GO! tests Festival of Speed: An electric convertible causes a stir

MG causes a stir with the all-electric Cyberster: At the Festival of Speed in Goodwood, automotive journalist Sämi exclusively tests the brand's first electric convertible and shares his impressions.

The famous Festival of Speed in Goodwood, England, is more than just a car party.

It is the stage on which car manufacturers present their latest models - to a worldwide audience of enthusiasts and experts.

This year, MG took the opportunity to present a special highlight: the MG Cyberster, a fully electric convertible that will be available in Switzerland from 2024.

Sämi from GO! was there and had the exclusive opportunity to test one of the first ever electric convertibles.

"The MG Cyberster is one of the very few that actually exist," says Sämi.

A roadster with its own style

The MG Cyberster impresses not only with its electric drive, but also with its striking design.

"It's a classic roadster design: long hood, short, crisp rear end," describes Sämi.

On closer inspection, he recognizes elements of other well-known sports cars. "I see a bit of F-Type, a bit of Alpine and also something from the MX-5. But it doesn't look like it's been copied together, it has its own design language."

The Cyberster also stands out from the crowd when it comes to the doors.

"What is very unique are the doors. I don't know if I really like that. For me, it's more suited to a mid-engined sports car like a McLaren or Lamborghini. But I'm sure there are many people who really like the design," says Sämi.

The frunk - or the lack of one

One surprise for Sämi was the lack of a frunk - i.e. a front luggage compartment. Electric vehicles often have one in addition to the normal trunk.

"I think that's a real shame," regrets Sämi. Nevertheless, the trunk is "perfectly fine" for a convertible.

The driving experience: electric and open

However, the real question with an electric convertible is: can the driving experience of a conventional convertible with engine noise also work electrically?

"It's quite special not to have an engine sound," remarks Sämi as he steers the Cyberster around the racetrack.

For many convertible drivers, the sound of a V8 or six-cylinder engine is an essential part of the driving experience.

On the other hand, there are also many who enjoy the open-air feeling and the contact with nature. Sämi sees an advantage here: "Without the distracting engine noise, this could be a whole new level of convertible driving."

Power and performance

With acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just three seconds, the MG Cyberster is not a slow vehicle.

But Sämi emphasizes that "fast and powerful is not necessarily sporty". The vehicle is typically electric: heavy, yet stable and good on the road.

For drivers who value agility and a classic driving experience, the upcoming, lighter single-motor version could be the better choice.

"The weaker version, which is still to come, is probably the better choice - it is lighter and has pure rear-wheel drive, which fits in better with the classic MG spirit," says Sämi.

MG returns - and it's electric

The MG Cyberster not only marks the comeback of the legendary British car brand, but also the official market entry of MG in Switzerland.

MG used to be known for affordable and fun two-seaters like the MGB, which was popular worldwide in the 1960s.

However, after years of decline and a bankruptcy in 2005, the Chinese SAIC motor group revived the brand with a strong focus on electric mobility.

From 2024, MG models such as the Cyberster will be sold via the Swiss importer Astara.

Sämi is convinced: "Brands like VW will certainly not be happy. The MG4, which is close to an ID.3 in terms of range and performance, but significantly cheaper, will provide competition."

With the Cyberster, MG is also daring to do something that other manufacturers have not yet attempted: an electric convertible.

"It's brave, nobody knows if it will work. But I'm sure this vehicle still has facets that we haven't even realized yet," sums up Sämi.

In the end, one thing remains clear to him: "MG is really back and bringing movement to the Swiss electric market."