When it comes to the unenviable fate of car companies, the British automotive industry, arguably, has the most examples of that. Once boasting a plethora of iconic manufacturers, most of them have been defunct for some time, and almost all the ones that have remained are no longer British-owned. Bentley is owned by Volkswagen, Rolls-Royce and Mini by BMW, and since 2008, MG is Chinese-owned. Still, the brand, founded in 1924, boasts a rich history and its small, lightweight sports cars have become desired classics. While the brand, currently, offers sensible models, it confirmed the first sports car in a long time, the MG Cyberster, will be heading into production this year. The Cyberster is an important turning point for the British-Chinese carmaker, and here are 10 reasons why this is the EV sports car the industry needs.

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1 The MG Cyberster Is A Lightweight Electric Sports Car

Side profile of the 2024 MG Cyberster
MG Motor
Side profile of the 2024 MG Cyberster 

There’s no denying that EVs come with inherent advantages. Among those are instant torque, low center of gravity, and in many cases, the possibility for a more flexible interior due to the lack of an internal combustion engine. Although we can talk about more positives, EVs also come with their respective shortcomings. EVs tend to be significantly heavier than their dinosaur-burning equivalents. Almost all performance EVs tip the scales at well over 4,850 pounds (2,200 kg). The MG Cyberster will be a surprisingly refreshing sight in this regard. Its production version will tip the scales at 4,376 pounds (1,985 kg). Yes, this is by no means, lightweight, especially when compared to a similarly-sized, internal combustion-powered sports car like the Porsche 911, but it is a step in the right direction for performance EVs. To put things in perspective, the Tesla Roadster 2.0 is expected to weigh between 4,400 and 4,700 pounds (1,996 – 2,132 kg).

2 It Is A Lot More Affordable Than Tesla Roadster

Red Color Tesla Roadster
Tesla
From the front angle, a shot of the Tesla Roadster in motion on the road is shown

With the emergence of EV sports cars, we can’t help but benchmark anything against the Tesla Roadster 2.0. Although Elon Musk’s latest performance EV is not here yet, it already boasts incredible figures (more on that below). However, all that comes with a price. The Tesla Roadster 2.0 will have a starting price of $200,000. Back in the day, MG was known for its affordable, lightweight sports cars. Now, under Chinese management, it seems the brand wants to go back to its old ways, which is why the MG Cyberster is said to have a projected starting price of under £40,000, which in 2023 translates to $50,286. We dare you to show us a more affordable EV sports car.

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3 It Could Beat The Tesla Roadster 2.0 To Production

Red MG Cyberster
MG Motors
Front-end shot of a red 2021 MG Cyberster

The principle, first come – first serve is widely applicable to many industries and the automotive is no exception. Tesla successfully pioneered the EV segment, which led to its dominance for quite some time, until eventually, the legacy (and other startup) manufacturers caught up. The first Tesla Roadster was, pretty much a sales flop, with just 2,450 first-generation Roadsters sold globally. With the Tesla Roadster 2.0 being delayed once again, it is unlikely that it would arrive in the end of 2023. Meanwhile, MG says the Cyberster roadster will enter production in the summer of 2024, which considering Tesla’s latest focus on a mass-produced, entry-level model, could very well beat Tesla to the market.

4 It Offers Near-Supercar Performance

Red MG Cyberster
MG Motors
Rendering of a red MG Cyberster in motion.

To say something packs supercar performance is a bold statement nowadays, especially when even non-supercars are sometimes able to drop into the two-second range for the 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) sprint. The MG Cyberster’s propulsion consists of two electric motors – one for each axle – which naturally, means all-wheel-drive capabilities. The front electric motor packs 201 horsepower (150 kilowatts) while the rear one, 335 horsepower (250 kilowatts), for a combined output of 536 horsepower (394 kilowatts). MG still hasn’t revealed the peak torque figure, but we can expect it to be around 516 pound-feet (700 Nm). The 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) sprint is said to happen in 4.0 seconds, although certain sources quote lower figures. The top speed is limited to 124 mph (200 km/h) for range purposes.

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5 The Cyberster Offers Surprisingly Good Range

Front end of the 2024 MG Cyberster
MG Motor
Front end of the 2024 MG Cyberster 

As is with all EVs, the range is important. While there certainly have been advancements in battery technology, the majority of EV models still feature, at best, mediocre maximum range. The MG Cyberster seems a bit too good on paper, as it is said to feature a 200 kWh battery pack that’s good for a projected range of 620 miles (1,000 km). While not yet specified, it is believed that this range figure is according to the NEDC cycle, used by Chinese carmakers, and not the EPA and WLTP rating, used by North America and Europe respectively. Still, 620 miles of range on a single charge is the same figure Tesla is quoting for the Roadster 2.0.

