Cube with character: Bugatti Veyron designer creates angular MG SUV with retractable headlights
MG brand presented a compact electric concept called Cyber X at the Auto Shanghai 2025 motor show. It is one of the brand's first cars created under the direction of Jozef Kabaň, a designer known for such models as the Bugatti Veyron, Audi A5, Skoda Octavia, as well as for his work at BMW and Rolls-Royce.
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Although rooted in the UK, the MG brand has been owned by China's SAIC, headquartered in Shanghai, for nearly two decades. Caban has been the global vice president of design at SAIC since 2024.
The Cyber X concept presented in Shanghai is very different from existing MG production models. It is a kind of urban SUV with a length of 4.30 metres. In terms of dimensions and overall styling, it resembles the upcoming Mercedes "Baby G", which will debut in 2026. MG calls the new product an "urban adventure toy", emphasising that it's more about a stylish crossover than a full-fledged SUV.
The car is built on a new SAIC electric platform and is characterised by short overhangs, which give it a "cubic" shape. Another visual accent of the model is rising headlights. However, such solutions are unlikely to make it to mass production due to safety requirements.
If MG really launches Cyber X in series production, which is very likely, the model is likely to receive a battery with Cell-to-Body (CTB) technology. In such a design, the battery is integrated into the load-bearing structure of the body, which increases rigidity and reduces the weight of the car.
MG Cyber X Concept. Illustration: SAIC Design
The Cyber X differs markedly from the current stream of subdued crossovers with its distinctive angular design. It is a fresh take on the compact electric car segment and a clear hint of SAIC's ambitions in Europe.
Indeed, SAIC's influence in the European market is growing. According to the Association of European Automobile Manufacturers (ACEA), the company sold 78,505 vehicles in the EU, UK and EFTA countries (Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein) in the first quarter of 2025. This exceeds the performance of brands such as Fiat (77,704 units), SEAT (57,363 units), Tesla (54,020 units), Suzuki (49,631 units), Mazda (43,918 units), Jeep (37,895 units), Honda (21,075 units) and Mitsubishi (12,536 units).
To circumvent European duties on Chinese cars, MG plans to build a local plant. A decision on the location of the plant is expected in the summer. Initially, the plant will be designed to produce up to 100,000 cars per year, after which SAIC may build another car assembly plant in Europe.
For now, all MG electric cars shipped from China to the EU are subject to a 45.3 per cent duty, making the prospect of localised production particularly relevant.
Source: Motor1
