The MG Cyberster Electric Car Lease - the hottest EV convertible?

Is the MG Cyberster the hottest EV Convertible electric car lease?

Friday (29 September 2023) is definitely a good day for those businesses engaged in electric car sales / leasing, as we now have firmer clarity from the Government on what we can expect as the UK moves towards a Net Zero 2035 for automotive .

While some of us were left confused, or worse, by the recent adjustment, we are at least pleased to see some focus on the all-electric project which the UK is now engaged in. This isn’t just about practicality and structure; this is about setting a clear message to manufacturers, dealerships, finance companies and consumers / fleets that EVs are our solitary solution.

As highlighted in their summary, the Government have confirmed the percentages for new zero emission vehicles which manufacturers must adhere to, as we progress towards the 2035 ban. The official mandate is clear on what car and van manufacturers must do. In particular, by 2030 at least 80% of new cars sold in the UK must be zero-emission.

So with just 6 years to go, the onus is on the various car brands and manufacturers to ensure that their product demographic not only meets these conditions but also meets the demands of the customers driving and operating their product. And, as the summary article suggests, this will allow for more time for the 2nd hand EV market to adjust and align in a more affordable and “proportionate” way.

To be clear, the used market for EVs is absolutely crucial as this not only allows options for those customers on a more restricted budget but this also support the new market with confidence and residual value (RVs). And referencing August 2023, with 20% of new cars being all-electric plus nearly 50,000 public chargepoints, the efforts of all those involved cannot be understated.

While much of the Governmental support must now be followed up with real action and intent, the rhetoric shift towards supporting the transition is welcome news. And none more so than the car manufacturers who have invested millions (and billions) to ensure that their battery technology is appropriate for the UK’s fleet and leasing population.

And one of our big favourites, the MG Group, are doing just that with an already healthy litany of all-electric options including the MG ZS, MG4 and MG5. But that isn’t all  -  the Chinese manufacturer is now looking to expand their product suite with the addition of an electric Convertible option.

Yes, we did say Convertible! While this was announced in March 2021, the concept was perhaps considered nothing more than a fanciful idea which would not reach the UK. But by the end of 2021, a prototype was released and the SAIC Motor Group were definitive in that this would come to fruition. And true to their word, a UK version was announced to the press in April 2023, with pre-production options made available at July’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.

And while August and September 2023 have been turbulent months for the EV world, politically and economically, the MG group have been energetic with their publicity, soft-launching the sports car on their dedicated website  and carrying out a series of roadshows at dealerships across the UK.

One of our preferred supplying dealers, the Chorley Group , kindly sent photos to us from their Cyberster roadshow which proved to be immensely popular. Indeed, their YouTube channel offers a fantastic walk-around and review to provide customers with a real insight on what to expect from this amazing car.

As the video sets out, the quality, finish and technology will see this car propelled into the luxury car segment, as a truly ambitious alternative to Petrol favourites like the BMW Z4, Porsche 718 and Audi TT Roadster.

Two key versions have been confirmed:

1.  RWD - starting from around £50,000 the RWD version will be based on a 64 kWh battery with 230 kW (or 308hp). Expect 124 mph times and 5 second 0 - 62 times; and
2.  AWD - starting from around £60,000 the AWD version will be based on a 77 kWh battery with 400 kW (or 536hp). This means some 0 - 62 times of just under 3 seconds.

When can I order the MG Cyberster? So far, there are suggestions of 2024 but, as ever, things can change rapidly in the e-car industry. But customers can use the MG website to receive the latest updates direct from the manufacturer. So if the electric convertible life is for you, get yourself (or the business) signed up today!