the EGR in its operation diverts a portion of the exhaust gas back into the motor. It does this typicaly at low revs, when the unburnt pollutants are highest in the gas stream. By diverting the exhaust gases it thereby also reduces the amount of gas flowing to the turbo, which results in some lag. By the blocking off of the EGR all the gases flow to the turbo resulting in less lag at low revs.
So it will seem harsher to some and noisier. But the gains in not haveing contaminated gases returned to the motor, and resulting wear, is in itself a great thing! :) The perception of less power is a bit harder to understand as I have not noticed it, just a smoother delivery of power. Not a feeling of instant gain of 100 hp just a smoother delivery of it .
Cheers

