MG Cyberster to cost between $100,000 and $150,000
Until now, this affordable Chinese brand has failed to live up to the famous badge on its bonnet. A new model will give it a tangible link with the past.
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There could be a price shock in store for enthusiasts looking to get their hands on MG’s new electric drop-top sports car, the Cyberster.
MG announced this week its radical Cyberster would be the most expensive model yet from the brand, priced north of $100,000 and potentially up to $150,000.
For a Chinese car marker that has focused on value-driven prices in recent years, that’s a massive leap into territory occupied by luxury brands such as BMW, Audi and even Porsche.
But already there’s a cheaper Cyberster model in the wings – one that could take advantage of the all-important fringe benefits tax exemption that is fuelling growth in EV sales.
“There could be a more affordable variant down the line,” admitted MG Australia senior product and strategy manager Akshat Abuja when asked about whether the Cyberster could leverage the FBT exemption.
“With the Cyberster we’re launching with our 77kWh (battery) all-wheel drive variant but we are in discussions with headquarters to bring in maybe another variant or whatever down the line … based on the demand from customers.”
In confirming the late-2024 arrival of the Cyberster MG this week MG national sales manager Brad Chruszcz confirmed the high-performance sports car would arrive with a top-shelf price tag.
“Dealers are taking orders as we speak with the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) range will fall between $100,000 and $150,000,” he said.
“At this stage, the all-wheel drive Cyberster promises to be a compelling yet refined drive as we’re only looking to bring the 77kWh AWD variant to Aussie shores.”
That puts it up against well-established open-top sports cars including the Porsche 718 Boxster.
But MG argues the Cyberster will bring new levels of open-top performance for the money. The brand claims it will hit 100km/h in as little as 3.2 seconds.
That’s something Abuja believes will make it an appealing proposition for those shopping for a car that delivers on driving thrills.
“It’s a sports car,” he said, adding “it’s a unique product”.
“I would compare that car to other sports cars which are probably three or four times the price.”
Clearly, though, there is an opportunity to undercut more fancied sports cars, something Abuja hinted would likely occur further into the life cycle of the car.
And while any variant of the Cyberster is unlikely to be a bargain, it could at least take advantage of government incentives for EVs and play in the space where 90 per cent of the sales action for electric cars has been taking place.
Either way, the Cyberster is the closest thing to what many associated with MG: a two-door, two-seat open-top sports car.
Only the EV version probably won’t have the reputation for unreliability of some of those earlier British made ones.
Originally published as MG Cyberster to cost between $100,000 and $150,000
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