72 Hours - 250 Miles experience on HW4

So here is my experience with my Tesla MY LR Gemini wheels that came with HW4 VIN-791XXX, Fremont built. This is based on 72 hours of ownership and 250 miles of mixed driving.
We are coming from "premium" Japanese brands, so there is a baseline in terms of what we expect

Booking & Delivery:

1. I booked my car precisely a month ago before taking the delivery on June 1st. Before making the booking, Mrs. Abradabra and I went for a test drive. We drove the 2023 model with Hw3, came out quite impressed, and booked it online the same evening.
2. I only needed to contact my SA/DA a couple of days before the delivery. I contacted them via the 1536 number twice, once for registration-related questions, then re. HW4. Both times got a prompt response, so I was pleased overall.
3. I completed all my tasks promptly using App, so when we showed up at the Tesla showroom, they walked us straight to the car, helped create mobile keys, inspected the car, and went off. The process was super streamlined and quick.
4. We stayed there in the lot longer and inspected the car in detail. The people at the showroom told us I could come inside and tell them if there is any problem or report it within seven days using the App. We didn't find any glaring issues (excitement of a new car, as one can guess).

Driving Experience:

1. We have had fast (ICE) cars in the past, and sports bikes, so used to the feeling of acceleration. However, the way these Teslas pull is a different feeling altogether. ICE engines roar and growl while pulling, but these cars have no drama and are deceptively fast. I guess both machines have their place and time.
2. Steering is quite responsive, even in the comfort setting. The car moves quickly with little steering input.
3. One-foot driving is new to us, so we are taking time to get used to it and occasionally using breaks to slow down.
4. Digital inputs and drive stalk are also taking some time to get used to, but we are adopting them quicker than expected.
5. In-cabin noise has its pros and cons. Missing the ICE makes this car very quiet in its way. Because we don't hear engine drone - we now hear every slight sound - like those grocery bags rubbing against each other in the back (lol), so overall, give-and-take in this area.
6. Ride quality is pretty decent (again, we have Gemini wheels 19" with Conti tires) and running them on recommended 42PSI. On small speeds, it gets a little busy, but nothing objectionable. High speed ride IMHO is similar to luxury Japanese brands.
7. We appreciate safety features - Mrs. AbraDabra was driving it on the freeway, tried to switch lanes, gave an indicator and all, then suddenly car started beeping and showed a couple of cars RED in the console. Those were two Dodge Challengers SRT racing with each other (about 100 mph) buzzed past us on the same lane where we wanted to switch. That's how fast & furious life is here in Cali. BTW, we are on basic AP. Didn't go for EAP or FSD.

Some quirks so far, and findings:

1. The front passenger door doesn't close unless it is slammed. I read to give it some time, and it will loosen, and actually, it did. Now it closes better. Other doors were okay, to begin with. Speaking of doors - that solid feeling is missing. The doors closing feel a little tinny.
2. I have a separate thread on it, but my car/HW4 is missing slow-speed parking assist, where those virtual lines appear around your car and tell you where objects are. Some members suggest it is not there in HW4 (yet). Some said I am not missing anything because it is not a polished feature, but I still want to have it.
3. When driving at a very slow speed, I noticed all four wheels, both forward and reverse, make "chit-chit-chit" sounds (similar to driving on a sand on concrete sound). It turned out to be the wheel caps on the Gemini wheels. When pressed with fingers, they make the same sound, almost like the slight sound of breaking hard plastic.
4. Multiple cameras are blocked or blinded - I got this error while driving on dark country roads at night. It went away the following day. I learned this is a known bug/feature of Teslas. People get it when driving in dark conditions where side (B pillar) cameras can't see anything. Tesla could have added Infra Red feature but I don't know why this issue is still there.
5. Now last but something everyone is waiting - the damn "Phantom Breaking" is still there in HW4. The late night drive, following a car on the freeway with basic AP engaged, suddenly car started slowing down. I was around 70, and in seconds it dropped to 50 before I picked it back with an accelerator pedal. TBH, it was not a hard brake but something like removing the foot from the pedal. So if that is what Phantom Breaking is, then yes it is still there. I guess hardware only can't fix it. It would take both enhanced hardware (hw4) and software fixes to finally eradicate this issue. Tesla - are you listening!?

That's it folks. I intend to add more to this thread as the ownership experience progresses. But overall, we are pretty pleased to have purchased it. A driving experience we never had with ICE cars. Although we are keeping our second (ICE) car so we don't forget what typical (old) driving feels like.

