Electric Roadster: An In-Depth Review of the MG Cyberster

The Electric Roadster That Actually Exists: An In-Depth Review of the MG Cyberster

In the current automotive landscape, the idea of an all-electric, two-seater sports convertible has long been a promise, not a reality. For years, enthusiasts have waited for the heavily hyped, perpetually delayed Tesla Roadster. Enter the MG Cyberster: the only two-seater electric drop-top on the market today. It’s sleek, it’s sporty, and most importantly, it exists.

The Cyberster is more than just a competitor; it’s a readily available option for those ready to embrace an electric future without sacrificing the fun of open-air motoring. Built by a brand with a rich, albeit distant, heritage in affordable roadsters, the Cyberster has all the right ingredients for success.

I. Design: Combining Flair and Heritage

The MG Cyberster makes an immediate, confident statement. It successfully channels classic sports car proportions while incorporating the necessary futuristic elements of a modern EV.

The Exterior: Dramatic and Detail-Focused

The car’s appearance is striking, blending long, flowing lines with assertive design cues.

• Door Drama: The most attention-grabbing feature is the dramatic scissor doors (Lambo doors). These are not only a fantastic visual flex but can even be operated remotely using the key—a feature that instantly elevates the car’s presence.
• Classic Proportions: The bonnet is impressively long, a design choice that traditionally hints at a large engine underneath, even though the Cyberster is, of course, fully electric.
• Lighting and Aerodynamics: The intricately designed lights, functional vents, and a slight diffuser element on the front edges all contribute to a sporty aesthetic.
• Wheels and Brakes: The car rides on attractive 20-inch wheels fitted with Pirelli P Zero performance tires (245/40 at the front and 275/35 at the back). Peeking through the spokes, you can spot the Brembo brakes—a clear indicator of the car’s performance intent.
• The Rear End: The rear presents a mixed bag of design ideas. It features a stylish rear deck and a very sporty-looking diffuser. The full-width light bar is a modern touch, but the large, arrow-shaped elements on either side of the light bar are a polarizing design choice—a playful touch that suggests the designers didn’t take themselves too seriously.

Dimensions and Rivals

Seeing the Cyberster alongside its spiritual ancestor, the MG Midget, highlights a massive industry trend: modern cars are simply bigger. While the Cyberster is not huge by modern standards, its comparison to the diminutive classic Midget—which was all about cheap, lightweight thrills—makes it look like a parent adopting a much larger child.

II. The Cabin: Luxury Meets Digital Overload

The interior of the Cyberster is surprisingly well-executed, looking notably premium and being “well put together.” It clearly draws inspiration from classic sports car layouts, particularly the Jaguar F-Type, with the central console acting as a barrier, separating the driver and passenger into distinct, intimate zones.

High Points and Simple Delights

• Quality Materials: The overall fit and finish feel high-quality, contributing to a genuinely nice place to sit.
• Retractable Cup Holders: A simple yet delightful feature is the pair of cup holders that glide up and down from the center console. This small piece of engineering feels premium and functional.
• Storage: There is a perfectly sized small storage section—ideal for a modern large smartphone.

The Technology and Ergonomic Flaws

The one area where the Cyberster veers into excess is the technology display. The cabin is a “screen fest,” featuring no fewer than four separate displays: a central portrait screen complemented by three screens wrapped around the driver.

However, this ambitious layout suffers from major ergonomic issues:

1. Obstructed Views: Two of the driver-side screens are permanently obstructed by the steering wheel, rendering them essentially useless unless the driver has X-ray vision.
2. Questionable Content: Even if you could see the screens, the information displayed is sometimes trivial, such as showing the weather (which is happening to the driver in a convertible anyway) or prompting the driver to book a test drive for a new MG (while they are already sitting in one).
3. Connectivity Limitations: The car lacks wireless Apple CarPlay, requiring a USB connection for smartphone integration.
4. No Frunk: Under the long bonnet, there is no useful front trunk (frunk), only plastic cladding and exposed gaps above the suspension, which could allow road grime and muck into the engine bay.

Despite these flaws, the Cyberster remains a far more enjoyable place to sit than the idea of the Tesla Roadster, primarily because the MG exists and the Tesla does not.

III. Performance: A Genuine Sports Car Punch

The MG Cyberster is offered in two distinct performance levels, both utilizing a 77 kWh battery:

The top-tier GT version, which was tested, delivers a launch that is described as “not very MG like,” but rather “more AMG.” The acceleration is savage, snapping occupants back into their seats with an exhilarating force.

• Acceleration Feel: Unlike some instantaneous EVs where the power feels like an “on/off switch,” the Cyberster offers a surprisingly progressive buildup to its acceleration. This approach makes the performance feel more natural and slightly reminiscent of a traditional, high-powered petrol car, enhancing the driving satisfaction.
• Top Speed: The car’s top speed is reportedly limited to 125 mph.

The Roof: Rapid Deployment

One of the key features of any roadster is its roof mechanism. The Cyberster’s cloth roof is quick, deploying at speeds of up to 30 mph. While the roof speed may not set any world records (the Aston Martin Vantage is faster), it is certainly “nippy” and functional.

IV. Driving Dynamics: Composed and Rewarding

With its 510 horsepower, dramatic doors, and sporty styling, one might expect the Cyberster to be a hardcore bruiser with rock-firm suspension. However, the driving experience is characterized by a surprising and welcome level of composure and compliance.

• Handling: The Cyberster is surprisingly squishy in the corners—it is not aggressively flat. Instead, the car manages its weight well, leaning into the bend before the power catapults it out the other side. The body control is excellent, and the car feels composed without being punishing. It is clearly not designed to “beat you up at all costs,” making it highly pleasant for road driving.
• Weight Management: Although the car is heavy (a trait of most EVs), it hides its weight well, proving to be capable and rewarding to push hard. It holds its line reliably, providing bags of accessible power upon exit.

The Dealbreaker: The Seats

Despite the excellent dynamics, the driving experience is slightly compromised by the seats, which are identified as a “dealbreaker” for some:

1. Height: As an EV, the batteries are mounted low in the chassis, and the seats sit on top, resulting in a high seating position. This makes the driver feel “on top of the car” rather than low down and integrated into the machine, detracting from the true sports car feel.
2. Comfort and Adjustability: The seats are stiff and lack sufficient adjustability. Taller drivers (over six feet) may find their heads close to the roof, making it difficult to find an ideal driving position.

Overall, the acid test for the Cyberster is whether it is fun to drive, and the answer is a resounding “Big fun.” It successfully channels the original MG philosophy of creating two-seater roadsters built for sheer enjoyment on the road, not just for smashing lap records.

V. Value and Market Position

The MG Cyberster is positioned in the market as a genuine performance bargain, especially when considering its looks and capabilities.

• Value Proposition: With the top-spec GT costing just under $\text{£60,000}$ (and the only optional extra being paint), the Cyberster offers supercar looks, powerful performance, and unique doors at an accessible price point. In a world where standard hatchbacks can easily cost $\text{£40,000}$, this is a rare commodity: a car that looks significantly more expensive than it actually is.
• Badge Snobbery: MG faces the challenge of “badge snobbery” against rivals like BMW or Porsche. However, the car is so visually strong that many people mistake it for a higher-end brand like Ferrari upon first glance. The Cyberster easily “passes the vibe check,” even with traditional petrolheads.
• The Final Word: The MG Cyberster proves that electric vehicles can be truly desirable objects. It is a brilliant, fun-to-drive, and fun-to-look-at car that provides a massive smile to the driver. The MG Cyberster is a two-seater electric sports car that actually exists, and that is its ultimate triumph.