Should Montreal Commuters Upgrade to the 2026 INFINITI QX60's ProPILOT Assist 2.1 for Daily Highway 40 Driving?

Your daily drive from Pointe-Claire to Vaudreuil-Dorion or Ville Saint-Laurent via Highway 40 tests your focus every single day. Construction zones shift weekly, traffic backs up at predictable spots, and the constant stop-and-go rhythm during rush hour demands attention for 30 to 45 minutes each way.

The 2026 INFINITI QX60 AUTOGRAPH introduces ProPILOT Assist 2.1, a hands-off highway driving system that promises to change how West Island residents handle their Highway 40 commutes. But does this technology deliver real benefits for your specific driving conditions?

What ProPILOT Assist 2.1 Actually Does

ProPILOT Assist 2.1 handles acceleration, braking, and steering on compatible highways when you stay alert and ready to take control. The system works in single-lane scenarios where clear lane markings exist.

On Highway 40, this means the QX60 maintains your following distance, keeps you centered in your lane, and adjusts speed according to traffic flow. When traffic slows near the Highway 13 interchange or during construction near Kirkland, the system responds automatically.

The key difference from ProPILOT Assist 1.1 (available on lower QX60 grades) is the hands-off capability. You can release the steering wheel for extended periods while the system maintains control.

Real Highway 40 Driving Scenarios

Morning Rush Hour Benefits:

• Automatic speed adjustments through ongoing construction zones
• Hands-free operation during slow traffic near major interchanges
• Reduced fatigue during extended backups before Highway 20 split

Evening Commute Advantages:

• Consistent following distance when merging traffic creates sudden stops
• Lane centering through curved sections and bridge approaches
• Stress reduction during peak traffic between 4:30 and 6:00 PM

System Limitations on Highway 40

ProPILOT Assist 2.1 requires specific conditions that don't always match Highway 40's reality:

The system works best during steady highway cruising. It struggles with frequent construction zones and the aggressive driving patterns common during rush hour.

Cost vs. Benefit Analysis

ProPILOT Assist 2.1 is exclusive to the QX60 AUTOGRAPH grade. This means you're paying for the top trim level to access hands-off driving technology.

AUTOGRAPH Grade Includes:

• ProPILOT Assist 2.1
• Semi-aniline leather seating with quilting and contrast stitching
• Second-row massaging seats with 4-way power lumbar
• Klipsch Reference Premiere 20-speaker audio system with Individual Audio
• Captain's chairs with inboard pivoting armrests (6-passenger seating)

The question becomes whether ProPILOT Assist 2.1 alone justifies the AUTOGRAPH upgrade, or if the complete luxury package makes sense for your daily driving needs.

Alternative Driver Assistance Options

Lower QX60 grades offer ProPILOT Assist, which provides:

• Intelligent Cruise Control with full speed range
• Lane centering assistance
• Traffic Sign Recognition
• Steering wheel contact required

For many Highway 40 commuters, standard ProPILOT Assist delivers significant benefit at a lower price point. The hands-on requirement isn't necessarily a disadvantage during Highway 40's unpredictable traffic conditions.

Who Should Consider the Upgrade

ProPILOT Assist 2.1 makes the most sense for West Island commuters who:

• Drive Highway 40 daily during peak hours
• Value reduced driving fatigue over cost considerations
• Want the complete AUTOGRAPH luxury experience
• Regularly drive long highway distances beyond the daily commute

Less Beneficial For:

• Occasional Highway 40 users
• Drivers who prefer active vehicle control
• Budget-focused buyers prioritizing transportation value
• Those satisfied with standard driver assistance features

The Highway 40 Commuter Reality

Highway 40 presents unique challenges that even advanced driver assistance can't fully solve. Construction zones change frequently, traffic patterns vary daily, and Quebec weather conditions affect system performance.

ProPILOT Assist 2.1 reduces fatigue during steady traffic flow, but Highway 40 commuters still need to stay engaged and ready to take control regularly.

The technology works as designed when conditions align, but Highway 40's dynamic environment limits the hands-off experience to specific stretches and traffic conditions.

Experience ProPILOT Assist 2.1 during your actual Highway 40 commute with a test drive scheduled during rush hour conditions.