Cheers!

 

[AbraDabra007]

So here is my experience with my Tesla MY LR Gemini wheels that came with HW4 VIN-791XXX, Fremont built. This is based on 72 hours of ownership and 250 miles of mixed driving.
We are coming from "premium" Japanese brands, so there is a baseline in terms of what we expect

Booking & Delivery:

1. I booked my car precisely a month ago before taking the delivery on June 1st. Before making the booking, Mrs. Abradabra and I went for a test drive. We drove the 2023 model with Hw3, came out quite impressed, and booked it online the same evening.
2. I only needed to contact my SA/DA a couple of days before the delivery. I contacted them via the 1536 number twice, once for registration-related questions, then re. HW4. Both times got a prompt response, so I was pleased overall.
3. I completed all my tasks promptly using App, so when we showed up at the Tesla showroom, they walked us straight to the car, helped create mobile keys, inspected the car, and went off. The process was super streamlined and quick.
4. We stayed there in the lot longer and inspected the car in detail. The people at the showroom told us I could come inside and tell them if there is any problem or report it within seven days using the App. We didn't find any glaring issues (excitement of a new car, as one can guess).

Driving Experience:

1. We have had fast (ICE) cars in the past, and sports bikes, so used to the feeling of acceleration. However, the way these Teslas pull is a different feeling altogether. ICE engines roar and growl while pulling, but these cars have no drama and are deceptively fast. I guess both machines have their place and time.
2. Steering is quite responsive, even in the comfort setting. The car moves quickly with little steering input.
3. One-foot driving is new to us, so we are taking time to get used to it and occasionally using breaks to slow down.
4. Digital inputs and drive stalk are also taking some time to get used to, but we are adopting them quicker than expected.
5. In-cabin noise has its pros and cons. Missing the ICE makes this car very quiet in its way. Because we don't hear engine drone - we now hear every slight sound - like those grocery bags rubbing against each other in the back (lol), so overall, give-and-take in this area.
6. Ride quality is pretty decent (again, we have Gemini wheels 19" with Conti tires) and running them on recommended 42PSI. On small speeds, it gets a little busy, but nothing objectionable. High speed ride IMHO is similar to luxury Japanese brands.
7. We appreciate safety features - Mrs. AbraDabra was driving it on the freeway, tried to switch lanes, gave an indicator and all, then suddenly car started beeping and showed a couple of cars RED in the console. Those were two Dodge Challengers SRT racing with each other (about 100 mph) buzzed past us on the same lane where we wanted to switch. That's how fast & furious life is here in Cali. BTW, we are on basic AP. Didn't go for EAP or FSD.

Some quirks so far, and findings:

1. The front passenger door doesn't close unless it is slammed. I read to give it some time, and it will loosen, and actually, it did. Now it closes better. Other doors were okay, to begin with. Speaking of doors - that solid feeling is missing. The doors closing feel a little tinny.
2. I have a separate thread on it, but my car/HW4 is missing slow-speed parking assist, where those virtual lines appear around your car and tell you where objects are. Some members suggest it is not there in HW4 (yet). Some said I am not missing anything because it is not a polished feature, but I still want to have it.
3. When driving at a very slow speed, I noticed all four wheels, both forward and reverse, make "chit-chit-chit" sounds (similar to driving on a sand on concrete sound). It turned out to be the wheel caps on the Gemini wheels. When pressed with fingers, they make the same sound, almost like the slight sound of breaking hard plastic.
4. Multiple cameras are blocked or blinded - I got this error while driving on dark country roads at night. It went away the following day. I learned this is a known bug/feature of Teslas. People get it when driving in dark conditions where side (B pillar) cameras can't see anything. Tesla could have added Infra Red feature but I don't know why this issue is still there.
5. Now last but something everyone is waiting - the damn "Phantom Breaking" is still there in HW4. The late night drive, following a car on the freeway with basic AP engaged, suddenly car started slowing down. I was around 70, and in seconds it dropped to 50 before I picked it back with an accelerator pedal. TBH, it was not a hard brake but something like removing the foot from the pedal. So if that is what Phantom Breaking is, then yes it is still there. I guess hardware only can't fix it. It would take both enhanced hardware (hw4) and software fixes to finally eradicate this issue. Tesla - are you listening!?

That's it folks. I intend to add more to this thread as the ownership experience progresses. But overall, we are pretty pleased to have purchased it. A driving experience we never had with ICE cars. Although we are keeping our second (ICE) car so we don't forget what typical (old) driving feels like.