6 It Is A Relatively Compact Package

red 2023 MG Cyberster side profile
Electrifying vie YouTube
side profile view of a red 2023 MG Cyberster in a studio

With cars getting bigger and heavier, there are only a few modern sports cars that still manage to adhere to the old-school formula of lightness and (relative) simplicity. The MG Cyberster is one of them as it keeps the dimensions relatively compact compared to, compared to other performance EVs already on the market. The production-spec MG Cyberster measures 177.16 inches (4.5 meters) in length, 77.16 inches (1.96 meters) in width, and 50.39 inches (1.28 meters) in height, with a wheelbase of 106.3 inches (2.7 meters). For comparison, this is similar to the Porsche 992, although the MG features almost 10 inches longer wheelbase than the German sports car.

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7 The Neo-Retro Styling Looks Funky

red 2023 MG Cyberste
Electrifying via YouTube
rear 3/4 view of a red 2023 MG Cyberster indoors

The Cyberster concept aimed to invoke old MG roadsters like the MGB and MGR models. Although the retro design cues are not as obvious as some other modern-day, retro-futuristic models, the streamlined body, round headlights, Kamm-tail rear end, and classic proportions are a clear nod to classic British sports cars, which is what the MG brand was most known for in the past. Although the production version will be toned down from the Cyberster concept, the overall aesthetics will remain the same. We can’t help, but notice the resemblance to other modern-day sports cars like the Jaguar F-Type, Aston Martin DB11, and even some Polestar 1 in the rear section. MG’s EV roadster is shaping up to be a familiar yet fresh sight for sports car enthusiasts.

8 A Proper Successor To MGs Of The Yore

2023 MG Cyberster front left
Electrifying via YouTube
front 3/4 view of a red 2023 MG Cyberster in a studio

MG clearly wants to return to its glorious days of making lightweight, budget-friendly roadsters. While, arguably, taking a more sustainable approach to the sports car formula, the MG Cyberster adheres to the classic sports car formula as best as possible, given its underpinnings. In order for the new MG roadster to be affordable, it shares a platform with the current MG4 hatchback EV, which in the UK starts at £26,940. The humble underpinnings are, largely, what allows MG to sell the production-ready Cyberster for less than one-fourth of the Tesla Roadster 2.0’s price tag. Back when affordable, lightweight roadsters were all the MG brand was known for, its cars represented affordable, but exciting alternatives to the higher echelon of performance vehicles, like the Jaguar E-Type, Ferrari 308, and company, and in this regard, the Cyberster is set to repeat that.

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9 The Cyberster Comes With A Luxurious Interior

Top view of the 2024 MG Cyberster
MG Motor
Top view of the 2024 MG Cyberster 

Considering the Cyberster’s affordability compared to other performance EVs, you probably wouldn’t expect much in the way of luxury in the cabin. If so, you will be pleasantly surprised. The production-spec Cyberster trades the minimalistic, but well-sculpted seats for more conventional pieces that aim to balance sport and comfort. The interior is driver-centric, and it seems to be sculpted similarly to the Jaguar F-Type, with a slanted center console, slightly tilted towards the driver that also provides a “Jesus” handle for the more faint-hearted of passengers. Behind the headrests sit two roll hoops, and behind this is the soft-convertible top, which according to the configurator, can be had in black or red.

10 It Will Disrupt The Performance EV Market

There’s no denying that new cars are getting increasingly expensive. Between supply issues, inflation, and a degree of speculation, it seems purchasing a brand-new vehicle is becoming more and more an exclusivity to the truly rich. This goes double for EVs, and despite Tesla lowering its prices by a significant margin, over the last year, the majority of BEV propositions currently on the market can hardly be called a great value for money. When it comes to electric sports cars, there are not budget-friendly options. The Maserati GranTurismo Folgore starts at $205,000, and the Tesla Roadster 2.0 won’t be any cheaper when it arrives. Somehow, the big players in the EV segment are allowing the MG Cyberster to fill a void and successfully establish a new segment of affordable EV sports cars that are also attainable, beating even the supposedly-electrified Mazda MX-5 that’s due to arrive.