Can BMW’s new electric superstar keep pace with its performance thoroughbred sibling? Steve Sutcliffe of Autocar aims to find out.

The BMW M4 is powered by a 3.0-liter BMW M TwinPower Turbo engine developing 425 horsepower and 550 Nm (406 lb-ft) of torque. This engine combines two mono-scroll turbochargers with variable valve control (Double-VANOS and Valvetronic) and high-precision direct injection for a smooth and efficient power delivery, coupled in this case with the standard 7-speed DCT.

BMW i8 uses a plug-in hybrid system consisting of a turbocharged three-cylinder BMW TwinPower Turbo petrol engine and BMW eDrive technology in the form of an electric drive system.

The 1.5-liter combustion engine develops 170 kW/231 hp and drives the rear wheels of the BMW i8, while the 96 kW/131 hp electric drive sends its power to the front wheels and allows an all-electric range of up to 35 kilometers (22 miles) and a top speed of 120 km/h (75 mph).

Curious how the two fare against each other on the race track?

Let’s find out.