Cheers!

Adding a couple of more items to the quirks list

6. Tesla showroom didn't fix the rear temp number plate properly. Two out of four screws fell off before I noticed and fixed the remaining using the frame. Something to watch out folks, when taking delivery. Not a Tesla manufacturing issue but rather the laziness of SA/DA.

7. I am unable to get used to climate control. In all my previous cars, I would change the CC to 70 in winter and 74 in summer and never had to touch it for the rest of season. On Tesla, I have set everything to Auto and 72. Strangely, sometimes it feels too cold, and other times it is hot. I think the complex heat-pump exchanges too much heat back and forth between the ambient and the cabin. Whatever it is, the result is an inconsistent "feeling" that makes me adjust the temperature quite often. It kind of defeats the purpose of auto climate control, where the goal is to set it, and forget it. Is this something others felt too?

 

[Pianewman]

AbraDabra007:. I am unable to get used to climate control. In all my previous cars, I would change the CC to 70 in winter and 74 in summer and never had to touch it for the rest of season. On Tesla, I have set everything to Auto and 72. Strangely, sometimes it feels too cold, and other times it is hot. I think the complex heat-pump exchanges too much heat back and forth between the ambient and the cabin. Whatever it is, the result is an inconsistent "feeling" that makes me adjust the temperature quite often. It kind of defeats the purpose of auto climate control, where the goal is to set it, and forget it. Is this something others felt too?

My 12/20 produced 2021 MYLR HVAC isn't as accurate as previous cars I've owned, the interior temp fluctuates +/- 2degrees. I find that I need to toggle it, occasionally, between 70-72. mostly when I need A/C in the summer. Maybe the interior temp sensor placement is wrong, and it isn't getting enough cabin air? Minor nuisance.

(I had a similar issue with a 2005 Honda Odyssey, in Virginia. The sunlight sensor was located in the middle of the dash, and the dealership was placing the state-required tax/safety stickers on the windshield DIRECTLY above the sensor, blocking the sunlight. They had to reposition hundreds of stickers! Of course, this isn't the problem with Tesla.)

 

[MARKM3]

Adding a couple of more items to the quirks list

6. Tesla showroom didn't fix the rear temp number plate properly. Two out of four screws fell off before I noticed and fixed the remaining using the frame. Something to watch out folks, when taking delivery. Not a Tesla manufacturing issue but rather the laziness of SA/DA.

7. I am unable to get used to climate control. In all my previous cars, I would change the CC to 70 in winter and 74 in summer and never had to touch it for the rest of season. On Tesla, I have set everything to Auto and 72. Strangely, sometimes it feels too cold, and other times it is hot. I think the complex heat-pump exchanges too much heat back and forth between the ambient and the cabin. Whatever it is, the result is an inconsistent "feeling" that makes me adjust the temperature quite often. It kind of defeats the purpose of auto climate control, where the goal is to set it, and forget it. Is this something others felt too?

On my Model X I have the same similar issue with the climate control. 72 feels much hotter on certain days. Wonder if it's bad placement of the temperature sensor in the car?

Sometimes 72 is way too cold and sometimes it is way to hot.

 

[boones]

Every term was made up by someone at some time. My vehicle will periodically decelerate suddenly and unexpectedly for no valid reason while on AP; if the term phantom braking offends you please feel free to suggest an alternative. I don’t know what “the majority of people” experience with respect to AP, and neither do you. All I know is my ‘21 MY had no phantom braking issues until Tesla disabled the lidar and switched me to vision only. Shadows seemed to be the culprit: overpasses, large trucks, trees casting shadows over the roadway have all preceded rapid declarations for me. I took delivery of a ‘23 MY in May and the experience has been the same. I don’t use AP daily and never plan to subscribe to FSD again so it’s not a deal breaker for me; but it’s clear to me, for my sample size of one ‘21 MY, that radar is superior to vision. While the term phantom braking may be in your estimation made up the issue it describes is not.

P.S. the OP has the same issue see #5 above; I guess we’re both outliers

I don't know how prevalent it is either. The demo car (a 23 MYP) I borrowed from Tesla for extended test drive decelerated unexpectedly 2 or 3 times over the course of 2 days of highway driving while on AP. It was alarming each time and felt dangerous. Still buying a MY, but not EAP or FSD since basic AP malfunctioned regularly when I tried it.

