Previewed: MG Cyberster – Year-End Launch Hinted

Besides previewing the HS and MG5, SAIC Motor Malaysia surprised local press with a preview of the MG Cyberster halo EV sportscar as well.

Apart form previewing both the new MG HS and MG5 models, SAIC Motor Malaysia Sdn Bhd (SAIC Motor Malaysia) also seized the opportunity late yesterday with a surprise preview of the MG brand’s Cyberster halo electric roadster model for the local market.

The Cyberster is set to join alongside the ZS EV crossover and MG4 hatch models the firm launched earlier this year to stand as the MG brand’s third EV offering for Malaysia. Aptly, the Cyberster will stand radically different from the other two EV models mentioned.

The Cyberster somewhat marks a return to form for the historic MG marque that was once famed for its classic roadsters through the 1950s and 1960s.

Debuting as a concept first in 2021, it took nearly two full years before the SAIC-owned MG marque to put the Cyberster into production starting last year (2023). In said transition, much of the concept’s radical yet stylish and sleek design ethos were retained, as is its high performance promises.

As a two-seat, open-top sportscar, the MG Cyberster somewhat marks a return to form for the historic English brand once renowned for classic roadsters, especially through the 1950s and 1960s – i.e. the MGA and MGB Roadster.

Pictured is the latest 'Red Top Edition' of the Cyberster. Read about it by clicking these blue words.

Globally, the MG Cyberster is available in two variants – single-motor, RWD and dual-motor, AWD forms, to be precise. The former boasts 340 PS and 475 NM outputs to enable 0-100 KM/H sprints in just 5 seconds whilst the latter benefits with peppier 544 PS and 725 NM figures plus a quicker century sprint time of 3.2 seconds.

Globally, there are two battery sizes available too – 64 kWh and 77 kWh. Previewed yesterday was the dual-motor, AWD variant equipped with the latter larger-sized battery pack. In said form, the MG Cyberster boasts up to 444 KM of range, though the single-motor, RWD variant with the same large-sized battery boasts better claimed range of up to 509 KM instead.

As for charging, this English-badged but Chinese-built EV roadster typically adopts an on-board charger (OBC) that accepts 7 kW AC charging inputs at minimum. Besides which, the Cyberster’s OBC also accepts up to 144 kW DC rapid-charging inputs that enables 10-80% re-charges attained in just 38 minutes.

Key styling traits of the MG Cyberster include a pair of powered scissor doors, Union Jack-themed LED taillight cluster, optional 20-inch ‘Jetstream’ seven-spoke alloy wheels, almond-shaped LED headlights, a split lower air intake, as well as a retractable soft-top, amongst many.

On board, the Cyberster’s cabin boasts plush six-way power-adjustable sports seat wrapped I combination Nappa leather and Alcantara upholstery, a tri-screened instrument display bank consisting of a 10.25-inch main central display flanked by two 7-inch touchscreens, dual-zone climate control, as well as an 8-speaker Bose audio system.

Typical of most premium EVs, the MG Cyberster is also laced with a full range of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Adaptive cruise control with stop-go function, lane-centring  assist, blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, as well as autonomous emergency braking features.

SAIC Motor Malaysia did not disclose possible price figures, but we wouldn't be surprised if it commanded anywhere between RM250,000 and RM350,000 when it launches later this year.

Having shown the model to local press yesterday, SAIC Motor Malaysia has hinted plans to launch the Cyberster in  Malaysia soon, likely before the end of this year.

No indication on price yet, but if the model’s price in neighbouring Thailand is anything to go by, expect a figure between RM250,000 and RM350,000.