Sponsored content: Hybrid versus petrol, can they really perform in the same league?

Infiniti pitted Sebastian Vettel against his teammate, Mark Webber, on the challenging Nürburgring during the launch of its hybrid M35h. Sales of these Infiniti luxury cars began in the late quarter of 2011, when it was hailed as the fastest accelerating hybrid car. But despite the moniker, “Driver’s Hybrid”, can it really perform against petrol in a performance class?

The M series is built on the same formula used for Nissan’s popular SUVs, but with added distinction and style. The cars can be categorised by immaculate interiors, clean exteriors and engines that have been built with Japanese precision.

In the video, Webber gets into an M37 S Premium with 3.7 V6 engine, that delivers 328 horsepower and 0-to-100 acceleration in just 6.2 seconds. One of the most interesting stats between these two is the fuel economy: 27.7mpg for the M37 versus an impressive 40.4 mpg for the hybrid.

Vettel drives the M35h, which is powered by a hybrid drive system that combines a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre 350-horsepower V6 with an electric motor and a 7-speed, adaptive transmission. The motor operates the Electric Driven Intelligent Brake (the motor charges the battery when the driver brakes), and a part hydraulic, part electric steering system.

How fast can the M35h really accelerate? Who wins the hybrid versus petrol race? Sceptics may be pleasantly surprised. Watch the video to find out if Vettel comes out trumps.