MG Cyberster electric sports car may be cheaper than expected in China – report

Photos have been published online alleging to show Chinese prices for the 2024 MG Cyberster electric sports car and – at least in its home market – it may be cheaper than anticipated.

An image shared on social media – including on Chinese website Autohome – of what appears to be an internal document claims the forthcoming MG Cyberster electric roadster may be priced from 239,800 yuan ($AU50,000) in its home market of China.

It is far lower than initial predictions circulating Chinese social media of 300,000 yuan ($AU62,000) – and undercuts the Toyota GR86 coupe, which is priced from 338,600 yuan ($AU71,250) in China.

However it is worth noting China applies a 15 per cent tariff to imported vehicles such as the GR86 – and its 2.4-litre engine attracts additional taxes for vehicles with engines larger than 2.0 litres – with the same car available in Australia for about $45,000 plus on-road costs.

And the alleged pricing for China is half as much as the £55,000 ($AU106,000) starting price reported by overseas media outlets for the UK.

MORE: 2024 MG Cyberster interior revealed

The Cyberster’s most natural competitor, the Mazda MX-5, is no longer sold in China.

The Chinese base price for the MG Cyberster is 46 per cent dearer than a top-of-the-range MG 4 64kWh electric hatchback, which costs 163,800 yuan ($AU34,000) in China, or $47,990 plus on-road costs for the same car in Australia.

This would suggest a starting price in Australia closer to $70,000 or $80,000 plus on-road costs in Australia for the Cyberster, which is expected to reach local showrooms next year or in 2025.

The leaked information lists three variants: a 64kWh rear-wheel-drive model at 239,800 yuan ($AU50,000), a long-range 77kWh rear-drive variant for 254,800 yuan ($AU54,000) and a range-topping 77kWh all-wheel-drive variant for 269,800 yuan ($AU57,000).

According to Autohome, the base-model 64kWh MG Cyberster is powered by a 230kW electric motor and claims a driving range of 501km based on lenient Chinese CLTC testing standards, which are less stringent than the WLTP protocols quoted by most car makers in Europe.

The mid-trim version ups power to 250kW, and the 77kWh battery extends the CLTC range claim to 680km.

The most expensive Cyberster model to be made available in China is set to feature dual electric motors, a 77kWh battery pack, and a 400kW power output sent to all four wheels.

For context, an entry-level 2.0-litre Porsche 718 Boxster will set Chinese buyers back 585,000 yuan ($AU123,000).

Full pricing details for all global markets are yet to be announced.

The MG Cyberster has been confirmed for the Australian market, but pricing information has not been announced.

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