What is the MG Cyberster?
The MG Cyberster is the most dramatic, most expensive, and arguably the most exciting MG ever sold in South Africa. At R1.4 million, this fully electric roadster channels the spirit of classic British open-top fun, but wraps it in futuristic Chinese-owned flair, complete with those headline-grabbing electric scissor doors that pop open at the touch of a button, whether from inside, on the doors themselves, or via the key fob. It’s a proper 2-door, 2-seater convertible with a soft canvas roof that folds electrically, turning any sunny Johannesburg afternoon into a big event.
It must go really fast.
Yes it does. However, this isn’t just about going fast (though it does that ridiculously well). It’s a lifestyle statement for someone who wants to stand out instead of disappearing into the usual German luxury crowd. Picture pulling up to a braai or cruising down to the coast with the roof down. The long bonnet and long front overhang give it classic grand coupe presence that turns heads like few other cars, especially at the price. The scissor doors aren’t just gimmicky. They actually use tight parking spaces better than traditional, horizontally-swinging ones.
There must be a strong V6 or V8 under the bonnet.
Believe it or not, under the skin, the Cyberster packs a 77kWh battery pack feeding dual motors for all-wheel drive (AWD), delivering a massive 375kW of full electric power, and 725Nm of torque. That translates to a mind-bending 0 – 100km/h time of just 3.4 seconds, which is serious super car territory. All delivered through a smooth electric hum rather than any buzz or roar. The launch is explosive yet composed, pinning you back instantly. Around the corners, grip is phenomenal, thanks to the AWD setup and rigid chassis, while the steering keeps communication with the tyres wide open, giving real confidence to push harder on twisty roads. It feels planted and responsive, more engaging than you might expect from an EV.
Is it comfortable?
The ride reveals the stiff chassis over bumps or uneven roads. Some squeaks do creep in from the structure flexing a bit, but it’s part of the raw, connected feel that makes it rewarding. Long-distance cruising is effortless with that instant torque pull, making overtakes feel easy. Simply point, step and shoot. In the real world where we test our cars of course, a range of about 350km means it’s usable beyond just weekend blasts.
How is the cockpit?
Inside, the cockpit has a modern, driver-focused vibe with small touch screens handling infotainment, including Android Auto compatibility. Materials feel premium in that contemporary way, though it’s not overloaded with luxury fluff. This is a sports car first after all. Storage is limited, as you’d expect in a roadster, but the small boot swallows mid-sized sports bags easily enough for a weekend getaway.
Is it worth the price?
Value-wise, this is where the Cyberster punches well above its weight. For R1.4 million, you’re getting performance that leaves many established sports cars – think Porsche Boxster or BMW Z4 territory – in the dust on acceleration, plus the novelty of electric running costs and zero tailpipe emissions. It’s not cheap per se, but compared to equivalent German convertibles with similar drama and speed, it delivers a lot more theatre and shove for the money.
QUICK STATS
MG CYBERSTER
POWERTRAIN: 77kWh battery pack, Dual electric motors (AWD)
POWER: 375kW
TORQUE: 725Nm
0 – 100KM/H: 3.4 seconds
DRIVE: All-wheel-drive (AWD)
TOP SPEED: 208km/h
RANGE: ~350km
PRICE: R1 399 900
NATURAL RIVALS: BMW Z4 M40i, Porsche 718 Boxster
FOR A SIMILAR PRICE: Audi Q7 45TDI S Line, BMW M2, Ford Ranger Raptor, Land Rover Defender 110 D300 SE, Mercedes-Benz GLC 300d, Toyota Land Cruiser Prado VX-L
BABE-MAGNETIC FACTOR: Extremely High
*Price rivals fall within R200 000 or so of the subject for cars over R1 million.*
