Although the 2023 Shanghai Auto Show generally lived up to expectations and served up great cars and tech, like Oliver Twist, many auto geeks wanted more. Everyone, or at least most people, expected to see the MG Cyberster, but its absence was conspicuous. Nobody knows for sure if MG plans to exhibit the roadster somewhere else. But not to worry, a Chinese blogger 高转青年-画车魏 (Wei) had done us a favor when he took the Cyberster for a test drive. Let’s look at some of the best bits, but first, a little refresher on the Cyberster.
MG Cyberster
Introduced two years ago at 2021 Shanghai Auto, the MG Cyberster is an electric roadster with a convertible soft top, scissor doors, and a striking exterior. It measures 4535/1913/1329 mm with a wheelbase of 2690 mm, 188 mm longer than the Porsche Cayman. Its 1850-1985 kg curb weight is quite heavy, but this is normal for electric vehicles.
MG Cybester Review
Apparently, the blogger – Wei – had made some renders of the Cyberster, and the automaker was impressed and invited him for a test drive. The test drive took place at the SAIC Design Center, where he got to see different designs and concepts.
A few things stand out on the Cyberster. First, there are three daytime running lights on each headlamp with a broken circle design. Also, buttons on the door handle allow you to open the doors with just one click.
The Cyberster will run on 245/40 R20 front wheels and 275/35 R20 rear wheels on the rear axle. Meanwhile, the entry-level model will be equipped with 245/45 R19 wheels on the front and 275/40 R19 wheels on the back.
At the rear, the full-width light bar sits above unique arrow-shaped rear lights. Other cool details include the black strip running through the convertible and a “100TH Anniversary” label on the car. This suggests the Cyberster will be released in 2024, which is MG’s 100th Anniversary.
For the test drive proper, Wei appreciated the car’s handling, acceleration, and braking as he steered with the Tesla-like yoke. He also feels the chassis, power, and exterior design are all good. From the conversation in the video, the MG Cyberster should cost around 300,000 yuan ($44,000).
We added subtitles to the video so you can watch the full test drive below:
The top trim of the Cyberster has 4WD and two electric motors. The first, made by United Automotive Electronic Systems (UAES), is the TZ180XS0951, good for 204 hp. The same electric motor powers the MG4 EV (MG Mulan in China). While the second electric motor, which sits on the rear axle, is the 340-hp TZ230XY1301 motor made by Hasco Group. So the total output of the MG Cyberster is 544 horses driving it to a limited top speed of 193-200 km/h, decent numbers for a roadster.
The Cyberster will be equipped with an NMC battery made by United Auto Battery System (UABS) – the JV between SAIC and CATL. The entry-level roadster has the TZ230XY1301 electric motor on the rear axle for 314 hp. This e-motor is manufactured by the Hasco Group, in which SAIC holds 58% of the shares. The recently launched Rising Auto F7 has the same electric motor.
MG plans to increase its exports to Europe in the near future and hopes Cyberster can help it achieve this. According to the automaker, the roadster is its “first global car”, developed “based on extensive global market research and aimed at the needs of overseas consumers”.
When we first moved to Hainan we found a fleet of MG convertibles road testing in the mountains, maybe the TF. I was in my rented car at the time so no photos. Ever since then I have been waiting for them to produce something nice for China. I like this. PS I quite like the complicated wheel bone too!