MG Cyberster vs BMW i4
The electric vehicle landscape continues to evolve rapidly, bringing us unexpected matchups that challenge traditional automotive hierarchies. In 2025, two distinctly different electric vehicles are capturing attention: the theatrical MG Cyberster roadster and the refined BMW i4 Gran Coupe. While they occupy different segments, both represent compelling arguments for electric performance, each with unique strengths that appeal to different driving passions.
Table of Contents
Design Philosophy: Drama Meets Sophistication
The MG Cyberster makes an unmistakable entrance wherever it goes. This electric roadster features dramatic scissor doors that open upward, creating a spectacle every time you access the cabin. The design language pays homage to classic MG roadsters while embracing futuristic elements, including striking Union Jack-inspired LED tail lights and a sleek convertible profile. With proportions similar to a Porsche 911 Cabrio, the Cyberster measures 4,535mm in length and 1,913mm in width, giving it substantial road presence.
The BMW i4 Gran Coupe takes a more understated approach to electric styling. BMW deliberately integrated the i4 into its existing design language, making it nearly indistinguishable from its gasoline-powered siblings. The 2025 refresh brings narrower headlights with updated lighting signatures and a reimagined grille design, though changes remain subtle. The fastback silhouette achieves an impressive 0.24 coefficient of drag, contributing to both efficiency and a whisper-quiet cabin experience.
Power and Performance: Two Different Philosophies
Under the skin, these vehicles reveal starkly different performance characters. The MG Cyberster GT variant available in most markets delivers explosive acceleration with its dual-motor all-wheel-drive system producing 503-544 horsepower depending on the market, along with 725 Nm of torque. This translates to breathtaking acceleration, launching from zero to 100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds with a top speed electronically limited to around 200 km/h.
The BMW i4 offers more variety in its powertrain lineup. The entry-level eDrive40 generates 335 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque through a single rear motor, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.5 seconds. The xDrive40 adds a second motor for all-wheel drive, boosting output to 396 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. The performance-focused M50 variant tops the range with 536 horsepower, matching the Cyberster’s power while delivering 0-60 mph runs in just 3.7 seconds.
Driving Dynamics: Roadster Spirit vs Gran Tourer Refinement
Where these vehicles truly diverge is in their driving characteristics. The Cyberster prioritizes straight-line excitement and visual drama over refined handling dynamics. Early reviews note that while the acceleration is genuinely thrilling, the low-speed ride quality can be lumpy, and the steering lacks precision around center. The car’s 1,910 kg weight distribution doesn’t always feel optimally balanced through corners, and some drivers report creaking sounds from the cabin structure during spirited driving.
The BMW i4 delivers a more polished and predictable driving experience. The rear-biased weight distribution on eDrive40 models creates engaging, tail-happy characteristics on track, while the Adaptive M suspension available in the M Sport package provides excellent body control. The steering offers surprising directness and feedback, making the i4 feel like a proper driver’s car despite its electric powertrain. Regenerative braking integrates smoothly with mechanical brakes, offering multiple recovery settings including a high regeneration mode for effective one-pedal driving.
Range and Charging: Practical Considerations
Battery capacity and efficiency play crucial roles in electric vehicle ownership. The MG Cyberster utilizes a 74.4-77 kWh battery pack depending on the market. Official WLTP range estimates suggest 276-316 miles for the dual-motor GT variant, though real-world testing reveals more conservative figures around 186-230 miles when driven enthusiastically. The Cyberster supports DC fast charging up to 144 kW, enabling 10-80% charges in approximately 38 minutes.
The BMW i4 demonstrates more impressive range figures across its lineup. The eDrive40 achieves between 295-318 miles of EPA-rated range, with the single-motor configuration proving most efficient. Adding all-wheel drive reduces range to 268-287 miles for xDrive40 models, while the performance-oriented M50 delivers 227-267 miles depending on wheel and tire combinations. The i4 supports charging speeds up to 205 kW, allowing drivers to recover 90 miles of range in approximately 10 minutes at compatible DC fast chargers.
Interior Experience: Functionality vs Technology
Step inside the MG Cyberster and you’re greeted by a cabin that emphasizes technology and visual drama. A triple-screen cockpit layout creates an immersive environment, though the angled outer displays require head movements to view properly. The Alcantara-clad electric seats provide good support during spirited driving, while build quality impresses for an MG product, featuring premium materials throughout. However, the roadster format means practicality suffers, with limited boot space and no frunk despite the EV platform.
