New Delhi, Sept. 17 -- The Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) ownership model is no longer restricted to entry-level electric hatchbacks, as MG SELECT (The Premium brand outlet of MG Motor) has officially introduced the battery rental scheme for its flagship MG Cyberster and MG M9 in India. This move aims to offer luxury customers greater flexibility and a more accessible entry price to high-end electric mobility. Under the introductory BaaS pricing, the MG Cyberster performance roadster is available at Rs.72.49 lakh plus an Rs.8.00/km battery rental, while the luxurious MG M9 MPV starts at Rs.69.99 lakh with the same Rs.8.00/km rental.

Why Are High-End Cars Going After BaaS?

Seeing top-tier luxury models adopt a pay-as-you-drive battery model might seem surprising at first, but the financial logic holds up beautifully at the top end of the market. High-performance EVs require massive battery packs to deliver both heavy power outputs and respectable range. These colossal batteries account for a significant chunk of the car's sticker price. By decoupling the battery cost from the vehicle purchase, automakers can instantly knock around Rs.10 lakh off the upfront showroom price. For luxury buyers, this means investing less capital into a depreciating asset upfront while paying for the battery exactly based on how much they actually drive. It also shifts the anxiety of long-term battery health, degradation, and replacement costs away from the owner and back to the BaaS provider.

Table 1: MG BaaS Pricing & Upfront Savings Comparison

This table highlights the significant initial cost reduction luxury buyers get when opting for the Battery-as-a-Service model.

ModelStandard Upfront Price (Without BaaS)Introductory BaaS PriceUpfront SavingsBattery Rental FeeMG CybersterRs.82.50 lakhRs.72.49 lakh~Rs.10.01 lakhRs.8.00/kmMG M9Rs.79.95 lakhRs.69.99 lakh~Rs.9.96 lakh

What BaaS Means for the Customer

Battery-as-a-Service essentially means you buy the car's shell, motors, and interior outright, but you rent the most expensive component-the battery pack. You pay a lower initial purchase price and are charged a flat rental fee per kilometer driven (Rs.8.00/km for both the Cyberster and M9). If you are a buyer who drives standard yearly distances, the upfront savings heavily outweigh the running rental costs for several years. It keeps your initial car loan smaller, lowers insurance premiums since the car's invoice value drops, and guarantees that you aren't stuck footing the bill if EV battery technology ages rapidly.

The Luxury Duo: Cyberster and M9

Both models retain their elite technology, comfort, and performance under the new ownership scheme.

MG Cyberster: Inspired by the classic MGB Roadster, this two-seater features electric scissor doors, cockpit-style interiors, and a low-slung silhouette. It utilizes a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup producing 510 PS and 725 Nm of torque, enabling a 0-100 km/h sprint in just 3.2 seconds.

MG M9: Built for executive travel, this luxury MPV features lounge-inspired Presidential Seats with 16-way adjustment, 8 massage modes, and an Intelligent Arm Rest. The cabin is equipped with a yacht-style dual sunroof, 64-colour ambient lighting, a 13-speaker sound system, Level 2 ADAS, and seven airbags. It also holds certified 5-star EURO NCAP and ANCAP safety ratings.

Through 15 dedicated MG SELECT Experience Centres across 14 cities, the brand continues to expand its reimagined luxury retail footprint in India.

Table 2: Key Specifications & Features

This table contrasts the purpose and top-tier features of both luxury EVs, proving that opting for BaaS does not compromise the vehicle's premium specs.

Feature / SpecMG Cyberster DOCXMG M9 DOCXVehicle Type2-Seater Performance RoadsterExecutive Luxury MPVPerformanceDual-motor AWD, 510 PS, 725 NmFront-mounted motor, 245 hp, 350 NmAcceleration0-100 km/h in ~3.2 secondsDesigned for smooth chauffeur-driven comfortKey HighlightsElectric scissor doors, low-slung silhouette, cockpit-style seatingPresidential Seats (16-way adjustable, massage, ventilation), Intelligent Arm RestLuxury & SafetyInspired by classic MGB RoadsterYacht-style dual sunroof, 64-colour ambient lighting, Level 2 ADAS, 5-star EURO/ANCAP safety

FAQs

What is the BaaS price of the MG Cyberster? Under the BaaS program, the MG Cyberster is priced at Rs.72.49 lakh with an additional battery rental fee of Rs.8.00 per kilometer.

What is the BaaS price of the MG M9? The MG M9 MPV is available at a BaaS price of Rs.69.99 lakh, paired with a battery rental charge of Rs.8.00 per kilometer.

Does the BaaS model affect the performance of these cars? No, the vehicles remain mechanically and structurally identical. The MG Cyberster continues to offer its 510 PS dual-motor setup and 3.2-second 0-100 km/h acceleration, while the M9 retains its executive luxury features, comfort tech, and safety systems.

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Read the full article: MG Cyberster & M9 Get BaaS: Even Luxury EVs Adopt Battery Rentals

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from GaadiKey.