Competition between MG Cyberster and BMW Z4: Which open-top luxury sports car will you prefer to take a ride in?
New Electric Roadster Challenges Traditional BMW Z4
The automotive world is abuzz with the arrival of two new premium roadsters: the MG Cyberster and the BMW Z4. While both vehicles cater to the two-seater convertible market, they differ significantly in price, design, features, and specifications.
The MG Cyberster, priced at ₹74.99 lakh (early bookings get a discount of ₹2.5 lakh), is an all-electric roadster that offers superior power, torque, and acceleration compared to the petrol-powered BMW Z4. The Z4, priced at ₹92.90 lakh to ₹97.90 lakh, is a traditional sports car with a long bonnet, short rear overhang, and a foldable soft-top roof.
The Cyberster, with its sharp, edgy stance, unique door design, and all-electric roadster look, presents a futuristic and bold design language. In contrast, the Z4 exudes an aggressive sports car design, embodying classic petrol convertible styling.
In terms of dimensions, the Cyberster is larger, measuring 4,535 mm in length and 1,913 mm in width, compared to the Z4's 4,324 mm in length and 1,864 mm in width. However, the Z4 offers more boot space due to its smaller footprint.
Under the hood, the Cyberster's dual motor AWD system delivers 510 PS (approx. 503 bhp) and 725 Nm, enabling it to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds. The Z4, equipped with a 3.0-litre inline-six turbocharged petrol engine, produces 340 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque, requiring 4.5 seconds to reach the same speed.
The Cyberster's 77 kWh battery pack provides an estimated range of about 580 km on the Chinese CLTC cycle, equivalent to about 450-480 km in actual Indian conditions. The Z4, on the other hand, claims a fuel efficiency of 12.9 km/l.
Both vehicles offer premium interiors. The Cyberster's cabin is adorned with premium vegan leather upholstery, while the Z4's cabin is minimalist luxury with a stripped-back design and tactile feedback. The Cyberster's top-of-the-line AWD dual-motor trim is equipped with an augmented reality head-up display, an eight-speaker Bose audio system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ambient lighting, and powered bucket seats with ventilation and heating. The Z4's cabin, while minimalist, offers a refined driving experience.
The Cyberster comes with 20-inch wheels and active aerodynamics, while the Z4's design is characterised by its long bonnet and short rear overhang. The Cyberster's rear is dominated by an arrow-shaped LED light design for the tail lights, and its infotainment system features a triple-screen design with a big central screen and curved screens on either side. The Z4's infotainment system includes a 10.25-inch screen with BMW's iDrive 7.0 overlay and wireless phone connectivity.
Both vehicles are equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). The Cyberster's ADAS features include adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera setup. The Z4 offers similar features, ensuring a safe and secure driving experience.
In addition, the Cyberster supports DC fast charging, allowing for 10-80% charging in under 40 minutes, and has V2L (vehicle-to-load) functionality. The Z4 does not offer such fast charging capabilities.
In conclusion, the MG Cyberster is a powerful, modern electric alternative to the BMW Z4, offering better straight-line performance at a lower price, with differences in design philosophy and drivetrain type being central to their appeal. The Z4, on the other hand, appeals with its petrol engine driving dynamics and established luxury branding.
The MG Cyberster, with its all-electric roadster look and exciting features like an augmented reality head-up display and DC fast charging, offers a contemporary lifestyle blend that complements modern technology. In contrast, the BMW Z4, boasting a traditional sports car design and notable driving dynamics, caters to the sports-centric lifestyle, backed by the long-standing tradition of German engineering and technology.