The BMW i4 offers a more conventional but thoroughly luxurious interior environment. The curved display housing combines a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 14.9-inch touchscreen running the latest iDrive 8.5 operating system. This updated interface features simplified menu structures and QuickSelect functionality for easier access to frequently used features. Material quality remains exemplary, with options including perforated Sensatec or Vernasca leather upholstery, along with wood or metal trim accents. The Gran Coupe body style provides genuine practicality with a large power hatch and usable rear seating.
Technology and Safety Features
Both vehicles come equipped with comprehensive driver assistance systems appropriate for 2025. The MG Cyberster includes MG Pilot, featuring lane-keeping assistance, blind spot monitoring, and various safety technologies. However, MG’s recent reliability rankings and the Cyberster’s lack of Euro NCAP testing may concern some buyers, despite the brand’s seven-year warranty offering peace of mind.
The BMW i4 provides more extensive and refined assistance features. Standard equipment includes Forward Collision Mitigation, Active Blind Spot Detection, Lane Keeping Assistant, and Rear Cross-Traffic Warning. Optional packages add Active Cruise Control, Traffic Jam Assistant, and Lane Change Assistant for semi-autonomous driving capabilities. The available Parking Assistance Package includes self-parking functionality and a 360-degree camera system. BMW backs the i4 with an eight-year/100,000-mile high-voltage battery warranty.
Pricing and Value Proposition
Price positioning reveals these vehicles target different market segments despite comparable performance figures. The MG Cyberster enters markets priced from approximately £55,000-£60,000 in the UK (roughly $71,000-$78,000), ₹75 lakh in India, and around AUD $115,000 in Australia. While expensive for an MG, this undercuts traditional sports car pricing while delivering supercar-like visual drama and acceleration.
The BMW i4 starts at $57,900 for the eDrive40 in the United States, with xDrive40 models beginning at $62,300. The performance-focused M50 commands $70,700, remaining remarkably affordable compared to alternatives like the Porsche Taycan or Mercedes EQE, which start around $40,000 higher. The i4’s pricing reflects strong value given BMW’s premium positioning and the vehicle’s comprehensive feature sets.
Ownership Experience and Practicality
Daily usability differs significantly between these vehicles. The Cyberster’s roadster format limits practicality with its two-seat configuration and modest luggage capacity. The scissor doors create parking challenges in tight spaces, despite sensors that prevent opening when clearance is insufficient. The dramatic styling and performance make every drive feel special, though ride quality and refinement don’t match more established sports cars.
The BMW i4 excels as a versatile daily driver. The Gran Coupe body style accommodates four adults reasonably well, while the large hatchback provides genuine cargo flexibility. The quiet, comfortable cabin suits long highway journeys, and the extensive dealer network ensures convenient service access. BMW includes complimentary 1,000 kWh of charging through Electrify America, equivalent to approximately 3,000 miles of driving.
The Verdict: Different Solutions for Different Drivers
These vehicles represent fundamentally different approaches to electric performance motoring. The MG Cyberster delivers theater, excitement, and attention-grabbing style at a relatively accessible price point. It’s perfect for enthusiasts who prioritize drama and straight-line performance, accepting compromises in refinement and practicality. The bold design and explosive acceleration create memorable driving experiences, though the overall package lacks the polish of more expensive alternatives.
The BMW i4 Gran Coupe offers sophistication, versatility, and genuine driver engagement wrapped in understated elegance. It serves equally well as a daily driver and weekend entertainer, with strong performance across all trims and impressive efficiency. The refined driving dynamics, premium interior quality, and comprehensive technology make it compelling for buyers seeking an electric vehicle without sacrificing the traditional BMW driving experience.
Ultimately, choosing between these vehicles depends on priorities. The Cyberster rewards those seeking uniqueness, drama, and the emotional appeal of a convertible roadster format. The i4 appeals to pragmatists who desire electric performance without compromise, wrapped in a package suitable for every occasion. Both prove that electric vehicles can deliver excitement and engagement, just through very different philosophies.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 automotive landscape offers unprecedented choice in electric performance vehicles. The MG Cyberster and BMW i4 demonstrate that going electric doesn’t mean sacrificing character or driving pleasure. Whether you’re drawn to the Cyberster’s bold statement or the i4’s refined competence, both vehicles prove that the future of driving can be thrilling, engaging, and environmentally conscious. The electric revolution has truly arrived, bringing options for every type of driving enthusiast.
