I just completed a 1000 mile road trip from So Cal to Grass Valley (Nor Cal). I took I5 north and 99 south. Are are my reflections (2019.12.1.1) :
- I have a 2017 AP 2.0, MCU ver 1 model X. The AP driving experience is light years more advanced than when I first purchased the MX. OVERALL the driving experience was excellent. I finished the trip rested and impressed.
- Too polite—Sometimes in traffic merge situations AP brakes suddenly to let a car merge in from an onramp when it would be more comfortable to maintain speed and let the merging traffic flow in behind me. Expectations are that it is the responsibility of the entering traffic to adjust their speed to the traffic already on the freeway.
- Too Rude—There were numerous times when it moved into a passing lane to get around a slow vehicle and pulled in front of cars in the fast lane forcing them to slow down. I would normally wait for them to pass before entering the passing lane.
- Too much lane changing. On CA freeways each lane has its own traffic flow (when not congested). I drive at the speed limit plus 8 or 9. The far left lane generally moves at +10 and the middle lane +5. AP was constantly passing slower cars and then immediately returning to the +5 lane instead of cruising in the +10 lane when clear. So I was constantly passing, returning to slower lane, slowing down for traffic and then passing. I would say that I changed lanes 3X as often as I would if I were driving. It did the lane changing well but too (and unnecessarily) often.
- Negotiating freeway interchanges and keeping on route was flawless and truly impressive. On numerous interchanges in the Sacramento area NOA got me on the right road perfectly. I did no thinking—just monitored and the MX weaved through the confusing/complex Sacramento freeway system with amazing anticipation and skill. Blown away.
- VERY Safe—The blind spot monitoring and 360 awareness was far better Tham my head on a swivel. AP frequently waited, sped up, and canceled passing when it noticed a sketchy situation. I actually felt safer and had faith that AP was watching out for me.