MG Cyber X: Boxy SUV set for imminent reveal, electric power likely

MG is the latest carmaker to go for a boxy look in its upcoming SUVs, previewing the Cyber X which will debut later this month.

Set to be revealed at the Shanghai motor show, the Cyber X will join MG’s ‘Cyber’ family, currently a single-model affair with the Cyberster electric convertible.

Rather than the relatively generic shapes of the brand’s existing SUVs – such as the ZS and HS – the Cyber X is much more squared-off, and from its side profile looks more like a much smaller Toyota LandCruiser Prado than a sleek coupe-like SUV.

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A full-width LED light bar, illuminated MG badge and small driving lights highlight the front design, while there’s also a full-width light bar at the rear, sitting below two pairs of horizontal brake lights.

It appears the Cyber X’s door handles will be hidden, while integrated roof rails also feature.

The Cyber X will be just one part of MG’s plans to launch eight new models in the next two years, across not only the SUV market but also sports cars and sedans.

Set to be underpinned by MG’s new E3 platform, the architecture supports both plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and electric powertrains, though given the one existing Cyber model is an EV, this is likely to continue with the SUV.

This platform sees the battery mounted in the chassis in a more structural way than previous EVs, making it stronger while also reducing complexity.

Further powertrain details are yet to be announced.

It’s also unclear as to whether it’ll come to Australia, as we don’t yet know if the Cyber X will be built for right-hand drive markets such as ours and the UK.

More information will become available at its unveiling on April 23.

MG is far from the only Chinese brand rolling out boxy SUVs, with BYD having established the Fangchengbao brand which offers them exclusively. These are offered with either plug-in hybrid or electric power.

Chery’s more premium Jetour brand also has the Traveller, with a boxy body and available plug-in hybrid pwoer.