Tesla released a new Full Self-Driving (FSD) update this week. The v14.1.2 version adds a new “Mad Max” speed profile, which pushes the system to drive faster and make more lane changes than ever before.
The update started rolling out to members of Tesla’s Early Access Program late Wednesday. It’s part of a string of updates that have made the FSD software smarter and more confident on complex roads.
What the new mode does
Tesla describes Mad Max as “a higher speed profile with more frequent lane changes than Hurry.” It can reach up to 85 mph on highways and reacts faster in traffic. The idea is simple: to make FSD act more like a human driver who’s running late or driving through dense city traffic.
Ashok Elluswamy, Tesla’s Head of AI, said the update was made for “when you’re late to your flight, or to pick your kid from school.” Even though it moves fast and switches lanes often, the car still follows traffic laws and stops fully at stop signs. It doesn’t take unsafe shortcuts.
Real road testing began almost immediately after release. Owners like @BLKMDL3 said the mode was “perfect for LA traffic,” and that it felt both cautious and assertive.
Mad Max Mode in LA TrafficFSD v14.1.2 Mad Max mode is amazing and I love it.
— Zack (@BLKMDL3) October 16, 2025
Perfect for LA traffic pic.twitter.com/FtHTF1SC1b
Others noticed how smooth the acceleration felt. They said the mode fits better in heavy traffic because it moves confidently with other cars instead of lagging behind.
Ashok Elluswamy later commented that Mad Max really shines “during the day in denser traffic,” because it shows how FSD handles constant decision-making under pressure.
The speed profile lineup
Mad Max sits at the top of Tesla’s FSD speed options. These now include five profiles: Sloth, Chill, Standard, Hurry, and Mad Max. The more assertive the mode, the faster the car can go. This new setup gives drivers more control over how their car behaves from calm cruising to high-speed highway driving.
The v14.1.2 update brings other improvements too. Now, drivers can choose where their Tesla should park in a lot, a driveway, or curbside. The system can yield to emergency vehicles and reroute automatically when it detects blocked roads. It even manages debris and handles tricky turns more smoothly than before.
Reports say version 14.2 will follow soon, adding a “Banish” feature that lets cars drop off the driver, find parking, and return on command , similar to a robotaxi experience.
Full Self-Driving is already available in seven areas, the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Australia, New Zealand, and China. Tesla recently got approval to test the system on highways in Sweden.
The software can still be bought outright for $8,000, or through a $99 monthly plan. Updates will continue rolling out through the rest of the year, with CEO Elon Musk saying the system will “feel almost sentient” by the time version 14.2 arrives.
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