 

[AbraDabra007]

I don't know how prevalent it is either. The demo car (a 23 MYP) I borrowed from Tesla for extended test drive decelerated unexpectedly 2 or 3 times over the course of 2 days of highway driving while on AP. It was alarming each time and felt dangerous. Still buying a MY, but not EAP or FSD since basic AP malfunctioned regularly when I tried it.

Yes I think it is quite prevalent than many think. Conveniently enough my demo Y had basic AP disabled

 

[nate704]

Yes I think it is quite prevalent than many think. Conveniently enough my demo Y had basic AP disabled

my demo had the full FSD enabled.

 

[whisperingshad]

For the wheel cover sound, I had a service order for something else and the Mobile tech clipped the tips on the wheel covers, and sound was gone

 

[Geech72]

On the temperature conversation I hope we eventually get an option to set the range like on smart thermostats for home HVACs. I would love to just set it between 67 and 72 and let it roll. I don't need it to keep an exact temp; it seems like a waste to run the heat in spring because my vehicle is at 70 and the climate is set to 72.

 

[AbraDabra007]

So here is my experience with my Tesla MY LR Gemini wheels that came with HW4 VIN-791XXX, Fremont built. This is based on 72 hours of ownership and 250 miles of mixed driving.
We are coming from "premium" Japanese brands, so there is a baseline in terms of what we expect

Booking & Delivery:

1. I booked my car precisely a month ago before taking the delivery on June 1st. Before making the booking, Mrs. Abradabra and I went for a test drive. We drove the 2023 model with Hw3, came out quite impressed, and booked it online the same evening.
2. I only needed to contact my SA/DA a couple of days before the delivery. I contacted them via the 1536 number twice, once for registration-related questions, then re. HW4. Both times got a prompt response, so I was pleased overall.
3. I completed all my tasks promptly using App, so when we showed up at the Tesla showroom, they walked us straight to the car, helped create mobile keys, inspected the car, and went off. The process was super streamlined and quick.
4. We stayed there in the lot longer and inspected the car in detail. The people at the showroom told us I could come inside and tell them if there is any problem or report it within seven days using the App. We didn't find any glaring issues (excitement of a new car, as one can guess).

Driving Experience:

1. We have had fast (ICE) cars in the past, and sports bikes, so used to the feeling of acceleration. However, the way these Teslas pull is a different feeling altogether. ICE engines roar and growl while pulling, but these cars have no drama and are deceptively fast. I guess both machines have their place and time.
2. Steering is quite responsive, even in the comfort setting. The car moves quickly with little steering input.
3. One-foot driving is new to us, so we are taking time to get used to it and occasionally using breaks to slow down.
4. Digital inputs and drive stalk are also taking some time to get used to, but we are adopting them quicker than expected.
5. In-cabin noise has its pros and cons. Missing the ICE makes this car very quiet in its way. Because we don't hear engine drone - we now hear every slight sound - like those grocery bags rubbing against each other in the back (lol), so overall, give-and-take in this area.
6. Ride quality is pretty decent (again, we have Gemini wheels 19" with Conti tires) and running them on recommended 42PSI. On small speeds, it gets a little busy, but nothing objectionable. High speed ride IMHO is similar to luxury Japanese brands.
7. We appreciate safety features - Mrs. AbraDabra was driving it on the freeway, tried to switch lanes, gave an indicator and all, then suddenly car started beeping and showed a couple of cars RED in the console. Those were two Dodge Challengers SRT racing with each other (about 100 mph) buzzed past us on the same lane where we wanted to switch. That's how fast & furious life is here in Cali. BTW, we are on basic AP. Didn't go for EAP or FSD.

Some quirks so far, and findings:

