Video: Hybrid power vs. the Nürburgring

21st July 2021

Henry Biggs

Now here is an interesting comparison of plug-in hybrid versus pure petrol in what is often touted as the ultimate test of two and four-wheeled machines: the Nordschleife.

What we have is the PHEV Peugeot 508 PSE which boasts 355PS (265kW) when fully charged versus a similarly powerful BMW M2. Now, conventional wisdom suggests that the rear-wheel-drive BMW should be the more agile of the two and easily lose the heavier Peugeot. This is certainly not the case in the early stages of the video. Of course we know nothing of the relative abilities and experience of the two drivers but, while the BMW pulls away on the straights, the all-wheel-drive and well set-up chassis of the 508 PSE sees it cling all over the back of the smaller coupe in the twisties.

That is until the batteries in the Peugeot are exhausted, immediately reducing it to a 200PS (147kW), front-wheel-drive machine, at which point the BMW disappears into the distance. A short period of regen braking however and the 508 starts to close the gap. It's a fascinating look at the difference between the two approaches and, with more race and rally series going hybrid, one which may have implications for driver tactics.

Welcome to Goodwood Elevenses, a mid-morning helping of motoring-related amusement to help break up your day. Watch the last video: The 'new' Stratos sounds amazing when thrashed