mikeash
Active Member
My understanding is that all cars built since late Sep 2014 have the necessary sensors to do AEB (Automatic Emergency Braking) and AP (Autopilot). AEB software is present and functional in all those cars. It is not an option. AP is an option and is only functional if the owner pays for it.
Although you were using AP and TACC at the time of the incident, I think what saved you in this case was the AEB. And I'm glad it did.
I think Tesla's terminology lumps all of this stuff under Autopilot, and the fancy non-safety-related features like lane keeping are part of Autopilot Convenience Features. Collision avoidance is described under the Autopilot section of the Model S page, and Autopilot Convenience Features are how the extra $2,500 option is described in the Design Studio.