I received 2017.42 a88c8d5 on 10/25 and decided to drive my usual 120 mile roundtrip on the 91 and 15 freeways. Changing lanes by Autopilot did not occur in heavy traffic and needed to be forced. However, spacious conditions worked fine. The major benefit is the steering. For the first time, it was if I was driving instead of a computer trying to drive. Smooth, rock solid lane tracking and a dashed lane line display for each lane change. Even transition ramps between freeways using the express lanes was excellent*. The 2017 90D "knew" exactly how to drive through the complex maze of plastic posts at the 91/15 toll sensors and the exit and entry lane markings by staying on course. I do not remember Autopilot 1 driving this well. The return drive home at night felt like an Uber driver was behind the wheel and I was monitoring the quality of the drive.
Two-lane curvy country roads were a challenge and the left lane line reflectors were tapped by the tires, so not all is perfect. But this is Autopilot 2 at its best so far. Bravo for such a major improvement.
I noticed major front "sensor" action on the dash display in the daytime returning to normal at night. I can only imagine that the side cameras were used during the day. More technical details from Tesla would be appreciated in the Release Notes.
(*91/55 westbound express lane transition to stay on the 91 has a sharp right turn. That must be done manually or at a slower speed. Always hold the wheel and be ready to take over.)
