√2024 MG Cyberster electric sports car unveiled, confirmed for Australia

The first all-new MG convertible in three decades has been unveiled, with electric power and Lamborghini-style doors.

The 2024 MG Cyberster electric roadster has been revealed, ahead of a confirmed Australian launch – though arrival timing is yet to be locked in.

Unveiled in Shanghai overnight, the Cyberster is the first all-new MG convertible since the 1990s MG F – and one of the few entrants thus far into the electric sports car category, without a luxury-car badge.

An Australian arrival has been locked in, but it is unclear when it is due in showrooms. A European and UK launch is scheduled in the northern summer of 2024 (Australia’s winter).

Prices are yet to be confirmed, and it is unclear if will be priced closer to a $50,000 Mazda MX-5, or a $100,000 to $150,000 Porsche 718 Boxster convertible.

The production Cyberster is based on the 2021 concept car of the same name, with low-slung two-door styling, Porsche-like headlights, and unconventional LED tail-lights combining thin light strips with supersized arrows that serve as indicators.

Among the more eye-catching elements of the Cyberster’s design are its doors, which open outwards and up in a ‘scissor’ style akin to a Lamborghini.

Although not shown in these initial images, Chinese government documents have revealed there will be a choice of black or red soft-top roof designs, 19- or 20-inch alloy wheels, and exterior trim in black or silver.

Inside, the driver is faced by three screens oriented around the back of the steering wheel, which control infotainment functions and climate controls, and show driving data.

The car in these images is fitted with a traditional, complete steering wheel, but spy photos show there will be the option of an aircraft or Formula One-style ‘yoke’ steering control in some markets, akin to the latest Tesla Model S and Lexus RZ electric cars.

It remains to be seen if the steering ‘yoke’ is connected to a traditional steering rack, or an electric variable ‘steer-by-wire’ system used by the Lexus, where there is no direct connection between the steering wheel and front wheels – allowing the steering ratio to change at low speeds to eliminate the need for hand-over-hand motions.

Technical details are yet to be confirmed, but Chinese government documents have shown there will be a choice of single-motor rear-wheel-drive or dual-motor, all-wheel-drive models.

The single-motor version uses a 231kW electric motor, while the dual-motor car reportedly combine a 250kW rear motor with a 150kW front motor to develop 400kW combined, for a 0-100km/h sprint time estimated to fall below four seconds.

The Cyberster reportedly measures 4535mm long, 1913mm wide and 1329mm tall, riding on a 2690mm wheelbase – 600mm longer and nearly 200mm wider than a Mazda MX-5, or 150mm longer and 100mm wider than a Porsche 718 Boxster.

It is said to weigh between 1850kg and 1985kg, according to Chinese government data.

The 2024 MG Cyberster is due in European showrooms in the middle of 2024. Australian deliveries have been locked in, but it is unknown when these will begin.

“I can confirm that we will be bringing the MG Cyberster to the Australian and New Zealand market and hope to have more exciting news to share around this in due course,” a MG Motor Australia spokesperson told Drive.

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