly anticipated Cyberster all-electric, two-seater convertible. For now, it seems there’s only one in the country, and with its scarcity, only a select few media outlets have had the chance to put it through its paces.

The Cyberster is a game-changer—especially for those who appreciate the finer details of electric vehicles. If you discount the original Tesla Roadster, this is the first fully electric, mass-produced convertible two-seater. It’s also a monumental leap for MG, not just in terms of technology but also in pricing, coming in at $129,900 before on-road costs—more than double the price of its next most expensive model.

For enthusiasts hoping for a spiritual successor to the MGB, or perhaps something along the lines of the Mazda MX-5, it’s clear that MG has aimed far higher. The Cyberster is a big car—at 4535mm long and 1913mm wide, it’s much closer to the size of a Corvette than the diminutive MX-5. We considered comparing it to a Porsche Boxster, but the numbers show it’s actually larger than even the 911.

However, in the flesh, it doesn’t look nearly as large as the tape measure suggests. The sleek design and well-balanced proportions, aided by massive 20-inch wheels, help keep the car looking athletic. The tyres are 245mm wide at the front and 275mm at the rear, with Pirelli sports rubber to maintain a solid grip.

An aerodynamic look that hides its bulk

The Cyberster’s design goes beyond aesthetics—there are functional aero elements throughout, including active vents in the front grille and aero venting around the wheels to manage airflow and cooling. LED headlights, prominent power bulges on the bonnet, and striking proportions give the Cyberster a presence that could easily pass for a high-end European marque. You might even catch yourself forgetting it’s an MG.

The star of the exterior show, however, has to be the scissor doors. It’s every EV nerd’s dream to have a car that opens like something from Blade Runner. And MG hasn’t just added them for show—they’re practical too, with sensors that help prevent any unfortunate run-ins with neighbouring cars or walls in tight parking spots.

The rear design borrows from speedtail concepts, enhanced by a diffuser and arrow-shaped taillights meant to mimic the Union Jack. If there’s one quibble, it’s the Cyberster badge—it feels too digital and at odds with the rest of the car’s elegant design language.

Despite the aggressive sports car stance, the Cyberster is surprisingly practical. The boot, accessed via a button at the rear, offers 250 litres of space. It’s enough for a weekend getaway with two carry-on bags, and there’s a little extra storage behind the seats for smaller items.

Step inside: EV tech meets sports car design

The interior is where MG truly flexes its tech muscles. With a mix of Alcantara and synthetic leather, the seats provide a comfortable, high-tech vibe, though our light-coloured test model showed some early signs of wear. The seating position is slightly higher than you might expect in a sports car, but it’s easy to get in and out, thanks to the wide door openings.

Where some might think MG has gone overboard is with the tech. The Cyberster comes with no fewer than four screens. Beyond the digital dashboard, you get a dedicated screen for trip information, another for the infotainment system (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard), and a fourth for vehicle settings. While all these screens offer a futuristic appeal, they can also feel a bit much for some drivers—especially with fingerprints showing up all over the glossy surfaces.

However, there’s a lot to love in terms of driver engagement. The chunky steering wheel feels great in hand, complete with paddles for adjusting regenerative braking, controls for driving modes, and an enticing “Super Sport” button in red. The setup is simple, intuitive, and tech-forward without being overwhelming.

Electric performance: more GT than track beast

Let’s dive into the EV specifics, which are sure to pique the interest of electric enthusiasts. The Cyberster features an 11kW AC charging capability along with a 144kW DC fast-charging option. Using the latter, you can expect to get from 20% to 80% in about 25 to 30 minutes—pretty decent for road trips or longer weekend drives. The car’s 77kWh NMC battery offers a range of up to 440km on the WLTP cycle, though in real-world driving, we’d expect that to be closer to 380–400km.

With 375kW of power and 750Nm of torque, the Cyberster is quick—brutally quick, in fact. The “Super Sport” mode turns this convertible into an adrenaline-pumping machine, giving you access to its full potential. This is theoretically the same platform as the MG4 XPower, but it feels much more refined and better tuned in the Cyberster. The MG4 had moments of choppiness with its power delivery, but those issues are ironed out here.

That said, the Cyberster doesn’t have the razor-sharp handling some enthusiasts might expect. While it’s lightning fast in a straight line, the car feels more like a refined grand tourer in the corners—comfortable, stable, but lacking that precise feedback found in more focused sports cars like the Porsche Boxster or Mazda MX-5. For most drivers, though, this setup will be ideal, making the Cyberster a practical daily driver as well as a weekend thrill ride.

High-tech features and safety

In line with its EV ethos, the Cyberster comes packed with advanced safety and driver assistance technologies, including lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and a driver monitoring system. Although our brief test didn’t allow us to fully evaluate these features, MG has a solid reputation for integrating high-quality tech into its vehicles.

Despite the Cyberster’s considerable weight—nearly two tons—the Brembo brakes offer excellent stopping power. MG has also provided three levels of regenerative braking, an Auto mode, and a one-pedal driving option, making it a versatile car for both city driving and open road adventures.

Conclusion: MG Cyberster—an EV icon in the making?

At $129,000, the MG Cyberster delivers more performance and tech than nearly any other electric car in this price range. It competes with much more expensive rivals, offering blistering speed, cutting-edge tech, and everyday practicality. The big question, of course, is whether EV enthusiasts—and traditional petrolheads—are ready to embrace the MG badge in the world of premium electric sports cars.