Could someone who has driven both please give your impressions on the steering feel between the 2015 hydrolic steering and the 2016 power steering?
I'm looking at a MY 2015 R....a 2016 ( used) may still be out of reach for me, although I'm wondering about the steering feel difference and the AWD. vs RWD handling and feel.
Thanks in advance
CRA

 

From a purely steering perspective, I honestly couldn't tell the difference during my test drives. And as a chassis engineer, I feel that means something. Jaguar did such a good job with their electric steering system that if they didn't tell you it was electric, you'd probably never know. It was so smart of them to wait the extra year to make sure it was as good as hydraulic before releasing it. Most companies wouldn't have done that.

As far as AWD vs. RWD, in my opinion the handling is uncompromised in both directions. Both vehicles handle well, but at the same time handle differently. The AWD feels more like you're being pulled through the corner, where as the RWD is more loose and free. Both variants will wag the tail out when pushing it hard, but the RWD does it in a more theatrical way. If you're looking for the dramatic car, the RWD is for you with its loose handling and smoky burnouts. But if you're more into planted handling and putting the power down under all conditions the AWD is the right choice. No wrong answer, but I would say the AWD is a much safer alternative if you're not 100% confident with your skill or like to push the car on public roads.

 

Very well put... I agree fully with Stohlens' descriptions.

 

Thank you for taking the time to help me out with your informed and informative response:-) The AWD sounds more to my liking...but the 2016 May he a bit out of reach...although I lean towards the philosophy of "Cry once, Buy once"

CRS

 

Storm Grey.....my fav :-)

 

Coming from 2x Honda S2000's which came with EPS which is highly applauded in the automotive world..I will say I'm VERY impressed with Jaguar's EPS setup. I had a 2015 F-TYPE which was hydraulic and currently have a 2016 which is now EPS. I can honestly say that Jaguar did their homework on this one.

 

+2.

 

I don't know how much this helps, but I can tell the difference between a '14 V8 S and my SVR. The hydraulic felt more like I was controlling the car's behavior and front wheels whereas the SVR feels computerized and lacks feel. It's difficult for me to understand what the front wheels are doing without looking at the nose of the car. That may have something to do with drivetrain layout. Not apples to apples.

 

+1. AWD will dramatically change the steering dynamics.

 

Since it is a touchy feely thing - having driven both I feel like the electronic steering is more 'pointy' and immediate. The turn in is crisper and faster. It feels better at slower and medium speed cornering.

That said, when you really start to lean on it hard I prefer the feedback from the hydraulic steering. I just feel like you can sense in advance what the car is about to do a little bit better than with the electric, which while it doesn't feel bad, doesn't communicate as well on the limit. At least to my mind.

 

Interesting. Very rare to see someone actually prefer electronic steering.

 

I prefer the 2016 steering. I had a 2014 for about a year, and have had the 2016 for about a year.
In terms of feel, both lack feedback, with a very slighte edge to the hydraulic. The electric steering wins though because it is better weighted ( if that makes sense). The hydraulic is a bit heavy, especially in dynamic mode. If you like to put it in dynamic mode to hear that exhaust and enjoy them curves when you're out on a cruise, you'll end up preferring the electric steering.

Or maybe you liked to work out them fast twitch muscles

 

I don't know that I have a clear preference. I think the electronic is better under certain circumstances, but I prefer the hydraulic under others.