Scissor doors, record-breaking sprints, and luxury lounges on wheels—MG is back to electrify India’s premium segment. But is the market ready?
The Scene Unfolds: India’s EV Market, Revved Up
India’s electric vehicle (EV) segment has mostly been a story of compact hatches, utilitarian scooters, and mileage-conscious sedans. But 2025 seems ready to flip the narrative. With JSW MG Motor India opening pre-bookings for its M9 electric MPV and the Cyberster roadster, the company isn’t just unveiling two new EVs—it’s making a daring statement.
A statement that says: “Luxury and performance can be electric too. And India is ready for it.”
But is it?
Cyberster: Fast, Flashy, and First-of-Its-Kind
If James Bond were Indian and drove electric, the Cyberster might be his pick. With scissor doors, a convertible body, and 20-inch alloys, the roadster doesn’t shy away from turning heads. But this isn’t just about aesthetics.
This two-door electric beast recently hit 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds at Rajasthan’s Sambhar Salt Lake—making it the fastest MG ever built.
Under the hood? Dual motors churning 510 bhp and 725 Nm torque, powered by a 77 kWh battery offering a claimed 500 km range.
In a market that lacks any electric roadsters below ₹1 crore, MG is clearly aiming to corner a niche—offering a mix of adrenaline, exclusivity, and future-forward design.
The MGB paved the way, the Cyberster took the lead, and the M9 elevated luxury – MG Select made its mark at the first edition of @GenSpeedFest 2025. #MGSelect #MGCyberster #MGM9 #MGB pic.twitter.com/5i7Lf4fTdg
— MG Select (@MGSelectIndia) February 23, 2025
M9 MPV: A Lounge on Wheels
While the Cyberster speaks to the heart, the MG M9 speaks to comfort. This luxury electric MPV targets the chauffeur-driven segment, delivering what MG calls a “bubble of comfort” for rear passengers.
It comes with:
- Powered sliding doors
- Multi-zone climate control
- Heated ORVMs with memory
- Massage seats
- Rear privacy glass
- A 12-speaker audio system
- Level-2 ADAS
- And even an air purifier
Performance-wise, it’s no slouch either. The M9 is equipped with a 240 bhp motor, 350 Nm torque, and a 90 kWh battery, providing 430 km of range on a full charge.
The MG Select Strategy: A New Kind of Showroom
These aren’t just any cars, and MG isn’t treating them as such. Both models will be retailed exclusively through MG Select—a premium dealership chain in 13 major Indian cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chennai.
Think of it as a boutique experience for a new breed of Indian buyer—one that values performance, comfort, and sustainability in equal measure.
Why This Launch Matters
Let’s put this in perspective. MG’s move represents:
- India’s first all-electric two-door roadster under ₹1 crore
- One of the very few fully electric luxury MPVs on offer
- An aggressive expansion into Tier-1 luxury EV markets
More importantly, it comes at a time when the Indian government is pushing hard for adoption and infrastructure development.
MG’s gamble is not just product-based—it’s timing-based too.
The Other Side of the Battery: Potential Pitfalls
While the move is bold, not all experts are sold on the optimism. There are challenges lurking beneath the sheen:
1. Infrastructure Lag
Despite rapid charger installations, India still lacks a reliable nationwide charging grid, especially for long-range, high-power EVs like the Cyberster and M9.
2. Price Tag Anxiety
Though MG promises competitive pricing, luxury EVs are still a psychological leap for most Indian buyers. Will they trust an emerging ecosystem with cars that likely cost upwards of ₹60-70 lakhs?
3. After-Sales Ecosystem
With both vehicles available only in 13 cities, what happens to support, servicing, or emergencies in smaller towns? Building a luxury experience doesn’t stop at the showroom.
4. Limited Target Audience
The cars cater to a niche within a niche—performance-lovers and luxury MPV buyers with inclination. That’s a small group in a market still obsessed with petrol price-to-mileage ratios.
The Optimistic Angle: MG Knows Its Timing
That said, MG has never played it safe. It was among the first to push for electric SUVs in India with the ZS EV. And its collaboration with JSW—a domestic powerhouse—gives it manufacturing muscle and strategic agility.
By positioning the Cyberster and M9 as statement EVs, the company isn’t looking for volume—it’s seeking influence. And in a fast-changing market, influence converts into relevance.
Industry Voices: What Experts Are Saying
“MG’s electric roadster is a unicorn in the Indian market. If priced smartly, it could be aspirational for younger buyers,”
says Dev Mehta, auto analyst at E-Drive India.
“Luxury MPVs in India are still an untapped goldmine, especially for executives and celebrities. The M9 could lead the electric revolution in that segment,”
notes Priya Khandelwal, mobility trends consultant.
Booking Details & Launch Timeline
- Pre-bookings Open: ₹51,000 token amount
- Sales Channel: MG Select dealerships & official website
- Cities Covered: Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Kochi, Chandigarh, Surat, Gurgaon, Thane
- Expected Launch: Within weeks
- Deliveries Begin: Q2 2025
Verdict: EVs, but with Soul
MG’s Cyberster and M9 aren’t just about batteries and motors. They’re about reshaping perceptions—showing that EVs can be cool, luxurious, aspirational, and still practical.
Yes, the infrastructure isn’t perfect, and yes, they’re targeting a niche. But by pushing the boundaries now, MG may be laying the foundation for what India’s EV future could look like, not just run like.
And that, perhaps, is the biggest charge they’re making.
FAQ
1. What is the MG Cyberster?
The MG Cyberster is a high-performance electric roadster featuring scissor doors, dual motors, and a 77 kWh battery offering around 500 km of range.
2. What makes the MG M9 MPV unique?
The MG M9 is one of India’s first all-electric luxury MPVs, focusing on second-row comfort with features like massage seats, ambient lighting, and a 90 kWh battery with 430 km range.
3. How fast is the MG Cyberster?
It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds, making it the fastest MG vehicle to date.
4. What is MG Select?
MG Select is a premium dealership chain launched to exclusively retail high-end EVs like the Cyberster and M9 across 13 major Indian cities.
5. What is the booking amount for the MG Cyberster and M9?
Bookings for both start at a token amount of ₹51,000.
6. When will deliveries begin for the new MG EVs?
Deliveries are expected to commence in Q2 2025, following the official launch in the coming weeks.
7. Are these EVs eligible for subsidies?
That depends on state-level EV policies. As luxury EVs, they may not qualify for all incentives, but specifics will be revealed closer to launch.
8. Will MG offer nationwide service support for these models?
Currently, service centers are expected to be available in the 13 launch cities. Expansion plans may follow based on demand.
