VIDEO: How Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) 12.5 Tackled Boston’s Infamous Streets

Boston’s streets are a legendary proving ground for drivers of all kinds, whether human or AI. And if you’ve ever been caught in the chaos of its narrow lanes, erratic jaywalkers, and aggressive drivers, you know it’s not for the faint-hearted. But how does Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) version 12.5 hold up in one of America’s toughest urban environments? Well, Jordan Golson put it to the test — and spoiler alert: it handled it like a pro.

Taking on Boston: A True Test of Self-Driving Tech

For two hours, Jordan navigated Boston’s most iconic and chaotic areas using Tesla’s latest FSD software. The route took him through challenging spots like:

The cobblestone streets of Beacon Hill
Harvard Square, with its unpredictable cyclists and jaywalking students
The hectic intersections near Fenway Park
The tight, pedestrian-filled lanes of the North End

Tesla’s FSD not only managed these tricky scenarios but did so with impressive smoothness. It was fascinating to watch how the system reacted to sudden lane changes, surprise pedestrians, and tight spots — all while staying calm and collected, something that’s pretty tough for human drivers in Boston.

Real-Time Insights from the Drive

Throughout the drive, Jordan provided live commentary on how the FSD was making decisions. One of the most impressive parts was seeing how quickly it adapted to changes in traffic flow. Compared to earlier versions, FSD 12.5 felt a lot more fluid — almost like a cautious but confident human driver, just with the added benefit of having eyes everywhere.

Here are a few of the standout moments:

17:15: FSD handled a sudden stop caused by an unmarked delivery truck in Downtown Boston without missing a beat.
34:52: It smoothly navigated through the narrow lanes of the North End, proving its capability in tight spaces.
41:53: A direct comparison of Tesla’s tech versus other autonomous systems — spoiler alert, Tesla came out on top.
1:16:56: Jordan shared his thoughts on what this means for the future of self-driving cars.

The Verdict: FSD vs. Human Drivers

Boston’s traffic is enough to test anyone’s patience, but Tesla’s FSD remained calm, focused, and accurate throughout. While human drivers have the advantage of intuition, the FSD’s 360-degree awareness and quick reaction time were impressive. It’s clear that Tesla is narrowing the gap between human intuition and AI precision.

Why This Matters for the Future of Driving

Beyond just getting from point A to B, FSD 12.5’s performance in Boston hints at a future where autonomous vehicles can handle even the toughest urban environments. Imagine a world where your car can drive you home after a long workday while you relax or catch up on emails. This test drive was a small yet exciting glimpse into that future.

Watch the Full Test Drive

Curious to see FSD 12.5 in action? Check out the full video below, courtesy of Jordan Golson. Trust me, it’s worth the watch if you’re interested in the future of self-driving cars! Don’t miss this exciting drive into Tesla’s FSD capabilities and see for yourself!