MG Cyberster EV Costs as Much as a Porsche 718 in the UK

The MG Cyberster is a real eye-catcher, and for good reason. It marks the return of the now Chinese-owned brand’s first two-seat convertible in nearly three decades. Additionally, it is one of the few all-electric two-door convertibles available worldwide, whether new or used.

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Following the launch in China, MG today announced UK pricing. Although in line with projections, it still represents a large bill compared to the competition.

Pricing starts at £54,995 (about $68,800 at current exchange rates) for the Cyberster Trophy, a rear-wheel-drive version with 335 hp (250 kW) and 350 lb-ft (475 Nm) of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.0 seconds and offers a range of up to 316 miles (WLTP) on a single charge.

For comparison, a similar amount of money (more or less) can get you into the base Porsche 718 Boxster (£53,800) with 296PS (300hp) and 100km/h acceleration in 5.1 seconds, or the latest BMW The 340bhp Z4 M40i (£57,350) roadster can do the same sprint in 4.5 seconds.

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More: Does the MG Cyberster live up to the legend of a classic like the MGB?

An evolution of the range, the Cyberster GT features a second engine, AWD, resulting in a total output of 502 hp (375 kW) and 535 lb-ft (725 Nm) of torque. The range drops to 276 miles, but this little sports car can blitz the 0-62 mph test in just 3.2 seconds. Priced at £59,995 ($75,000), £5,000 more than the base model, it seems to offer a better deal on paper.

However, this price could also make it too close to the upcoming Porsche 718 EV – although that remains to be seen. As at least one tester revealed, the MG may not be the canyon carver buyers expect it to be. If that were the case with the Porsche, it would be the biggest news from Stuttgart in decades. However, it’s more likely that the 718 EV will end up delivering impressive performance, potentially quickly overshadowing the MG.

That price could put it in direct competition with the upcoming Porsche 718 EV – but only time will tell. As at least one tester revealed, the MG may not be the canyon carver buyers expect it to be. If the same criticism applies to the Porsche, it would be a big surprise from Stuttgart. More likely, the 718 EV will deliver impressive performance and may quickly eclipse the MG.

Additionally, those open to both an EV and an ICE convertible now have even more options on the table. The BMW Z4 starts at just £45,135 for the four-cylinder model and the in-line six-cylinder version costs £57,530. Frankly, this is a very compelling car with excellent handling and an engine that rewards the driver. The Lotus Emira and Toyota GR Supra aren’t available as convertibles, but they’re also valid options. By the way, the ICE Porsche 718 should be on the short list of anyone willing to buy such a car.

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