1. The front passenger door doesn't close unless it is slammed. I read to give it some time, and it will loosen, and actually, it did. Now it closes better. Other doors were okay, to begin with. Speaking of doors - that solid feeling is missing. The doors closing feel a little tinny.
2. I have a separate thread on it, but my car/HW4 is missing slow-speed parking assist, where those virtual lines appear around your car and tell you where objects are. Some members suggest it is not there in HW4 (yet). Some said I am not missing anything because it is not a polished feature, but I still want to have it.
3. When driving at a very slow speed, I noticed all four wheels, both forward and reverse, make "chit-chit-chit" sounds (similar to driving on a sand on concrete sound). It turned out to be the wheel caps on the Gemini wheels. When pressed with fingers, they make the same sound, almost like the slight sound of breaking hard plastic.
4. Multiple cameras are blocked or blinded - I got this error while driving on dark country roads at night. It went away the following day. I learned this is a known bug/feature of Teslas. People get it when driving in dark conditions where side (B pillar) cameras can't see anything. Tesla could have added Infra Red feature but I don't know why this issue is still there.
5. Now last but something everyone is waiting - the damn "Phantom Breaking" is still there in HW4. The late night drive, following a car on the freeway with basic AP engaged, suddenly car started slowing down. I was around 70, and in seconds it dropped to 50 before I picked it back with an accelerator pedal. TBH, it was not a hard brake but something like removing the foot from the pedal. So if that is what Phantom Breaking is, then yes it is still there. I guess hardware only can't fix it. It would take both enhanced hardware (hw4) and software fixes to finally eradicate this issue. Tesla - are you listening!?

That's it folks. I intend to add more to this thread as the ownership experience progresses. But overall, we are pretty pleased to have purchased it. A driving experience we never had with ICE cars. Although we are keeping our second (ICE) car so we don't forget what typical (old) driving feels like.

Cheers!

Seems like item #2 - low speed park assist if fixed now wit the latest OTA update. Some members had to perform wheel restart for it to properly work.

 

[gt2690b]

On the temperature conversation I hope we eventually get an option to set the range like on smart thermostats for home HVACs. I would love to just set it between 67 and 72 and let it roll. I don't need it to keep an exact temp; it seems like a waste to run the heat in spring because my vehicle is at 70 and the climate is set to 72.

Can someone tweet this to Elon.. genius

 

[AbraDabra007]

Can someone tweet this to Elon.. genius

Pretty sure he is reading this forum before going to sleep

 

[colepalmer]

Adding a couple of more items to the quirks list

6. Tesla showroom didn't fix the rear temp number plate properly. Two out of four screws fell off before I noticed and fixed the remaining using the frame. Something to watch out folks, when taking delivery. Not a Tesla manufacturing issue but rather the laziness of SA/DA.

7. I am unable to get used to climate control. In all my previous cars, I would change the CC to 70 in winter and 74 in summer and never had to touch it for the rest of season. On Tesla, I have set everything to Auto and 72. Strangely, sometimes it feels too cold, and other times it is hot. I think the complex heat-pump exchanges too much heat back and forth between the ambient and the cabin. Whatever it is, the result is an inconsistent "feeling" that makes me adjust the temperature quite often. It kind of defeats the purpose of auto climate control, where the goal is to set it, and forget it. Is this something others felt too?

I also was missing one screw and rather than get churned through the Tesla system bought the machined screws through Amazon (set of 4) for $6.99.

 

[Graham J]

On the temperature conversation I hope we eventually get an option to set the range like on smart thermostats for home HVACs. I would love to just set it between 67 and 72 and let it roll. I don't need it to keep an exact temp; it seems like a waste to run the heat in spring because my vehicle is at 70 and the climate is set to 72.

Based on comments here (and my own experience) this is pretty much already what it's doing

 

[mjwojtukiewicz]

So here is my experience with my Tesla MY LR Gemini wheels that came with HW4 VIN-791XXX, Fremont built. This is based on 72 hours of ownership and 250 miles of mixed driving.
We are coming from "premium" Japanese brands, so there is a baseline in terms of what we expect

Booking & Delivery:

1. I booked my car precisely a month ago before taking the delivery on June 1st. Before making the booking, Mrs. Abradabra and I went for a test drive. We drove the 2023 model with Hw3, came out quite impressed, and booked it online the same evening.
2. I only needed to contact my SA/DA a couple of days before the delivery. I contacted them via the 1536 number twice, once for registration-related questions, then re. HW4. Both times got a prompt response, so I was pleased overall.
3. I completed all my tasks promptly using App, so when we showed up at the Tesla showroom, they walked us straight to the car, helped create mobile keys, inspected the car, and went off. The process was super streamlined and quick.
4. We stayed there in the lot longer and inspected the car in detail. The people at the showroom told us I could come inside and tell them if there is any problem or report it within seven days using the App. We didn't find any glaring issues (excitement of a new car, as one can guess).

