My last 2 BMWs have had electric power steering.

Initially (on a 2008 1 series), I wasn't sure. It felt weird/wrong, and took some getting used to.

Now (2013 3 series) it really is indistinquishable from hydraulic PAS, in my opinion.

Advantages / disadvantages ? Little difference in what can go wrong (pump in old, electric motor in new), no fluid changes (so saves money on maintenance), the motor only runs when needed, as opposed to the pump running continuously (so should be less likely to fail).

Many cars now include Normal/Comfort/Sport options on steering which artificially stiffens it to simulate hydraulic like characteristcs.

Personally I'm not bothered. Just leave it in normal mode and forget it. Setting to Sports mode does make the steering feel heavier.

Hydraulic is old tech, electric motor is new tech.

I don't think it matters IMHO as long as the systems are working properly.

I've got 2 out of 3 vehicles on electric - good feel- never a problem.

The other is on engine-pump hydraulic, that's not a problem either!

On one of the British Leyland cars I had, it was so positive that the whole plunger disappeared into the dashboard.