How this would even work without drive-by-wire?

BMW uses a system with gears that adjusts the steering ratio mechanically, not disconnecting the steeringwheel from the wheels. The "failed" mode of the system just puts it back to the base non-variable ratio. Don't know exactly how it works, but it drives very very intuitively. Only time you notice is if you step in another car and realise parking takes more effort.

Edit: According to Wikipedia they've done so since the 2003 model 5-series already and this has a description on how it's done: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_steering

It's pretty easy to visualize with rack and pinion.

https://www.autozine.org/technical_school/traction/VGRS_Hond...

https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/3-s2.0-B97807506513185...

Because it's the absolute death of sportiness feelings

Not at all. What you mean is variable power steering, that can kill response if not setup perfectly.

Variable ratio steering also means configurable steering ratio. So a very quick turn at parking speed and in reverse while you can select the perfect ratio for handling at higher speeds.

>Variable ratio steering also means configurable steering ratio.

No, it doesn't if you do it the typical way with a rack or steering gear that has teeth of inconsistent spacing (and some tricky geometry to make that not destroy itself).

The teeth are cut how they are cut and there is no changing that without swapping parts.

See here how it's done, even integrated with stability control to counter steer in some situations instead of using the brakes: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_steering

There are multiple ways to do variable ratio. Realistically Tesla is going to go with the cheaper "inconsistent gear pitch" design rather than the use electronics to hold ore move some object in your gear system to change the ratio" design. Look at how the design the rest of their car.

I have to agree with that :) they loudly claim to be the "best selling luxury sedan" but really make more of a mid range cheap car.

You could argue the same thing about having no engine noise or having a car that weighs two tons.

I don't think people are buying teslas for the steering feel.

This isn't the Tesla suv