New Electric MG Cyberster roadster: latest info, interior details and release date

• First MG convertible since the MG TF
• Scissor doors and ‘yoke’-style steering wheel
• Due on sale in mid 2024

These are the latest images of the MG Cyberster, captured in the metal after we were invited to see the latest prototype of the forthcoming all-electric sports car. These pictures give us a good idea of how the production version will look; almost three decades since the brand last unveiled an all-new convertible roadster, the electric Cyberster will arrive by summer 2024.

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Not only is it the first convertible from MG in a long time, it will also be one of the very few electric convertibles on the market, currently made up of models like the Fiat 500 Convertible and recently-released electric version of the MINI Convertible. Upcoming rivals include the Tesla Roadster, Fisker Ronin and Porsche Boxster EV.

Originally a manufacturer of small, two-seater sports cars – before it more recently dipped its toe into the world of good value hatchback and SUV models – MG looks to be returning to its roots, albeit in the electric age. We got to see the latest prototype of the Cyberster, which Design Director Carl Gotham says represents 95% of how the final production model will look. 

MG Cyberster design and technology

When commenting on the near-production-ready prototype, Design Director Carl Gotham remarked that the design is “obviously a bit more friendly [and] a bit more approachable” than the previous concept images of the Cyberster, but should have a bold look that “stands on its own ground”. He also hinted that other MG cars won’t necessarily adopt the Cyberster’s design language, remarking “MG is creating products that are right for the market at that particular time so they shouldn’t just all look like each other.”

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The approach Gotham took to the Cyberster was to make it look “sophisticated, refined and elegant” so that it “looks expensive and it feels expensive”. He hinted that there was scope for a hardtop version, after the designer stated it would be much easier to make a coupe from a convertible rather than the other way around, although a Cyberster coupe has not been confirmed.

While the new car will certainly look futuristic, MG is set to pay homage to some of its most famous models within the Cyberster’s design. The car’s oval headlights are a trademark of the MG TF, whereas the long, sweeping bonnet is reminiscent of the legendary MGB of the sixties and seventies.

Gotham says “the focus for Cyberster was to create a design that was respectful of the brand’s illustrious past and to bring back that sporting bloodline, while also being absolutely clear that it should be modern and forward-facing like the MG of today, completely in-tune with the rapid transition to electric vehicles.”

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When we went to see the Cyberster in the metal, the scissor-style doors and a ‘yoke’ steering wheel – which had been rumoured as design features for quite some time – made an appearance. It’s expected the yoke steering wheel will be optional, however, with a traditional round wheel coming as standard. The interior also appears very hi-tech and makes use of four digital screens – one for the infotainment and three more forming a wraparound digital instrument cluster ahead of the driver. Kit such as a rear-view camera will also feature.

MG Cyberster powertrain and performance

Unlike the MG ZS EV which sits on a modified version of the petrol-powered ZS’ underpinnings, the Cyberster will sit on a dedicated platform for electric vehicles. Dubbed MSP (Modular Scalable Platform), this also underpins the new MG 4 hatchback and allows for battery sizes of up to 150kWh – theoretically giving the Cyberster a range of up to 500 miles.

However, to keep the MG Cyberster as lightweight and nimble as possible, it’s almost certain that a smaller battery will be used. MG has already stated that 0-62mph could take as little as three seconds, and it’s been confirmed that the Cyberster will be available with single-motor and dual-motor setups. Information which has already leaked online suggests the entry-level single-motor will get 309bhp, with the dual-motor version packing as much as 536bhp.

What does this mean for car buyers?

The promise of a new MG sports car will almost certainly come as an excitement to many. MG’s Commercial Director, Guy Pigounakis has been quoted as saying “we’d target a price tag of £50,000 for the single-motor and £60,000 for the dual-motor if it went on sale today.” Depending on the rate of inflation over the next year, those target prices could increase slightly by the Cyberster’s 2024 expected release date. 

See our review of the MG ZS EV SUV and the MG4 EV hatchback here...