MG reveals large and sporty electric concept: The Cyber is shaping as a cut-price Ferrari Purosangue and BMW X5 rival
A new concept for the inbound MG Cyber was unwrapped at last weekend’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, paving the way for a flagship BMW X5 rival.
Designed to supersede the current MG Cyberster as the car-maker’s new flagship model, the new MG Cyber might be rebadged and sold under SAIC’s premium IM Motors brand, although the design and development of the five-metre-long SUV is currently being undertaken by MG.
Set to sit above the car-maker’s plug-in hybrid MG S9 SUV, instead of focusing on space, practicality or value, the new MG Cyber is unashamedly sporty, with some commentators comparing its styling favourably with the exotic $750,000 Ferrari Purosangue.
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Sharing the Italian’s cab-rearward styling, classic long bonnet and stretched wheelbase, plus a rising beltline, the new MG Cyber has a scalloped front bumper and aggressive front cooling, suggesting an advanced package of motorsport-derived aerodynamics.
The large five-spoke alloy wheels, meanwhile, look like they could have been pinched from the Prancing Horse brand.
New design features include upturned claw headlamps that are interlinked by a new LED light bar and an illuminated MG badge.
Other highlights include ultra-slim door cameras, curvy rear styling, a large tailgate spoiler and a sizeable diffuser.
MG has refused to release any details on what drives the Cyber, but says it will have a “high-performance” powertrain, plus handling that will deliver “driving pleasure”.
Rumour has it the MG Cyber will pack an uprated IM6 powertrain, which musters a punchy 532kW and 802Nm of torque from its dual-motor set-up, while a large battery should provide a range of at least 650km.
No timeline has been provided for when the MG Cyber will land, but it’s thought it won’t arrive until 2029 at the earliest.
Commenting on its design, Jozef Kabaň, MG’s global design boss, said: “The future of automotive design is about creating cars with a strong identity that people instantly recognise and emotionally connect with. Great design should spark curiosity, excitement and desire. It should make people stop, smile and want to discover more. Our MG concepts express this vision for the future of the brand.”
