MG Cyberster EV Review: Electrifying Fun with Top-Down Drama

MG Cyberster EV Review: Electrifying Fun with Top-Down Drama

Blending jaw-dropping design with electrifying performance, the MG Cyberster redefines open-top driving for the EV era.

Ng Chin Hui
Ng Chin Hui
25 Nov 2024
... despite its explosiveness, the Cyberster retains a commendable level of balance, holding the road well through corners and inspiring confidence on smooth tarmac.
What we like:
pros
Gorgeous to look at
pros
Impressive interior quality
pros
Thrilling to drive
What we dislike:
cons
Suspension could be improved

Convertible drives have a way of leaving lasting impressions, and the MG Cyberster was my unforgettable introduction to top-down motoring. Cruising along the Holland flyover as the setting sun cast a golden hue across the city skyline was nothing short of sublime. It was a moment of perfect harmony—a perfect alignment of road, car, and atmosphere. Simply mesmerising.

Striking Style & Theatrical Presence

At a glance, the MG Cyberster exudes drama and modernity. Its angular, aggressive design is accentuated by aerodynamic sculpting and striking LED lighting elements, creating a car that feels as much at home in a sci-fi movie as on public roads. But the real pièce de résistance is its swan doors, which open upwards in a flourish of theatricality. They may be unnecessary from a functional perspective, but they inject a sense of occasion into every drive, transforming something as simple as entering or exiting the car into a mini spectacle.

Despite its futuristic aesthetic, the Cyberster maintains an elegant proportion that nods subtly to MG’s heritage as a maker of sporty roadsters. It balances classic convertible allure with bold modern design cues, making it a car that turns heads without feeling overly ostentatious. On our roads, it drew more than its fair share of attention—a testament to its ability to combine timeless styling with contemporary flair.

Two Personalities in One Car

The Cyberster offers an intriguing duality, akin to two contrasting characters living within the same vehicle. In "Comfort" mode, it transforms into a surprisingly serene cruiser. The suspension effectively absorbs minor imperfections in the road, maintaining composure even on uneven surfaces. Meanwhile, the thick-rimmed steering—beautifully weighted—feels precise and intuitive, offering both confidence and ease in handling. It’s the kind of car you can comfortably potter around in, making short commutes or leisurely drives effortlessly enjoyable. The smoothness of its electric drivetrain, combined with its well-tuned noise insulation, ensures a quiet cabin that feels luxurious and refined.

Switch over to "Supersport" mode, however, and the Cyberster reveals a far more aggressive character. The throttle response sharpens dramatically, unleashing the full force of its dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain. With 536 horsepower (on overboost) and 725 Nm of torque at your disposal, the Cyberster rockets from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 3.2 seconds. The instantaneous torque characteristic of electric cars is ever-present, delivering neck-snapping acceleration that feels borderline unhinged. The Cyberster’s feral nature in this mode is thrilling, even slightly intimidating—perfect for drivers seeking an adrenaline rush. Yet, despite its explosiveness, the Cyberster retains a commendable level of balance, holding the road well through corners and inspiring confidence on smooth tarmac.

Suspension: A Double-Edged Sword

The Cyberster’s suspension, a split double-wishbone setup at the front and a multi-link system at the rear, is engineered to deliver a balance of comfort and agility. Around town and at moderate speeds, it soaks up bumps and surface irregularities with reasonable compliance, ensuring a ride that is comfortable enough for everyday use. However, when pushed hard on more challenging roads, cracks in its composure begin to show.

During high-speed driving, particularly over undulating surfaces, the suspension may sometimes struggle to maintain control of the car’s hefty body. The chassis can feel a tad unsettled at times, with the car occasionally bouncing off the tarmac or losing its composure through uneven terrain.

While this unpredictability adds a touch of drama, it also serves as a reminder that the Cyberster is more suited to spirited cruising than full-throttle corner carving. MG could benefit from refining the suspension setup to better match the car’s power potential, delivering a ride that inspires more confidence at the limit.

Braking: Functional, But Lacking Bite

Braking duties on the Cyberster are handled by Brembo four-piston calipers paired with ventilated discs, offering decent stopping power for everyday driving. However, under hard braking or repeated use, the system reveals its limitations. The brake pedal feels spongy, and fade becomes apparent during aggressive sessions, which can undermine confidence during spirited driving. For a car with such potent acceleration, a firmer, more responsive braking setup would be a welcome improvement, ensuring the performance package feels cohesive and dependable.

Electrifying Soundtrack

In an EV world dominated by silence, the Cyberster takes a different route, offering a synthetic yet surprisingly engaging audio experience. Through its in-car speakers, it emits a bassy, V8-inspired rumble that grows in intensity as you accelerate. While some may scoff at the artificial nature of this feature, I found it added to the car’s personality, enhancing the sensation of speed and making the drive feel more immersive. The sound may not please purists, but it succeeds in giving the Cyberster a unique character—one that stands out in an increasingly homogenised EV market.

Interior: High-Tech Comfort

The Cyberster’s cabin feels modern and driver-focused, with a wraparound digital dashboard, premium materials, and a sleek design that mirrors the car’s futuristic exterior. Key controls are intuitively laid out, ensuring minimal distraction during spirited driving. The seats, upholstered in faux-suede and leather, provide good support during cornering while remaining comfortable for longer journeys. A retractable wind deflector minimises buffeting during open-top driving, allowing occupants to enjoy top-down motoring without sacrificing comfort.

Despite being a two-seater convertible, the Cyberster surprises with its practicality. A reasonably sized trunk and cleverly designed interior storage spaces make it suitable for short getaways or daily commutes, proving that convertible ownership doesn’t always mean compromising on usability.

Verdict: A Convertible With Personality

The MG Cyberster is a bold statement of what an electric convertible can be. It’s not perfect—the suspension could use more composure, and the brakes could benefit from added firmness—but it excels in delivering an experience that’s both exhilarating and memorable. Its dual personalities, eye-catching design, and thrilling dynamics make it a standout in this market.

For enthusiasts seeking a BMW Z4-sized convertible that combines modern electric performance with a touch of nostalgic drama, the Cyberster is hard to ignore. Whether it’s top-down cruising under a golden sunset or unleashing its ferocious acceleration on a clear stretch of road, the Cyberster delivers moments that remind you why driving can be so exhilarating. It’s an EV with heart, grit, and character—a combination that’s all too rare in today’s automotive landscape.

Photos by Ng Chin Hui and James Wong

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