Tesla Cybertruck tested: our experience with Full Self-Driving (FSD)

Two years ago, we were already fascinated by that brutal, angular pickup from sci-fi land. Now we've driven it ourselves along the coast of Santa Cruz and straight through Palo Alto. And yes: the Cybertruck is exactly as polarising as you think.

First impression: a moving paradox

The Cybertruck is unconventional in every way. The design isn't “bold”, it's a middle finger to conventions: sharp lines, stainless steel sheet metal, no paint. It looks like a concept car that accidentally went into production. That is typical of Elon Musk: thinking big, taking risks, then iterating in reality.

But that unconventionality has a flip side. That super-strong sheet metal and those sharp edges give rise to an uncomfortable thought: what happens in a collision with a cyclist? You don't want to know. The Cybertruck feels like a tank with a conscience, and that conscience is software.

Driving: floating on torque

On Highway 1 near Santa Cruz, you immediately notice: this thing is fast. The torque is instant, the road holding surprisingly serene. Four-wheel steering makes it more agile than its size suggests; in Palo Alto's cramped streets, we manoeuvred with the ease of a smaller SUV. The air suspension glides over imperfections and keeps the body stable during acceleration and braking.

Sound? Different. No traditional engine roar, more of a hum that fits the spaceship feel. You sit high, with a panoramic view through that enormous windscreen. It feels strangely familiar: as if you're simultaneously in a pickup, a design object, and a software product.

Interior: software first

The cabin is minimalist to the bone. One large screen, clean lines, few buttons. You have to love the concept of “everything is UI”—we did, although it takes some getting used to finding wiper and mirror settings in submenus. The seats are firm, the storage space generous, and the load bed (with roll-up cover) is functional and futuristic.

Full Self-Driving (FSD) gives you that “in the future” feeling. We drove sections with FSD engaged and noticed: it's impressive in predictable situations and still human + machine in chaotic reality. For example: if it rains heavily, the cameras get confused. And then suddenly a warning sign appears that human intervention is necessary. So you have to keep paying attention. The visualisations and instructions nevertheless inspire confidence, but you remain alert. It seems like magic, but is sometimes overtaken by harsh reality.

Safety: raw steel, soft software

The tension between hard and soft is clear. On the outside: almost indestructible. On the inside: safety features, cameras, detection, driver monitoring. Tesla relies on sensors and algorithms to mitigate human error, while the bodywork can mercilessly magnify any mistake for those opposite it (think: pedestrian or cyclist). That tension must remain a subject of debate, especially in densely populated cities.

Practical: charging, range, and usage

• Charging: Superchargers remain a blessing. Plug in, grab coffee, go.
• Range: Ample for our coastal route; aerodynamics help, but driving style and load matter.
• Usability: The tailgate and accessories make it usable as a workhorse. At the same time: the size is American. In European car parks, this will be… sporty.

Love it ❤️

• Undeniable innovation in steering, propulsion, and UI
• Character: nothing drives or feels like this
• FSD and OTA updates make the product better every month
• Mix of performance, utility, and fun

Hate it 💥

• Sense of safety for others on the road—the tank metaphor continues to gnaw
• Minimalist controls require getting used to (and attention)
• Size and visibility make it not the ideal city dweller
• Aesthetics are all-or-nothing: you hate it or you want to marry it

Our conclusion after Santa Cruz → Palo Alto

The Cybertruck is a statement on wheels. It forces you to take a position. For us, it feels like a glimpse of where cars are headed: software-driven, continuously improving, and willing to slay sacred cows. At the same time, it painfully exposes where innovation causes friction with safety, responsibility, and integration into everyday streetscapes.

Love it or hate it? We… love the experiment, admire the technology, and remain critical of the impact. And honestly: every time we pressed the pedal along the coast, we had to grin. Future shock, but with a charging port.

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