Driving Experience:

1. We have had fast (ICE) cars in the past, and sports bikes, so used to the feeling of acceleration. However, the way these Teslas pull is a different feeling altogether. ICE engines roar and growl while pulling, but these cars have no drama and are deceptively fast. I guess both machines have their place and time.
2. Steering is quite responsive, even in the comfort setting. The car moves quickly with little steering input.
3. One-foot driving is new to us, so we are taking time to get used to it and occasionally using breaks to slow down.
4. Digital inputs and drive stalk are also taking some time to get used to, but we are adopting them quicker than expected.
5. In-cabin noise has its pros and cons. Missing the ICE makes this car very quiet in its way. Because we don't hear engine drone - we now hear every slight sound - like those grocery bags rubbing against each other in the back (lol), so overall, give-and-take in this area.
6. Ride quality is pretty decent (again, we have Gemini wheels 19" with Conti tires) and running them on recommended 42PSI. On small speeds, it gets a little busy, but nothing objectionable. High speed ride IMHO is similar to luxury Japanese brands.
7. We appreciate safety features - Mrs. AbraDabra was driving it on the freeway, tried to switch lanes, gave an indicator and all, then suddenly car started beeping and showed a couple of cars RED in the console. Those were two Dodge Challengers SRT racing with each other (about 100 mph) buzzed past us on the same lane where we wanted to switch. That's how fast & furious life is here in Cali. BTW, we are on basic AP. Didn't go for EAP or FSD.

Some quirks so far, and findings:

1. The front passenger door doesn't close unless it is slammed. I read to give it some time, and it will loosen, and actually, it did. Now it closes better. Other doors were okay, to begin with. Speaking of doors - that solid feeling is missing. The doors closing feel a little tinny.
2. I have a separate thread on it, but my car/HW4 is missing slow-speed parking assist, where those virtual lines appear around your car and tell you where objects are. Some members suggest it is not there in HW4 (yet). Some said I am not missing anything because it is not a polished feature, but I still want to have it.
3. When driving at a very slow speed, I noticed all four wheels, both forward and reverse, make "chit-chit-chit" sounds (similar to driving on a sand on concrete sound). It turned out to be the wheel caps on the Gemini wheels. When pressed with fingers, they make the same sound, almost like the slight sound of breaking hard plastic.
4. Multiple cameras are blocked or blinded - I got this error while driving on dark country roads at night. It went away the following day. I learned this is a known bug/feature of Teslas. People get it when driving in dark conditions where side (B pillar) cameras can't see anything. Tesla could have added Infra Red feature but I don't know why this issue is still there.
5. Now last but something everyone is waiting - the damn "Phantom Breaking" is still there in HW4. The late night drive, following a car on the freeway with basic AP engaged, suddenly car started slowing down. I was around 70, and in seconds it dropped to 50 before I picked it back with an accelerator pedal. TBH, it was not a hard brake but something like removing the foot from the pedal. So if that is what Phantom Breaking is, then yes it is still there. I guess hardware only can't fix it. It would take both enhanced hardware (hw4) and software fixes to finally eradicate this issue. Tesla - are you listening!?

That's it folks. I intend to add more to this thread as the ownership experience progresses. But overall, we are pretty pleased to have purchased it. A driving experience we never had with ICE cars. Although we are keeping our second (ICE) car so we don't forget what typical (old) driving feels like.

Cheers! View attachment 946620

So basically you got a faster processor with HW3 cameras, etc executing bad code faster (Your item 5)

 

[LenoraJ]

Every term was made up by someone at some time. My vehicle will periodically decelerate suddenly and unexpectedly for no valid reason while on AP; if the term phantom braking offends you please feel free to suggest an alternative. I don’t know what “the majority of people” experience with respect to AP, and neither do you. All I know is my ‘21 MY had no phantom braking issues until Tesla disabled the lidar and switched me to vision only. Shadows seemed to be the culprit: overpasses, large trucks, trees casting shadows over the roadway have all preceded rapid declarations for me. I took delivery of a ‘23 MY in May and the experience has been the same. I don’t use AP daily and never plan to subscribe to FSD again so it’s not a deal breaker for me; but it’s clear to me, for my sample size of one ‘21 MY, that radar is superior to vision. While the term phantom braking may be in your estimation made up the issue it describes is not.

P.S. the OP has the same issue see #5 above; I guess we’re both outliers

Maybe it is shadows! My 2018 M3 does it as I pass a semi on my right, when I'm about mid-truck, boom, brakes pretty hard. Occurs pretty regularly, I now anticipate it and keep my foot on the pedal at that moment to counteract it. Always in broad daylight, I believe.

Recently ran a red light turning left at a large, well-marked, intersection recently, broad daylight, but that's another issue.