Tesla Autopilot: Basic vs. Enhanced vs. FSD - Differences explained

Tesla offers three different packages for its autopilot - Basic, Enhanced and FSD - which offer different functions. While the Basic Autopilot comes as standard, the other two packages cost a large surcharge.

So what is the difference that justifies this? And is the most expensive package worth it?

Tesla Autopilot: differences between the packages

The Basic Autopilot installed in all Teslas has two main functions in addition to essential safety functions such as Emergency Brake Assist: adaptive cruise control, which is basically a cruise control system that keeps an additional distance to vehicles in front of you, and the steering assistant, which can steer itself if lane guidance is clearly recognizable.

While this is already one of the chargeable upgrades for many other manufacturers, Tesla is just getting started.

The "Enhanced Autopilot" package offers for 3.800 euro surcharge for many features "on top". These include the lane change assistant, which automatically changes lanes when the blinker is activated, and the "Navigate with Autopilot" beta, which can automatically navigate through highway slip roads, exits and intersections. In addition, "Autoparken" provides assistance with parking. "Summon" lets the vehicle park itself within a certain radius and navigate to the owner.

If you want even more, you can buy for 7.500, you can purchase the Full Self-Driving package, which adds the Traffic and Stop Sign Assistant to the range of functions. This recognizes traffic lights and stop signs and brakes the vehicle automatically. Tesla is also offering buyers of this package the prospect of a steering assistant for city driving in the near future.

What is even possible in Germany?

Many of these functions sound great - but can they even be used in Germany, where far stricter rules apply than in the USA, where they are produced? In principle, yes, but under one important condition: all autopilot packages are classified as "Autonomous Driving Level 2" and therefore as assistance systems, which means that the driver must keep their hands on the steering wheel and be ready to intervene at any time.

Tesla also refers to this fact several times in the small print.

Is it worth buying?

Under these circumstances, is it worth buying the additional packages at all? After all, what is the point of having traffic light recognition if you still have to pay attention all the time? The answer to these questions also depends on how you primarily use your Tesla. For those who usually only drive short distances, the basic autopilot with cruise control is perfectly adequate. Although the automatic parking function of the next most expensive Enhanced Autopilot (EAP) is certainly nice to have, it is ultimately a gimmick that most people will rarely use.

Many of the really useful functions of the EAP only work on highways and motorways anyway. They are very helpful there and make the ride more relaxed and less tiring. So if you travel a lot and for a long time on such routes, the extra charge may be worthwhile.

Paying another €3700 more for the Full Self-Driving (FSD) package probably makes little sense for most people. Currently, you only get the traffic and stop sign assistant and the prospect of the city assistant. In addition, you are likely to be one of the first to receive future developments. However, nobody knows what this will be and to what extent it can be used.

FSD is therefore currently only an option if you absolutely want everything that is technically possible. Anyone with an affinity for technology and who wants to experience Tesla's current best technologies will certainly have fun with the FSD package.